El Charco de San Ginés
El Charco is a natural seawater lagoon in the centre, ringed by white houses and colourful boats. It's the city's most photogenic spot and the heart of its food scene, with terraces that fill up in the evening.
Castles and art
- Castillo de San Gabriel: a fortress on an islet, reached by the Puente de las Bolas bridge.
- Castillo de San José: an 18th-century fort housing the MIAC contemporary art museum, promoted by César Manrique, with a restaurant over the harbour.
El Reducto beach
A golden urban beach with calm water, a promenade, showers and bars. Perfect for a swim before breakfast, like the locals.
Walking and shopping
Calle Real is the main shopping street. The promenade continues for kilometres towards Puerto del Carmen.
Where to eat
These are our trusted food spots in the area, the ones we recommend to our guests:
- AntípodaBreakfast · specialty coffee
- The Brunch BreakBreakfast & brunch
- StravaLunch & dinner
- LiliumLunch & dinner · creative Canarian cooking, Michelin Guide recommended
- Bar LunaLunch & dinner
Besides these recommendations, before you arrive we will send you our island guide, which we keep up to date.
A base for the whole island
Arrecife is central: the airport is 10 minutes away, Puerto del Carmen 15, Teguise and Famara 20, Timanfaya 30. The bus station connects with almost every village.
Is Arrecife for you?
If you want to see how people live in Lanzarote, eat well, get around without a car and have the whole island within half an hour, yes.