Arrecife

All About Arrecife

Situated on the eastern coast of Lanzarote, Arrecife became the island’s capital in 1852, a title held up until then by the central town of Teguise. Initially a tiny fishing village, there is proof of settlements having existed around Arrecife since the 15th-century.

In modern times, even though the city has a strong bond with its humble beginnings, Arrecife continues to be an essential commercial hub for the island. With half the population of Lanzarote living here and as a popular cruise port, Arrecife manages to walk the thin line between staying authentic and going touristic. Named after a rock reef just off its shore, Arrecife is an excellent base for travelers wanting to discover the treasures of Lanzarote.

Routes and Ferries to Arrecife

Travelers eager to start their holiday in a relaxing fashion should purchase ferry tickets to Arrecife. While it’s possible to catch a boat from Cádiz on Mainland Spain and Tenerife, the most prevalent route is between Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Ferry tickets to Arrecife from Las Palmas cost €81.50. You can book any of the seven sailings per week offered by Naviera Armas using the Ferryscanner website. This voyage between the islands takes roughly 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Lanzarote’s only airport is 5km from the center of Arrecife. Flights arrive here from all over Europe throughout the year. Buses and taxis outside the terminal take passengers to cities and hotels in Arrecife and around the island.

Port of Arrecife

Puerto de Arrecife, similar to the port of Las Palmas, plays a vital role as a trading harbor linking Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Because of its strategic location, Arrecife is among the busiest ports in the Canary Islands. About 4km away from the center, the harbor handles cargo ships, container freighters, cruise vessels, and ferries. The port area also has a fishing plant and the Marina Lanzarote with 360 berths and 72 dry docks for private yachts.

When arriving with cruise or ferry tickets to Arrecife, there are two locations where the boats dock. Muelle de Los Mármoles is a 30-minute walk from the town. A taxi ride from here to a central hotel will cost you €10. La Boca de Puerto Naos is a new pier, primarily for cruise ships. It is only a kilometer from the city’s main streets.

Best Beaches

During a stay on the island, travelers are quick to discover plenty of breathtakingly gorgeous beaches dotted around Lanzarote’s shoreline. However, if you wish to stay close, Arrecife has a few pretty little coves and bays perfect for a day by the water.

Playa Reducto

Everyone’s favorite beach in Arrecife, Playa Reducto, is a 500-meter-long sandy stretch with an energetic character. Accredited with Blue Flag status, it borders a sheltered bay with calm waters that are perfect for swimming. Facilities at Reducto include WCs, showers, changing rooms, lifeguards during summers, and sunbed rentals for €3. The beach’s boardwalk is a great place for an evening walk or to view the sunset. The restaurants, shops, and bars nearby keep the area buzzing till late at night.

Playa del Cable

The 315-meter-long Playa del Cable is about 2.5km from the center. You can get there by bus or a 30-minute walk. Since not many tourists know about the beach, it’s a gem of a place that stays uncrowded even during summers. A natural beach without any facilities, it does get windy here, and you’ll more than likely encounter low-level waves in the ocean. The beach is an idyllic spot to get away from the crowds.

Playa de La Concha

Only 10-minutes from Arrecife, Playa de La Concha, is a 250-meter-long beach known for its calm waters. A sandy strand, La Concha is much-liked by water sport enthusiasts and is a good hangout for families owing to shallow waters. Although the beach isn’t too busy, get there as early as possible to avoid the wind that usually starts in the afternoon. Reachable by bus, La Concha also comes with ample parking and a boardwalk full of lovely restaurants.

Playa Honda

Playa Honda is a vast 2km beach that separates Arrecife’s residential district of Honda from the Atlantic Ocean. Close to the airport, the beach has fine golden sand, calm waters, an area for dogs, WCs, showers, and plenty of entertainment and activities like beach volleyball and football. Furthermore, its promenade is the go-to place for shopping and indulging in local cuisine.

Playa de Guasimeta

Playa de Guasimeta is a short beach walk further down from Playa Honda. This strip is famous for being Lanzarote’s novelty beach and not so much for swimming or its soft sand. Since the 1km beach is right next to Lanzarote Airport’s runway, tourists mainly come here to watch planes land and take off.

Places to Visit

Unlike other European capitals, Arrecife exudes more of an authentic island aura instead of being a fashionable seaside resort. Tourists who take the time to explore Arrecife will find that it hides many treasures in plain sight, from museums and markets to ancient forts and shipwrecks.

Arrecife Saturday Market

The Saturday Market in Arrecife is a busy destination where locals sell fresh produce and artisanal products like handicrafts and souvenirs. The stalls line up the streets in the oldest part of the city, near the Church of San Ginés. The ambiance is friendly, and shoppers at the market include both residents and tourists. In contrast, the bazaars held every Wednesday and Thursday on the promenade of Charco de San Ginés are primarily for tourists. They consist of up to 60 stalls retailing traditional island-made items.

Charco de San Ginés

Arrecife’s saltwater lagoon is the city’s most picturesque location. During the daytime, the sight of fishing boats bobbing gently on the water resemble a painting. At night, the lit-up Charco de San Ginés is a vibrant destination with bars and restaurants playing music and serving delectable eats. Giving the neighborhood a romantic feel is the palm-tree-lined promenade, ideal for a walk alongside what is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the Atlantic’.

Telamon Shipwreck

It’s not easy to view a shipwreck from up close unless one enjoys diving. In Arrecife, though, the melancholy remains of Telamon are for all to see at the port of Muelle de Los Mármoles. Alongside the Old Coastal Road, the Scottish-built Telamon barely stands today, having run ashore in 1981. Even though you can’t go inside, it makes for a unique photo-op if you happen to be passing by.

Blue 17 Roof Top Bar

Lanzarote has limitations on how high buildings can be on the island. However, before these rules became official, Arrecife Gran Hotel and Spa managed to rise up to a whopping 17 floors instead of seven, which is the maximum allowed now. Blue 17 Roof Top Bar is a casual eatery on the top floor of the tallest building in Lanzarote. Offering astounding views of the ocean and the city, it is a must-visit at least once during your stay. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but if you want to experience a magical evening, be there for the sunset.

Castillo de San Gabriel

On Islote de Los Ingleses (which is connected to Arrecife by two causeways), there is a fortification known as Castillo de San Gabriel. Initially built from wood to protect the port from pirates, the castle was reconstructed using stone in the 16th-century after the original burnt down. At the gates of the fort, two antique cannons welcome visitors who can go inside to visit an ethnographic museum. On warm days, locals often walk to the beach beside the castle to appreciate views of the city and enjoy a peaceful sunbathing session.

Transportation Around Arrecife

If arriving with ferry tickets to Arrecife and staying for a short period, there is no need to worry about transportation within the city. It’s small enough that you can walk from one corner to another in under 30 minutes.

To travel outside the town and explore the far corners of Lanzarote, public buses called guaguas and taxis are available from multiple locations. However, since the roads in Lanzarote are wonderful for driving, feel free to rent a bicycle, motorbike, scooter or car, for those spontaneous day trips.