Things To Do
in Arrecife
Arrecife is the capital of Lanzarote, located on the island’s eastern coast along the Atlantic. It blends a historic center with a modern marina and a lively seafront promenade. The Charco de San Ginés, a shimmering tidal lagoon, sits at the heart of its charm, surrounded by bright streets and seafood spots.
With year‑round mild weather and easy access to beaches and volcanic landscapes, Arrecife makes a convenient base for exploring Lanzarote.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Arrecife Airport and settle into your seaside hotel near Charco de San Ginés. Enjoy a freshly brewed café con leche as you gaze over the shimmering lagoon. Begin wandering the narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and artisan shops.
Savor a traditional tapas lunch along Calle León y Castillo and browse local boutiques. Visit the Church of San Ginés and admire its simple Canarian architecture. Discover contemporary art at the CIC El Almacén cultural center just a short stroll away.
Dine on freshly caught fish at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the harbor. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as the lights of the marina come to life. Cap off the night with a paseo along the promenade and a glass of local Malvasía wine.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast at a beachfront café steps from the golden sands. Set up your towel and umbrella at Playa del Reducto, renowned for its calm waters and fine sand. Take a refreshing swim in the Atlantic and enjoy the gentle sea breeze.
Play beach volleyball or try snorkeling to spot colorful fish near the rocky outcrops. Grab a light seaside lunch of fresh salads and grilled seafood at a chiringuito. Relax under a straw parasol with a cold canary beer or tropical mocktail.
Stay on the sand to watch a spectacular sunset paint the sky in pink and orange hues. Relish tapas like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce as the evening breeze cools the shore. End the day with live acoustic music at a nearby bar overlooking the beach.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $1.5-3 |
| 🏨1 night in mid-range hotel | $90-150 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏖️Beach equipment rental (umbrella, chair) | $6-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mild year-round climate and good access to beaches
- Compact city center with historical charm and modern marina
- Rich volcanic landscapes close by for day trips
- Smaller nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Some areas can be windy or touristy in peak season
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Arrecife
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque tidal lagoon framed by colorful houses and boats; great for sunset silhouettes and reflections.
A cliffside fortress offering maritime views and architectural interest; ideal for panoramic harbor shots.
Museum with contemporary art set in a dramatic sea fortress; striking contrasts of art and ocean backdrop.
Yachts and boats along the harbor with calm morning light and sunset hues.
Food in Arrecife
Arrecife Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small, salted potatoes cooked in a very small amount of water and served with red or green mojo sauce.
Must-Try!
Salt cod stew with potatoes and mojo; a comforting canarian classic.
Almond‑based dessert traditionally finished with lemon and sugar syrup.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh seafood, produce, cheeses, and small stalls with prepared bites and snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a courteous 'Buenos días/tardes' or 'Hola.' Maintain a friendly, casual tone. Handshakes are common in initial meetings.
Expect a slower pace during the afternoon; dining late is common, especially in seaside towns.
Smart-casual is typical for nicer restaurants; beachwear is fine on the beach but not in town centers or shops.
Safety
Tipping in Arrecife
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is common if service is not included.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with light winds from the east; expect abundant sunshine, beach days, and lively outdoor dining. Hydration and sun protection are essential; sea breezes can lessen heat in the evenings.
Mild temperatures (roughly 15–20°C) with occasional rain. Less crowded than peak season, making it a comfortable time for city walks and cultural visits; evenings can be cooler so bring a light jacket.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes; ideal for hiking around La Geria and coastal walks without intense heat.
Similar to spring, with comfortable days and fewer visitors than summer; great for wine-tasting in La Geria and outdoor photography.
Arrecife at Night
Hiking in Arrecife
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A volcanic crater hike in Timanfaya National Park offering panoramic island views.
Walk through the Green Gorge and nearby caves; dramatic lava formations along the route.
Scenic walk among black volcanic soil and rows of grapevines in the wine region.
Airports
How to reach Arrecife by plane.
Lanzarote's main international airport, located near Arrecife; frequent connections to Europe and beyond; easy taxi or bus transfer to the city.
Nearby secondary option with additional flight connections; accessible by short flight or ferry to Lanzarote.
Larger hub on Gran Canaria with many international routes; a short flight or ferry trip can connect you to Lanzarote.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority local residents, often with tight family networks and strong connection to tradition and regional events.
Year-round visitors from Europe and beyond, with peak season during spring and summer.
Foreign residents, including retirees and remote workers drawn to the climate and island lifestyle.
Local and international students in language schools and universities visiting Lanzarote for studies or exchange programs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed and played in local clubs and parks.
Lanzarote’s beaches and winds offer good conditions for water sports, especially on the east and north coasts.
Popular among locals and visitors, with routes through volcanic landscapes and coastal roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arrecife.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetable tapas, goat cheese dishes, potatoes with mojo, and salads; ask for mojo sauce variations and avoid broths or fish stocks if strictly vegetarian.