Looking for an answer to the question: things to do in Arrecife? We have selected for you the best places and the best activities to do in the Capital of Lanzarote!
Between its unmissable port, its cultural offerings and its beach, you won’t have time to get bored! We were charmed by the beauty of this seaside resort’s waterfront.
In this article, you’ll discover a list of 11 ideas, with our practical tips and photos. We’ve added a few bonus activities nearby.
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Arrecife
Is a visit to Arrecife worthwhile?
If you’re staying in Lanzarote for a long time, we recommend a visit to Arrecife to discover the local way of life. You’ll also get a more complete picture of the island. The capital boasts a number of emblematic landmarks such as the Castillo de San Gabriel and the Castillo de San José, former castles that have been transformed into museums.
We really enjoyed the seafront promenade, where the blue of the sky and the ocean mingle. The atmosphere in the seaside resort is lively, with numerous shops, restaurants and hotels. In fact, check out our article on the best places to stay in Lanzarote for an exceptional holiday!
Things to do in Arrecife
In short, find the essentials not to be missed in Arrecife:
- San Ginés district: port, church, seafront promenade,
- the traditional lanes of the old town,
- the former castles transformed into museums: Castillo de San Gabriel and Castillo de San José.
In the rest of the article, we’ve selected more places to visit to make the most of your stay!
How long will it take and what are the potential difficulties?
We recommend you allow 2 to 3 hours for a simple tour of the historic center and port. However, if you also wish to visit the museums, you’ll need to allow for a full day.
The town is fairly easy to get to. The paved floor is relatively smooth and even, but avoid wearing heels. In the old town, some alleys are narrow and open onto staircases. The seafront promenade is very wide and pleasant, ideal for a stroll in the Canary Islands sunshine!
If you come on Saturday morning for the craft market between 9am and 12pm, access to the parking lot and traffic will be more difficult. There’s also a market on Wednesday and Thursday mornings on cruise days.
Where is Arrecife – map
Arrecife lies on the south coast in the center of Lanzarote (Canary Islands).
Travel time by car to Arrecife:
- from Costa Teguise: 15 min,
- from Puerto del Carmen: 20 min,
- from Playa Blanca: 35 min.
Here’s a map of Arrecife on the island of Lanzarote to help you find your way:
How to get to Arrecife – parking
The easiest way to get there is to rent a car and drive yourself.
We loved driving around Lanzarote, and highly recommend this option!
Access to the town is easy and well signposted.
As far as parking is concerned, there are several parking lots throughout the city. We particularly recommend Parking Islas Canarias on Avenida de la Mancomunidad. It’s not free, but it has the great advantage of being open 24 hours a day.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
1. The port: El Charco de San Ginés
El Charco de San Ginés is a portion of the ocean that has invited itself into the city. This small port is surrounded by whitewashed houses, restaurants and beach bars. With its fishing boats moored along the quayside, it offers a magnificent view of the old town and the Church of San Ginés.
It’s a place we particularly liked, as it has a more traditional and authentic atmosphere. How about a sunset stroll?
It’s a charming place to discover local life, and relax in a soothing setting in the heart of Arrecife.
As you continue your walk, you’ll come across a whale skeleton. By observing its reflection in the water, you can imagine the marine animal returning to its natural habitat.
2. The church: Iglesia de San Ginés
Located in Plaza de Las Palmas, the Church of San Ginés features traditional Canarian architecture. With its white façade and open bell tower, it was built in honor of San Ginés de Clermont, the town’s patron saint. We also really enjoyed the small, shady square in front of the religious building.
The interior of the parish is well worth a visit. Between the many statues, the woodwork and the altar, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the history and religious traditions of the region. The Iglesia de San Ginés is an important place of worship, and a point of historical interest for visitors to Arrecife.
See more photos.
CHOOSING A HOTEL IN Lanzarote
Choosing where to stay:
Select by hotel type:
- 5-star hotels
- Best boutique-hotels
- Best adults-only hotels
- Best all-inclusive hotels
- Best hotels for families
Our favorite: Hotel Cala Lanzarote – See prices, photos and availability
Select by city:
3. The typical Callejòn alleyway
Continue your walk behind the parish church. You’ll then discover Arrecife’s most typical alleyway: Callejòn Luis Fernández Fuentes, nicknamed El Aguaresío. Lined with white houses and luxuriant plants, this little hidden corner in the heart of the old town is very charming. We loved the contrast between the blue of the sky, the green of the vegetation and the whiteness of the walls.
4. The seafront promenade
Before continuing with a cultural visit, you’ll take a stroll along the seafront promenade. We were seduced by the cobblestone paths suspended above the ocean. They bear witness to the town’s history. As you stroll along, you’ll discover incredible views of Arrecife Bay, the historic district, and even the mountains on the horizon! Don’t hesitate to immortalize the moment!
5. Castle and museum: Castillo de San Gabriel
Built in the 16th century, this castle was erected to protect the town from pirate attacks. It stands on a rocky islet linked to the town by a bridge, the Puente de las Bolas. It is also surrounded by small sandy beaches.
Today, the Castillo de San Gabriel houses the Arrecife History Museum. The museum’s collections highlight local archaeology, art, maritime history and the island’s landscapes. It’s worth noting that some of the old château’s corridors are quite narrow and low-ceilinged.
If you’re a history buff or just curious, we recommend a visit to learn more about Lanzarote’s heritage. Beyond its cultural function, it offers a magnificent view of the coast! We had a great time, both educational and entertaining.
Read our full article on the Castillo de San Gabriel.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE Lanzarote activities
- Dolphin watching
- Buggy / Quad
- Kayak excursion
- But also: Diving at the Museum of the Atlantic, Catamaran outings, Paddle excursions, Parasailing
6. MIAC: Castillo de San José
Formerly known as the Fortress of Hunger or Fortaleza del Hambre, this fort was once used as a coastal defense against pirate attacks.
It is now home to Lanzarote’s International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC). Abandoned for many years, César Manrique transformed the castle into a museum. We found this venue interesting, as it combines contemporary art with a historical setting. This discrepancy between modern and ancient is surprising!
The museum also houses the Restaurante Castillo de San José (CACT). It boasts unique architecture and superb views over the bay. Find out more here.
7. The historic market
The patio of Arrecife’s Town Hall conceals the historic shopping area. As you cross the passageway, you’ll discover old photos of the town, as well as explanations of this place called The town market.
We really enjoyed this place, which bears witness to local history and life. The green doors, magnificent trees and plants made the place particularly soothing. Take the opportunity to sit on a bench and meditate in peace!
8. La Playa del Reducto
Playa del Reducto is Arrecife’s most popular beach. With its calm, shallow waters, it’s ideal for swimming and family activities. It’s a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the sun and ocean.
We enjoyed the fine blond sand, which is very pleasant underfoot. The beach is very long and ideal for walking. There are also showers and toilets.
Before you go, be sure to check the tide times if you want to be sure of getting in for a swim.
9. The sculptures
Visiting the old town and port, you’ll see many sculptures depicting human beings or abstract forms.
Here are our 2 favorites:
- Los Buches: a work by local sculptor Evelina Martín,
- La Mirada de César: a sculptural work by Manolo González in homage to César Manrique.
WITH OUR GUIDE PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO lanzarote
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 75 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 140 photos to help you choose
10. Cultural centers
La Casa Amarilla
Former seat of the island’s government, the Casa Amarilla organizes temporary exhibitions on the knowledge and memory of Lanzarote.
You can take a virtual tour to soak up the atmosphere. Find the link here.
La Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz
Located on the seafront promenade, this cultural center hosts art exhibitions, including works by César Manrique. Find out more here.
Originally the residence of Agustín Feo, governor of the island, it was first a casino and then the property of the town council. We were impressed by the state of conservation of the building and its remarkable woodwork!
El Centro de Innovación Cultural El Almacén
Following on from the Agustín de la Hoz House of Culture, the El Almacén Cultural Innovation Center offers art exhibitions.
On the first floor, you’ll also find a great tapas bar. It’s an eclectic place where art blends with a cosy, pleasant space!
For more information on current exhibitions, please visit the official website here.
11. An excursion to the north of Lanzarote
Staying in Arrecife and keen to explore the island further? We highly recommend a guided bus tour to discover the north of Lanzarote.
You’ll make several stops along the way to take in the magnificent scenery. Between the old town of Teguise, the cliffs of Mirador del Río, the Valley of 1000 Palm Trees, and the Jameos del Agua cave, you’ll spend an exceptional day that you won’t forget! These are places that left a deep impression on us during our trip to the island.
Find out more about the excursion from Arrecife here.
Things to do around Arrecife
You can combine your visit to Arrecife with other places nearby.
Costa Teguise
Located 15 minutes’ drive from Arrecife, Costa Teguise is a must-see seaside resort on the island of Lanzarote. With its beaches, water park, aquarium and wide choice of activities on land and at sea, you’ll never see the time go by!
We loved walking along the seafront promenade, especially at sunrise and sunset. You’ll skirt a series of beaches and be able to see the peaks of volcanoes on the horizon.
See our article on the best things to do in Costa Teguise.
The César Manrique Foundation
The foundation’s headquarters are in a home designed by César Manrique, where he lived for 20 years. The building is set in a very special landscape. It was built in the middle of a lava flow caused by major eruptions that shook the island between 1730 and 1736.
Some rooms are housed in volcanic bubbles and linked by tunnels. We really enjoyed exploring the place, and learning more about the work of this renowned artist!
It’s a 10-minute drive from Arrecife.
If you don’t have a car, you can book a tour that combines the foundation and the cactus garden – see prices, photos and availability.
Las Grietas
If, like us, you love rock formations and slot-canyons, we highly recommend exploring Las Grietas de Montana Blanca. It’s a place that’s not very well known yet, and it totally won us over!
The crevasses on the volcano’s slopes are magnificent. A fascinating and easily accessible place, with several small canyons of different sizes to discover.
From Arrecife, it’s a 15-minute drive.
Read our article on Las Grietas canyons in Lanzarote.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Lanzarote
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- A small car is all you need.
- But you can also choose a larger one if you wish, as the parking spaces are rather large.
- Demand is high, so book early.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the wreck of the Telamon (Barco Fantasma)?
Located north of Arrecife towards Costa Teguise, we photographed the famous wreck of the Telamon boat, nicknamed the ghost ship. Unfortunately, since our trip, it has been dismantled and is no longer visible. Find out more here.
Is there a museum at Lanzarote Airport?
Yes, there’s the Aeronautical Museum at Lanzarote Airport. Housed in the small original building, it welcomed passengers between 1946 and 1970. Its reduced size reflects the evolution of the airport’s infrastructure, and the consequences of the explosion in tourism on the island. Find out more here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Lanzarote
- Best of
Most beautiful landscapes
Best things to do in Lanzarote
Most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful villages
Best boat tours
César Manrique’s attractions
Secret places, off the beaten track
Most beautiful hikes
- Practical advice
25 tips for a successful trip to Lanzarote
How to get around
How to rent a car in Lanzarote
Driving tips
Where to stay in Lanzarote
Best hotels in Lanzarote
Best excursions
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
