Arrecife – the capital of Lanzarote you should visit
If you are planning a trip to Lanzarote, do not forget to visit Arrecife – the capital of Lanzarote. During your visit, you will be able to see its beauty, enjoy its gastronomy, and explore its streets and legendary sites that express its history and culture. Here we will show you the main points of interest you should see in Lanzarote.
A walk through the Charco de San Ginés
Charco de San Ginés is located in the neighbourhood of San Ginés, which is only a few steps from the centre of Arrecife and it is an inlet of the sea that forms a lagoon. The view of the small boats at anchor in the lagoon, the low houses surrounding it, and the lively restaurants will not make you feel alone during both daytime and night time. Here you can also visit the Church of San Ginés and the old Market Square next to it, where you can purchase local products. Moreover, if you are visiting there during August, you will be able to see the San Ginés Festival, celebrated during that month.
From the Promenade to Las Bolas Bridge and San Gabriel Castle
When you walk along the Paseo Marítimo, you will arrive at the Las Bolas Bridge, which is connected to the San Gabriel castle through a paved path. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most beautiful places in the city of Arrecife.
At present, the San Gabriel Castle (built in 1572) is being transformed into the Arrecife History Museum, and there you can learn about the history of the island of Lanzarote. In addition, once you climb up the castle, the panoramic views are spread out before you, so you will be able to enjoy a very nice view of the city and its surroundings.
The José Ramírez Cerdá Park and Arrecife Information Office
While walking along the promenade of Arrecife, you will arrive at the José Cerdá Park. Once you arrive there, you will notice that its gardens overlook the Castle of San Gabriel and also it has a peculiar Arrecife information office inside of the park.
Shopping at Marina Lanzarote
If you want to enjoy your visit to Arrecife to the maximum, we recommend you to go shopping at Marina Lanzarote, a marina and shopping centre with shops, restaurants and leisure activities. There you can buy everything you want, be it local products or souvenirs, and also enjoy the local gastronomy of Lanzarote in a very elegant atmosphere.
Museums and exhibition halls
If you want to experience the culture of Lanzarote in Arrecife, it’s best to visit museums and exhibition halls. Among them, the Yellow House and the MIAC (Castillo de San José) are the most symbolic places to visit.
In the Castle of San José, there is a defence fortress built between 1776 and 1779, and it’s currently turned into the museum of the International Museum of Contemporary Art. Because it is located on a cliff above the Port of Naos, you will be able to see splendid views from there.
The Yellow House was the old city council of Lanzarote. It was declared as a Site of General Interest in 2002 and is currently an exhibition centre that publicizes the cultural heritage of the island. It is located at the heart of Arrecife on Calle León y Castillo, which is one of the main streets of the city. Also, along this street, you are able to shop around or stop to have a snack in one of the many restaurants.
