Visit Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote
Arrecife is the capital city and is located in the centre-east of the island of Lanzarote. The city owes its name to the rock reef (Arrecife is the spanish word for reef) that is out to sea and protects the harbour.
Arrecife is a small, bustling city with a cosmopolitan feel, there is a beautiful lagoon called El Charco de San Ginés, surrounded by white fishermans cottages, restaurants and dotted with fishing boats.
There is a wide sweeping sandy beach (Playa Del Reducto) with very calm waters, due to the protection of the reef. A Mediterranean-style promenade runs all the way from this area to the city’s second beach, Playa del Cable and in between there are various style buildings, a mixture of high end retail outlets, elegant boutiques, bars and restaurants.
Arrecife also boasts Marina Lanzarote, a fully serviced marina for sailors with a choice of restaurants and shops.
If you are looking for a day out to shop, experience some culture and take in the sights and landmarks, then Arrecife should not be missed.
Castillo de San José
The Castillo de San José is an historic 18th century fortress and art museum in Arrecife .
Address: Calle Norte, 51C, 35500, Las Palmas
Phone: 0034 901 20 03 00
http://www.cactlanzarote.com/en/cact/museo-internacional-arte-contemporaneo/
San Ginés Church
San Ginés is a large attractive church located in the Plaza de San Gines in Arrecife. Originally the location of a hermitage built in 1574 that contained images of Saint Peter and Saint Ginés, it was flooded and completely rebuilt in 1667.
Address: Plaza de las Palmas, 1, 35500 Arrecife, Las Palmas
Phone: 928 81 13 96
Castillo de San Gabriel
The Castillo de San Gabriel was first built in 1574 in order to defend Arrecife Harbour. However it was destroyed just a few years later by the Algerian Pirate Morato Arraez in 1586. The castle was then rebuilt in 1599 and was used for military purposes right up until the 1950s. It now houses an archaeological Museum. The Puento de las Bolas is the drawbridge entrance to the Castillo de San Gabriel and dates from 1559.
Address: Antiguo Muelle Comercial de Arrecife, 35500 Lanzarote, Las Palmas
Phone: 0034 928 81 17 62
Restaurants
With so many great restaurants to choose from it really is a matter of personal preference but below are a few recommendations:-
Tabla Arrecife – Hamburger
Healthy eating with your favourite gourmet burger. Tabla Arrecife serves up delicious home made burgers, assorted sides and innovative desserts. Cool street dining, in the capital city. A lively restaurant with a great buzz.
Address: Calle Doctor Ruperto Gonzalez Negrin 6, 35500 Arrecife, Las Palmas
Phone: 0034 928 84 55 36
info@cantinateguise.com
http://cantinateguise.com/tabla/
La Tabernita del Charco – International
A small menu but quality over quantity and always serving fresh fish with a lovely ambience in a beautiful setting with live music on certain evenings.
Address: Av. César Manrique, 51, 35018 Arrecife, Las Palmas
Phone: 0034 928 80 23 47
Divina Italia el Charco – Italian
A modern and global concept of high quality Italian cuisine. The careful decoration of the restaurant transports its visitors to the essence of Italian culture. In addition to offering a unique experience for all the senses.
Address: Av. César Manrique, 16, 35500 Arrecife, Las Palmas
Phone: 0034 928 839 359
http://divinaitalia.com.es/el-charco/