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Arrecife is the capital city of Lanzarote, one of the seven Canary Islands, located off the west coast of Africa. The city is situated on the eastern coast of the island, facing the Atlantic Ocean, and is known for its historic architecture, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions.

Arrecife is a bustling port town, and it has an authentic Spanish charm with its narrow streets, plazas, and old buildings. The city’s historic center is home to several notable landmarks, including the San Ginés Church, which dates back to the 17th century and boasts a beautiful baroque façade, and the 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel, a castle which has now been converted into a museum.

One of the most popular attractions in Arrecife is the Charco de San Gines, a picturesque lagoon in the heart of the city. Here, visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the many bars and restaurants that line the water’s edge, while watching the local fishermen bring in their catch.

The beaches in and around Arrecife are also a major draw for visitors. Playa del Reducto is the city’s main beach, a long stretch of golden sand with calm waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The nearby beaches of Playa Honda and Playa de Guacimeta are also worth a visit.

In addition to its cultural and natural attractions, Arrecife also has a thriving shopping and dining scene. The city is home to several shopping centers, boutiques, and markets, offering visitors the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and local crafts. The restaurants in Arrecife serve a variety of cuisines, from traditional Spanish tapas to international dishes, and many of them feature fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen.

Overall, Arrecife is a vibrant and charming city that offers visitors a taste of traditional Spanish culture, along with beautiful beaches and a wealth of attractions and activities.

what’s popular in Arrecife

Arrecife Gran Hotel

5 star hotel & spa

Fantastic spa rituals will help you relax and reactivate your body and mind, in the heart of the lively capital Arrecife.

Arrecife Town Centre

The Old Town

The pedestrian street is quite lovely, full of small shops and cafes. Treat yourself to coffee and churros.

Charco san Gines

Seawater Lagoon

Charco san Gines is a lagoon of natural seawater. It is a popular lunch spot serving lots of fresh fish.

Open Mall

New shopping mall

Open Mall is the biggest retail shopping experience in Lanzarote. 3 floors and 92 shops.

Arrecife tourist reviews

Little harbour with bars and restaurants about halfway round it ,its a beautiful place to stroll around day or night and sit and take in the pretty view with breakfast or dinner and on our two holidays in Arrecife we always find ourselves drawn to el Charco.

Carlos Joiner

February 2022

Playa del Reducto, lined with palm trees, stretches for about 500 metres as it wraps itself along the coast of the City. A promenade which is lined with cafes, bars, restaurants runs adjacent to the beach.

David D

January 2022

4.0

/ 5.0

Customer Reviews

Iglesia de san Gines is a relatively easy 25 minute walk from the cruise ship terminal and well worth the effort to get there. The artefacts are truly magnificent.

David S

March 2023

Museo Internacional de Arte, a small castle which has been converted into a modern art museum by César Manrique (inevitably) contains a very interesting collection of modern art in a beautifully converted castle.

Albert Salichs

November 2022