Today from First Minute Tours in Lanzarote Airport we want to tell you what to see and what to do in Arrecife Lanzarote. In the city you can have fun with different activities, know wonderful places and enjoy the best cuisine.
History of Arrecife
The city of Arrecife is the current capital of Lanzarote. But it was not always like that, since Teguise was previously, this changed at the beginning of the 19th century. Some historians say that the modification did not materialize until 1852, when the Free Ports Act was signed.
The first name that the Indians used for the locality was Elguinaguayra.
Account with the two most important ports in the island, the Naos that serves for the stop of cruises and arrival of merchandize, and the Marbles.
The port and fishing tradition has remained in Arrecife over the years. This has allowed it to be one of the most prosperous cities of Lanzarote. It has various tourist attractions such as the Castillo de San Gabriel and the Castillo San José.
The castles served as defense of pirate attacks. This caused that Arrecife grew in population besides promoting that different public institutions moved to the city. With these events is with those who get their municipal independence.
Although Arrecife politically had different public institutions, in the nineteenth century an economic crisis was unleashed. The droughts and the fall of the barrel sales caused that the problem was maintained until the end of the century.
Currently Arrecife is one of the most prosperous cities within Lanzarote. Fishing has been the main means to develop economically. And you must include this city in your excursions in Lanzarote.
Arrecife as a tourist city
Arrecife is considered one of the most tourist cities within Lanzarote. Not only does it have buildings that are more than a century old, but it also has natural beauty.
The interesting combination of activities that can be done in the city in the same day, such as biking and diving make it attractive for visitors.
Arrecife also has its own carnivals. This celebration is considered one of the oldest within the Canary Islands.
Something very interesting in Lanzarote is the participation of the artist César Manrique in different places that today are some of the most interesting to see on the island, such as:
- Jameos del Agua
- TahÃce House
- Cactus Garden.
- Mirador de la Peña.
- Restoration of the Castillo San José.
This artist had a great relevance, not only in Arrecife, but in the whole island. An excellent option that will allow you to know more about the history of this place, is to do the  Cesar Manrique Tour.
What to see and what to do in Arrecife Lanzarote
When you arrive in Lanzarote you will see so many tourist sites that you will not know where to start. More if you go to Arrecife, since it has an endless number of wonderful places that you should visit. Here we will give you a list of what to see and what to do in Arrecife Lanzarote.
San Gabriel Castle
This castle dates from 1572, its use was mainly to protect the locals from the attacks of pirate ships. Its proximity to the promenade of the city makes it one of the places with the best view of the sunset in Arrecife.
Inside, it houses the Arrecife History Museum. There you will be able to know part of the changes that the city has suffered over time.
Castillo San José
This, like the Castillo San Gabriel, served as a shelter for the city of Arrecife. It was built in the eighteenth century. It is close to Puerto Naos and Charco de San Ginés.
The castle was abandoned for a long time. In the 70s the Lanzarote artist César Manrique decided to intervene to add his creative touch. Something very characteristic of him, because he had already done it with other tourist sites on the island.
It currently houses the International Museum of Contemporary Art. One of the most important in the whole world. It also has a restaurant. These two aspects are due to the influence of Manrique, who sought to make this site a tourist attraction.
Lago verde (Green lake)
This site bears its name due to the sulfur found in the water, which makes it take that characteristic greenish color. Around you can find part of a collapsed volcano due to the wind and the activity of the sea.
The entrance to the lake is free. Adjacent to Lago Verde is El Golfo, a small fishing village where you can enjoy the most delicious meals of the sea.
La Casa Amarilla (The yellow house)
This was declared in 2002 as an asset of cultural interest. It has been remodeled several times, maintaining the aesthetic of construction of ecclesiastical style only on the outside. On the inside it is much more modern.
Its name is due to the fact that the facade is composed of green and ocher ceramics. In it temporary exhibitions are held that seek to enhance the culture of Lanzarote. This is one of the sites that you should not miss in your next visit to Arrecife in Lanzarote.
Playa del Reducto
The Reducto beach is one of the most attractive places in Lanzarote. Its white sand and crystal clear waters make going to it enjoy natural beauty. It is quite crowded, both by locals and tourists, so if you want to enjoy the tranquility, it is better not to go in high season.
This Arrecife beach in Lanzarote is protected by natural reefs, which surround it and form a seafront in the city. In it you can practice activities such as diving.
Charco de San Ginés
This is a lagoon that is surrounded by small white houses where fishermen live. In it you will find small boats and many barges. It is a tourist environment so it has several restaurants where you can try typical food of the place.
The cuisine of Arrecife, in general, is quite varied. This is a quiet place where you can enjoy the sunset while eating a plate of wrinkled potatoes or fish stew.
This is just a small list of what and what to do in Arrecife Lanzarote. No doubt you can find many more attractions when traveling, but these 6 you can not miss. If you decide to visit the city, do not forget to contact us to have the best experience.