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Outside, you can admire the greenery of Bryant Park, which takes its design from the traditional parks in France. This urban oasis has outdoor games, eats stalls, sculptures, a carousel, and more. If you’re planning your 2-day visit to New York City during the Christmas season, you can explore the holiday festivities here.
A superb substitute for a helicopter ride is visiting one of the top observatories in NYC. While you can go to most of the city’s lookouts during the day, I think they make for a better nighttime attraction in NYC. Besides, some of these platforms also function as a lounge, so if you go after dark, you can enjoy a beverage while taking in the views.
If you’d like to become more familiar with this area, here are the top 10 things to do that are best in Arrecife, Lanzarote, as well as highly rated restaurants and hotels.
Table of Contents
1. Charco de San Ginés, a must-see in Arrecife, Lanzarote
El Charco de San Ginés is a marvel that cannot be missed when visiting Arrecife. It’s a natural saltwater lagoon in the middle of the city and looks picturesque at any time. Surrounding this beautiful pool, you’ll find all kinds of bars, restaurants, and some of the most popular nightclubs in Lanzarote so it’s a great place to spend time.
While this natural pool is a huge tourist attraction, what makes this area stand out are the small fishing boats docked here, as well as the old homes along the shoreline, which have blue and white facades.
This beautiful scene is one of the best attractions to experience in Arrecife, so I highly recommend allocating part of your afternoon to meandering around the lagoon and crossing the bridge to gain different views of the city. This is also a lovely spot to watch the sun set.
Another intriguing sight to see here is a 36-foot whale skeleton. A few years ago, the whale became stranded on the coast of Lanzarote, and the skeleton serves as a reminder of environmental awareness.
2. Puente de las Bolas & San Gabriel’s Castle, two iconic places in Arrecife
Visiting the historical establishment consisting of the Puente de las Bolas and San Gabriel’s Castle is one of the best activities to engage in while in Arrecife. The fortress, which was constructed in the 14th century to shield the city from pirates, is incorporated into the sea. The Puente de las Bolas bridge used to serve as the sole means of arriving at the fortress from Lanzarote, but presently, there exist different avenues to cross over.
Even so, this monumental stone passageway is quite striking. It derives its name, Puente de las Bolas (“Bridge of the Orbs”), from the two spheres on its columns, which symbolize the globe. Traversing across the bridge is a wonderful experience to have in Arrecife, not simply for the perspectives of San Gabriel’s Fortress but also the perspectives of the ocean and the city.
These days, San Gabriel’s Castle serves as the headquarters of the History Museum of Arrecife, another place in Arrecife worth exploring.
3. Casa Amarilla, one of the most important sites in Arrecife, Lanzarote
The Casa Amarilla, or Yellow House, is one of the most beautiful buildings in Arrecife, easily recognizable thanks to its attractive yellow tiles. The building formerly housed the Cabildo, or council, of Lanzarote.
During these times, the ground floor of the Yellow House serves as a cultural center presenting temporary exhibits, most dealing with the history and ethnography of Lanzarote. The center is open Monday to Saturday with free entrance, so it is another location in Arrecife, Lanzarote that I propose visiting.
4. Church of San Ginés, the most famous church in Arrecife
The Church of San Ginés, located in Plaza de las Palmas, is the oldest and most significant temple in the city, having been completed in the 18th century. It`s in Arrecife’s oldest neighborhood, La Puntilla, characterized by its narrow roadways.
The old town of Arrecife, Lanzarote centers around the Church of San Ginés, and its tower can be observed from various points in the city, such as El Charco de San Ginés and the Puente de las Bolas. Interestingly, the church’s tower drew inspiration from the Church of La Concepción de Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Spend some time contemplating on the natural beauty and simplistic elegance of the church’s interior, which has walls composed of black volcanic rock that contrast against the white wooden borders of the building. You can also see two big frescoes of San Ginés de Clermont and the Virgen del Rosario, which were brought from Havana, Cuba. Ultimately, there is an authentic Mudejar-style ceiling, so this is undoubtedly one of the most striking things to see in Arrecife.
5. Castillo de San José & the International Museum of Contemporary Art
El Castillo de San José (Castle of San José) is another citadel worth seeing in the capital of Lanzarote. Constructed in the 18th century, it has remained intact to the present day, even serving presently as headquarters for the International Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC).
The Castle of San José has a privileged seaside location and sits on a beautiful cliffs edge. When you go to seeArrecife, be sure to stop here, not only for the stunning views but to peruse the best collection of contemporary art in the Canary Islands, with works by masters like Picasso and Miró.
Moreover, the ground level of the fortress contains a restaurant where one can unwind, savor a wonderful meal, and take in panoramic views of the natural surroundings. Afterward, I recommend embarking on a pleasant stroll through Puerto de Naos, a port in Arrecife, Lanzarote housing a lighthouse.
6. Playa Reducto, the best beach in Arrecife, Lanzarote
When visiting Arrecife, Spain, one will find not only monuments and culture, but also one of the best beaches in Lanzarote. El Reducto Beach is Arrecife’s main beach, boasting over a half-mile of golden sand and beautiful palm trees.
Furthermore, the waters here are relatively calm, and the surrounding reef is well-preserved, so it represents a beautiful beach in Arrecife, Lanzarote to see marine life. El Reducto Beach is also known for its lively promenade, which has restaurants, beach bars, restrooms, and showers. As a result, it’s the perfect place to go with family for a comfortable beach day.
7. The music kiosk, a popular place in Arrecife, Canary Islands
One of the most well-known areas in Arrecife, Lanzarote is the promenade. Here, you’ll find the José Ramírez Cerdá Park, a small green area that provides lovely views.
This location is also where the highly popular Music Kiosk is found, one of the coolest sights to behold in Arrecife. The kiosk is an exact replica of the structure that had previously stood there during the 1950s time period. It has become a symbol of Arrecife, commemorating the city`s traditions and customs, and locals will often congregate here to listen to the municipal orchestra and engage in dancing.
Now serving as the ground floor location for the Tourist Information Office while still utilizing its upper level as a stage for various musical performances, the building that once housed the Music Kiosk offers shows coinciding with visits to Arrecife that are recommended to experience.
8. Walk along Calle León y Castillo, one of the best things to do in Arrecife
An additional fun activity to do in Arrecife is taking a stroll along Calle León y Castillo, formerly referred to as Calle Real. This is one of the town`s primary streets where you’ll find most of the area’s apparel stores.
Additionally, this location is home to the monument representing Heraclio Niz Mesa, one of Arrecife’s most notable figures. Also known as “El Pollo de Arrecife”, Heraclio gained fame in the 1950s as a wrestler from the Canary Islands. He also featured in several films and served as head of the Arrecife Local Police for a few years.
Here, you can also mingle with the locals and catch a glimpse of everyday life in the capital city of Lanzarote. If you’d like to continue exploring the shops, check out Calle Quiroga near Plaza de la Constitución and Calle Otilia Díaz, which runs perpendicular to Calle León y Castillo.
9. Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz, an artistic place to visit in Arrecife
The Agustín de la Hoz House of Culture is a municipal building that holds much history about Arrecife,Lanzarote. It’s an engaging locale to visit if you want to learn about the capital’s 19th-century architecture and conventional art.
While closed for reconstruction for 12 years, the building has reopened and still serves as an important cultural landmark in Arrecife. Inside, you’ll discover various gratis exhibits and murals by Lanzarote artist César Manrique. The paintings, which underwent restoration a few years ago, are believed to have comprised some of Manrique’s earliest works.
Additionally, the House of Culture has several rooms and an impressive wooden staircase leading to the second floor. During the 20th century, the building served as the seat of the Casino de Arrecife, then Town Hall. Therefore, it has earned a designation as Historical-Artistic Heritage of Arrecife.
10. “El Aguaresío” Alley, the most beautiful corner of Arrecife, Lanzarote
Finally, another place to visit in Arrecife is “El Aguaresío” Alley, a beautiful and tranquil corner that connects to the Charco de San Ginés and the Church of San Ginés.
Situated in La Puntilla, the alleyway is a hidden gem allowing for stunning photographs and appreciating a beautiful setting. It’ll make you forget you’re in the historic center of the capital city of Lanzarote.
This charming path was named after Luis Hernández Fuentes, better known as El Aguaresío. He spent most of his 89 years at sea, but he left a legacy and imprint on the history of Arrecife. Today, El Aguaresío Path not only pays tribute to his life, but also to all those fishermen and seafarers who navigated the labyrinth of reefs and islets around Arrecife, Lanzarote.
Other places to visit in Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
While touring the capital city of Lanzarote, take time to explore the surroundings. You’ll discover some charming places, such as Costa Teguise, a paradisiacal beach about six miles north of Arrecife.
Moreover, a little over nine miles south of Arrecife is Puerto del Carmen, a city known for its excellent diving spots. It’s also one of the best places to see dolphins in Lanzarote, so if time allows, I suggest visiting this city and enjoying its attractions.
Best tours from Arrecife, Lanzarote
The distance separating Arrecife and Lanzarote Airport is quite short, so lots of visitors opt for this town as their base while exploring the remainder of the island. Furthermore, some of the most popular tours in Lanzarote depart from Arrecife, so it`s convenient to travel around the island even if one doesn`t want to drive or hire a car.
For instance, this day tour will take you to the most spectacular places in Lanzarote, including Timanfaya National Park, the Cueva de los Verdes, and the Jameos del Agua.
Best hotels in Arrecife
We stayed at the Arrecife Grand Hotel and Spa, which offered an unbeatable view of the ocean right next to El Reducto Beach and is considered one of the top 5-star hotels in Lanzarote. The hotel features a sizable indoor pool, a delicious dining area, and a terrace bar with magnificent views. There is even a spa providing a Turkish bath and hydromassage services, available for an additional fee. Regardless, it is deemed one of the premier boutique hotels in Lanzarote.
Next door is the Hotel Lancelot, one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Lanzarote. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a sun deck, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant serving a variety of dishes. The rooms here are spacious, cozy, and very clean.
The last accommodation in Lanzarote I will suggest is the Hotel Miramar, situated directly opposite San Gabriel’s Castle. In addition to its bar and restaurant serving exceptional local cuisine, the hotel features rooms with lovely views, making it one of the top hotels in Arrecife in my opinion.
Best restaurants in Arrecife
Arrecife has several excellent locales where you can sample typical Canarian cuisine, with the most renowned being the Barbacana Bar & Grill. It is considered the top restaurant in Arrecife to try traditional Mediterranean fare and delectable meats. I advise making a reservation in advance since this establishment fills up quickly.
Another excellent eating establishment on Lanzaroteis El Nido, which also provides Mediterranean dishes in addition to vegetarian choices.
For those seeking top-quality seafood in the area, I suggest Malecón Restaurante & Copas where hearty dishes can be ordered alongside beautiful panoramas of the Charco de San Ginés waterside, featuring not only affordable prices but talented cocktail craftspeople.
How to get to Arrecife
One of the best means of navigating around the capital of Lanzarote is to rent a vehicle at Lanzarote Airport. With a rental car, you can easily access Arrecife by taking the LZ-2 road and continuing along Manolo Millares street to the downtown core.
You can also take public transportation Monday through Friday via Lanzarote’s Line 22 Intercity Bus, which runs every 25 minutes and departs from Airport Terminal 2. The bus costs about USD $1.50 and takes about 10 minutes to arrive at Arrecife. On the weekends, you can take the Intercity Bus Line 23, which runs every 50 minutes.
America’s Got Talent champion Terry Fator also has a family-friendly comedic show in Las Vegas. The ventriloquist and his eccentric team of puppets can impersonate just about anyone, from Lady Gaga to Aretha Franklin.
Map of Arrecife, Lanzarote
I hope you gained enjoyment from learning regarding all the places to see in Arrecife, Lanzarote. To assist you in organizing your trip and not missing any attractions, I recommend checking our traveler maps of Lanzarote. Keep these maps convenient so you can refer to them during your trip.
I’m also leaving you with a map detailing the places of interest I cited in this guide for Arrecife.
That’s all I have to share from my experiences! If you have any questions or you’d like to share your suggestions or experience visiting Arrecife, feel free to leave a comment below. Until then, I hope you have a wonderful trip!
