The picturesque Charco de San Ginés, castles, museums, its coastline… In this guide, you’ll discover all things to see and do in Arrecife, from its historic center to the beach. This former fishing village became the capital of Lanzarote in 1852 and has become an essential stop on the Volcanoes Island.
Things to do and visit in Arrecife
This destination is just one of the more than 20 magical places to see in Lanzarote – discover them all!
Charco de San Ginés Lagoon
This saltwater lagoon is one of the most picturesque spots to see in Arrecife. Fishing boats on the water, blue wooden fences, and old white fishermen’s houses give this corner of Lanzarote a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, it’s one of the liveliest places to have a drink in the capital, both day and night.
In the surrounding area, you’ll find numerous bar and restaurant terraces where you can enjoy fresh fish or the delights of Canarian cuisine.
León y Castillo Street
The old Calle Real is the main commercial area in the center of Arrecife, where you’ll find numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. During a stroll along this avenue, you can also visit points of interest such as the Casa Amarilla, the former headquarters of the Cabildo that regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, or the statue of the Pollo de Arrecife, the charismatic city policeman and Canarian wrestling athlete.
San Ginés Church
Located in the Plaza de Armas in the heart of the capital, the Church of San Ginés is the most significant religious temple to visit in Arrecife. Of this 17th-century sanctuary, the stone masonry of its facade and its bell tower, visible from much of the city, should be highlighted. Inside, don’t miss its Mudéjar-style wooden ceiling.
San Gabriel Castle
Located on an islet, this beautiful 16th-century fortress was one of the most important defensive strongholds in Lanzarote. Its role was crucial in protecting the population from frequent pirate and corsair attacks. Today, the fortress houses the interesting Museum of the History of Arrecife, where you can travel to the city’s past.
To reach San Gabriel Castle, you’ll need to cross the 175 meters of the Las Bolas Bridge, one of those places where photography enthusiasts can spend hours searching for the best panoramic view.
Marina Lanzarote
In he marina of Arrecife you’ll find yachts and small recreational boats dock. During your visit, you can stroll along the port walkways, a pleasant place to enjoy the sunset while having a drink at its restaurants.
Next to the pier, there is also a shopping center with numerous shops. And at night, you can see how it transforms into one of the most popular nightlife areas in the capital.
Telamon Ship
Stranded in the Las Caletas area since 1981, the ghost ship Telamon has become another tourist attraction in Arrecife. This cargo ship transported timber from Ivory Coast to Greece when a leak caused the rapid flooding of the vessel. It ended up on the coast of Lanzarote and has remained in the same place ever since. Don’t miss it!
Lanzarote Archaeological Museum of Lanzarote
Discover the origins of the «Conejera» island by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Lanzarote. In this center, you’ll learn about the culture and traditions of the indigenous population, the «majos,» who came from North Africa. You can take a virtual journey to various archaeological sites and see artifacts such as tools, bones, or ceramics.
Among all the objects in this space, La Estela de Zonzamas stands out, a rock with engravings linked to rituals celebrated by the early inhabitants.
San Jose Castle
In this 18th-century fortress you can find the International Museum of Contemporary Art, the most important gallery in Lanzarote. The works in its collection belong to artists from all over the world, with a focus on Lanzarote’s own Pancho Lasso and Gran Canaria’s Martín Chirino.
Similarly, the castle has a beautiful restaurant overlooking the sea and the nearby Naos Port. It was created by Cesar Manrique, the author of well-known Lanzarote tourist attractions such as Los Jameos del Agua, Cueva de los Verdes, or Mirador del Río.
Lanzarote Aeronautical Museum
In the municipality of San Bartolomé, you’ll find the Aeronautical Museum of Lanzarote Airport. It’s worth a visit as it takes you into the terminal of the island’s first aerodrome. Inside, you’ll discover the history of the archipelago’s first flights, admire the airport’s old signage, uniforms, boarding passes, and even visit the Control Tower.
Reducto Beach
An urban beach in the capital of Lanzarote with over half a kilometer of golden sand and calm waters. El Reducto is located at the feet of the famous Gran Hotel de Arrecife, the five-star accommodation known for being the tallest building in Lanzarote at 54 meters high.
Another attraction of this beach is its splendid maritime avenue, where you can stroll by the sea or enjoy a meal at restaurants and cafes with views of the Atlantic.
Arrecife Market
In the capital, you can visit up to two markets with dozens of stalls selling all kinds of local products, such as cheeses, wines, fruits, sweets, crafts, or unique souvenirs. Don’t miss them!
- Arrecife Craft Market in Plaza de Armas, next to San Ginés Church. Days: Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm.
- Charco de San Ginés. Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays during cruise season from 9 am to 12 pm.
Shopping
The main places to go shopping in Arrecife are León y Castillo Street and the Marina of Lanzarote. Don’t forget about the craft markets either. And if you prefer a large shopping center, the nearest one is Deiland Shopping Center in Playa Honda, located in the municipality of San Bartolomé.
Nightlife
If you want to go out for a night in Arrecife, there are two main options: Charco de San Ginés, a quiet place to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere on the terraces of bars, and the Marina Lanzarote, where you’ll find several establishments with music that gradually turn into pubs and clubs as the night progresses.
In addition to these two, which are undoubtedly the most popular, there are other clubs scattered throughout the capital that vary according to trends.
Hotels and Apartments in Arrecife
The capital is not usually included in the lists of the best areas to stay in Lanzarote. However, its good location for exploring the island, its offer of urban hotels, and the possibility of enjoying a more local environment make it a good choice if you want to get away from the tourist areas.
Top-rated accommodations:
- Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
- La Concha Boutique Apartments – Adults Only
- Islamar Arrecife Apartments
- Lancelot Hotel
- Bello Lanzarote Apartments
Restaurants in Arrecife
Fresh fish, fried octopus, squid, wrinkled potatoes with mojo picón sauce, or good meat. The best restaurants to eat in Arrecife are located in Charco de San Ginés, around Reducto Beach, and in the Marina of Lanzarote.
5 recommendations: El Nido Restaurant, La Miñoca, Bar Strava, Tasca La Raspa, and Malecon Restaurante & Copas.
Need more suggestions? Don’t miss our guide to the best restaurants to eat in Lanzarote: good, beautiful, and affordable!
Arrecife from Lanzarote Airport
To go to Arrecife from Lanzarote Airport you have several options:
- Rent a car at the airport.
- Book a private transfer to your accommodation.
- Take a taxi.
- Take the bus.
More information: How to Get from Lanzarote Airport to Arrecife.
Here ends this guide with all things to see and do in Arrecife, a capital city not often found on tourist maps but with several points of interest to visit.
Now discover everything to see in Lanzarote on Canarylands, the guide for traveling aroung Canary Islands.