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Windsurfing © dougwoods

Overview: Matagorda and its sister resort, Los Pocillos, are just over a mile from Lanzarote's large, bustling holiday city of Puerto del Carmen. It is also connected to the larger, more brash resort by a pleasant, long promenade walkway. This means that visitors who opt for staying in the quieter environs of Matagorda, a former fishing village, can easily access the more boisterous entertainment and nightlife of Puerto del Carmen. Matagorda has a gently sloping beach of fine, dark sand, particularly popular for windsurfing. It boasts a central commercial centre with a fair choice of restaurants and a supermarket. In general the Matagorda is ideal for those seeking a peaceful, relaxing holiday without too many bright lights.

Shopping: Holidaymakers can take full advantage of the fact that Lanzarote and the rest of the Canary Islands enjoy a special duty-free tax status. Cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes and petrol are much cheaper than in mainland Spain and the rest of the EU. Matagorda has a two-storey shopping centre containing a supermarket and souvenir stores, but for a real shopping spree holidaymakers prefer to descend on neighbouring Puerto del Carmen, which is bristling with a variety for shops from duty-free electrical stores and designer boutiques to stalls selling 'tourist tat' along the main strip. Nearby Teguise hosts a Sunday market, which is fun to visit.

Restaurants: Most of Matagorda's restaurants are situated in the central commercial area around a square, where holidaymakers can browse the displayed menus before making their choice of cuisine for the evening. The choice is wide, ranging from Chinese and Greek to British and Japanese, with the usual pizza, pasta and grill houses thrown in. Most visitors rate it as a plus that Matagorda lacks the presence of 'PRs' or touts trying to lure diners into their establishments. Those who want a more extended choice or a livelier dining scene can simply take a walk or taxi ride to explore the offerings of larger Puerto del Carmen.

Nightlife: Holidaymakers will find that although it is not lacking in waterfront pubs and bars, most offering some lively evening entertainment, nightlife in general in Matagorda is rather low key. Younger visitors looking for a more vibrant night out opt to travel a short distance to the rollicking clubs and bars of 'The Strip' in neighbouring Puerto del Carmen.

Activities: A wide variety of watersports can be enjoyed in Matagorda along the beach, especially windsurfing for which the area is a famed spot. Alternatives range from banana boat rides and jet skiing to parasailing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Land sports facilities in the vicinity include tennis, squash, golf and horse riding. There are also several excursions on offer such as boat trips or visits to the dramatic Timanfaya National Park.

Negatives: Holidaymakers seeking bargains in Matagorda in electrical and photographic goods must be cautious and check their purchases before leaving the shop/stall. Many visitors have been ripped off.

Activities

Boat Trips: Boat trips and submarine tours can be organised from Puerto Calero, just outside Puerto del Carmen. Catamarans sail along the coast and drop anchor by one of the spectacular white-sand beaches at the south of the island and offer snorkelling equipment and lunch. Some boats also offer free jet ski rides. Visitors can also take the Submarine Safari from Puerto Calero for a thrilling close-up view of the island’s underwater world.