Arrecife

Travel Guide

Papagayo Beach showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Papagayo Beach featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Papagayo Beach featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and boating
Cesar Manrique Foundation
Papagayo Beach which includes a sandy beach, rocky coastline and general coastal views
A superb exploring destination, this coastal capital offers exciting artisanal markets, tropical beaches, a pirate-filled history and tapas bars by a lagoon.

Sample the relaxed pace of Arrecife, Lanzarote's attractive coastal capital. The 50,000 local residents never seem to rush. Join them in enjoying life's daily pleasures, from desayuno (breakfast) treats to beach tapas. 

Begin your day on Arrecife's central thoroughfare, known as Calle Leon y Castillo or Calle Real. Have a hot chocolate served with churros, a sugar-dusted pastry, and explore the many duty-free shops. 

For more shopping, visit La Recova Market’s cluster of stalls offering varied artisanal goods. On Saturday, scope out vintage bargains at La Recova's market for second-hand goods.

Arrecife's history is plagued by piracy. Raids by Berber pirates and British privateers were commonplace in the 17th and 18th centuries. Delve into this past as you visit San Gabriel Fort, built after a raid by famed pirate Morato Arraez. 

Another battlement, Fort San Jose, offers delightful views of Arrecife's main port, Muelle de los Marmoles, from its on-site restaurant. Within this impressive structure, enjoy innovative pieces at the International Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Relax on the gorgeous shoreline, which has a tropical feel with white sand and palm trees. Tan, read or swim at Playa del Reducto, the main beach. Rise early to see the action at nearby Calle Liebre, the fish market, and buy swordfish or sama, a local delicacy. 

Let the kids run loose at Parque Tematico, a park with play equipment, skating ramps and manicured gardens. Watch an art film at the Atlantida cinema complex.

Watch model sail boat racing at Charco de San Gines, Arrecife's Lagoon. Admire Iglesia de San Ginés (Church of St. Genesius) or enjoy tapas at bars around the lagoon promenade.

Arrecife is located next to the international airport on Lanzarote's east coast. Get around town by rented car, but be wary of parking regulations as police aren't afraid to tow. After sunset, take a romantic stroll under warm streetlights of the San Gines promenade. 

Where to stay in Arrecife

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Argana

Argana is well-liked for many features, particularly its beaches, bars, and golf courses. Though there might not be top sights in Argana, consider a stop by Sports City of Lanzarote or El Reducto Beach, located nearby.

Argana
Hostal Residencia Cardona
Hostal Residencia Cardona
2.5 out of 5
Calle Democracia, 11, Arrecife, Canary Islands
The price is ₩94,090 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
₩94,090
₩100,677 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this hostal in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (145 reviews)
Overall decent accommodation in Arrecife
"Overall very good accommodation, great location at affordable prices. There is a shared kitchen and fridge where you can store your drinks/food. They also had handy lockers to store luggage after check out. The only downsides are that I wished there was a hairdryer in the room and that all reception ..."

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2025

Hostal Residencia Cardona
Hotel Lancelot
Hotel Lancelot
3 out of 5
Mancomunidad Av 9, Arrecife, Lanzarote
The price is ₩160,332 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
₩160,332
₩171,559 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Arrecife. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (957 reviews)
"Very clean and modern hotel, easy access to Intercambiador bus station. Polite member of staff. I highly recommend to stay here."

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2025

Hotel Lancelot
Hostal San Gines
Hostal San Gines
2.5 out of 5
Calle Molino 9, Arrecife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The price is ₩91,282 per night from Feb 25 to Feb 26
₩91,282
₩97,672 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 25 - Feb 26
Stay at this hostal in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Playa de Matagorda and Pocillos Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (124 reviews)
"A nice qiet place to stay"

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2025

Hostal San Gines
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plus Fariones Habitat
Plus Fariones Habitat
3.5 out of 5
Avenida de la Mancomunidad 3, Arrecife
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Playa de Matagorda and Pocillos ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (25 reviews)
"Amazing property!"

Reviewed on Dec 15, 2024

Plus Fariones Habitat
Blue Marina Suites Boutique Apartments
Blue Marina Suites Boutique Apartments
4 out of 5
La Marina, 9, Arrecife, CN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa de Matagorda and Pocillos Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Lovely spacious apartment that was very clean and modern and high tech. The public areas were beautifully designed and clean and the property had a lovely rooftop terrace. However, sometimes the high tech appliances, such as the oven was difficult to operate so perhaps some instructions would be ..."

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2025

Blue Marina Suites Boutique Apartments
Plus Fariones Apartamentos
Plus Fariones Apartamentos
3 out of 5
Timanfaya, 8, Puerto del Carmen, Tías, Lanzarote
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Tías. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (274 reviews)
"Rooms spotless, pool area very well kept, staff excellent (and always helpful), breakfast great. Can't fault hotel."

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2025

Plus Fariones Apartamentos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Arrecife

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

B.

Overall safe and beautiful location with tons of activities.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not as touristy as the North of the island.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Many unique attractions are just a short drive from Arrecife.

4/5 - Good

Robert

The ferry from Plays Blanca to Papaguya beach was very enjoyable. With more time I would like to see more

3/5 - Okay

David

Taxi To and from airport just eleven. Euros