Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, is a world away from the resort towns most visitors associate with this Canary Island. It has one of the island’s finest beaches, a clutch of historic buildings and the best transport links on the island, making it an ideal base if you’re exploring Lanzarote solo.
I visited on a day trip from Costa Teguise and, honestly, wished I’d based myself here instead. Here are the best things to do in Arrecife, whether you have a few hours or a full day, or are fitting it into a wider Lanzarote itinerary.
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How long do you need in Arrecife? Most of the highlights are walkable and concentrated in a compact area. A half-day is enough for the essentials; a full day lets you linger over lunch and explore properly.
Best Things to Do in Arrecife
1. Relax on Playa del Reducto
Lanzarote’s best beaches aren’t confined to its resort towns. Playa del Reducto — half a kilometre of golden sand with calm, safe water — ranks among the finest on the island.
Stately coconut palms line the back of the beach, and a pleasant seafront promenade runs alongside it. It’s an easy first stop if you’re arriving by bus, as the Intercambiador stop is right here.
2. Visit Castillo de San Gabriel
Arrecife’s most photogenic sight is this sturdy 16th-century stone fortress, built on a small islet at the end of the main shopping street, León y Castillo. You reach it across Puente de las Bolas, a small drawbridge named after the cannonballs used to repel pirate attacks. A more recent Franco-era bridge runs parallel.
Inside is a small ethnographic museum, the Museo de Historia de Arrecife, covering the island’s history from early settlers through the Spanish conquest and various pirate raids.
3. Watch the boats at Charco de San Ginés
A short walk east along the promenade brings you to Charco de San Ginés, a tidal lagoon lined with blue-shuttered white buildings, most of which are restaurants. It was remodelled by César Manrique and is sometimes called the “Venice of the Atlantic,” which is perhaps a stretch, but it is lovely. This is the best spot in Arrecife for lunch.
A traditional market is held here every Wednesday and Thursday, with a Saturday market spilling into the nearby alley of El Aguaresío.
4. Explore the old town and El Aguaresío
The narrow streets around Iglesia de San Ginés form the heart of Arrecife’s old town. I stumbled upon El Aguaresío by chance — a photogenic alley connecting the church to Charco de San Ginés — and it’s well worth seeking out.
5. Look inside Iglesia de San Ginés Obispo
Dating from 1667, this triple-nave church was built on the site of a 16th-century hermitage. It is dedicated to Saint Ginés (Saint Genesius of Clermont), Arrecife’s patron saint.
Built from local lava stone, it features Tuscan-style columns, a Neoclassical bell tower and a 17th-century statue of the saint. The square it faces is lined with colonial buildings and filled with the sound of birdsong.
6. Find the building that upset César Manrique
It’s hard to miss the Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa, the tallest building on the island at 54 metres.
It so incensed Manrique — Lanzarote’s most beloved artist and environmental campaigner — that he returned from New York to push through strict building regulations that now protect the island’s low-rise skyline. Head up to Blue 17 on the top floor for views across to Playa del Reducto.
7. Try the local brew at El Camarote Nao
If you follow the promenade towards the marina, you’ll come across El Camarote Nao.
Lanzarote has a burgeoning craft beer industry, and this chilled place serves some of the best. If you’re not sure where to start, their tasting flight of four is the way to go.
Nao beer bar is open from 6 pm until 11 pm, Tuesday – Saturday. On Friday and Saturday, it is also open between 12 pm and 4 pm.
8. Visit the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo
In 1975, César Manrique directed the renovation of the crumbling 18th-century Castillo de San José and founded the Museum of Contemporary Art inside it. The collection includes paintings, sculptures and drawings by international artists, alongside works by Manrique himself. The restaurant at the foot of the fortress has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Puerto de los Mármoles.
Note: this is a short drive or taxi from the town centre.
Getting to Arrecife
Planes land at César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport (ACE), also known as Arrecife Airport, four miles west of the capital. Bus No. 22 runs directly to Arrecife every 30 minutes and takes around 30 minutes.
As Arrecife is the island’s main bus hub, you can reach it easily from any resort — see my full guide to getting around Lanzarote by bus for routes and fares.
By car: come off the ring road at the airport (western) end of town and park in the large car park at the end of the beach. The city is very walkable, so you won’t need to move the car again.
As this is a compact, very walkable city, you won’t need to use public transportation.
Where to Stay in Arrecife
Although I based myself in Costa Teguise, I would be very tempted to stay in Arrecife if I were to revisit Lanzarote. Here are a few places I have my beady eye on:
5***** Charco loft – great location, exceptional views and consistently strong reviews. More information here.
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa (5-star hotel) – right next to Playa del Reducto, with a spa and panoramic city views. More information here.
Is Arrecife Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. There’s no better place in Lanzarote to see how the island actually lives.
It has a great beach, a walkable historic centre, a small craft beer scene and transport links that make it the easiest base for seeing the island in a week. If you’ve been put off by the idea of it being a capital city, don’t be. Arrecife is small, easy and enjoyable to explore.
Planning your Lanzarote trip? These guides will help:
- Lanzarote Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide
- 18 Best Places to Visit in Lanzarote in One Week (+ Maps & Photos)
- How to Explore Lanzarote by Bus: Essential Tips, Popular Routes and Fares
- 5 Reasons to Visit Famara, Lanzarote: The Hawaii of Europe
- How to Visit the Cactus Garden, Lanzarote (Jardín de Cactus)
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.