Arrecife in Lanzarote

Overview of Arrecife, Lanzarote

Arrecife started as a small fishing harbour and is now the capital of Lanzarote. Its name originates from the abundance of reefs and islets along the coast (Arrecife means 'reef' in Spanish), which form a magnificent sea front promenade and provide many natural harbours.

The Airport is located 5km (or 3 miles) away from Arrecife and the only high rise building you will find is a hotel. The reason for this is no building within Lanzarote should be higher than the tallest palm tree due to the influence and guidance of sculptor and artist César Manrique.

Arrecife is great for shopping and the main shopping street, Castillo y Leon (Calle Real), hosts a wide variety of shops and cafes and on a Wednesday there is also a market held along the front. Find cheap flights to Lanzarote with Jet2.com to witness the fabulous sights of this beautiful island in person.

Things to do in Arrecife, Lanzarote

Timanfaya National Park

View Lanzarote’s volcanic landscape and see live geysers and boiling pools – a must see for every visitor to Lanzarote. The Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes, covering more than 50 km², rose up and devastated this part of the island. In 1968, the area was declared a national park and visitors can now walk around the park or take the option of a coach or camel ride to see the volcanic landscape. With cheap flights to Lanzarote so easy to book online with Jet2.com, you will be sampling the sights and attractions of this fabulous island in no time.

Castle San José

Castle San José is a fortress that was constructed in 1799 on the orders of Carlos III and it overlooks the entrance to both the town and the harbour. The castle features an art gallery, which was the creation of local artist, César Manrique. Magnificent views are available from the top of the castle and also from the restaurant located on the ground level.

Castillo de San Gabriel

First constructed in 1574 as a fortification for the harbour at Arrecife, the Castle of Saint Gabriel fell under attack from pirates less than 10 years later and was in fact destroyed by Morato Arraez in 1586. The castle was rebuilt in 1599 and served as a strategic military structure until the 1950s. Now a popular visitor attraction, the castle is home to an exciting archaeological museum.

El Charco de San Gines

A beautiful salt-water lagoon in the city centre surrounded by fishermen's houses.

Find cheap flights to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands from Jet2.com to visit the bustling and historic resort of Arrecife.

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