Arrecife: Culture, Coast and Museums

Arrecife offers views of fortification history, modern art and the coast. The Castillo de San Gabriel was built in the 16th century as a defensive structure against repeated pirate attacks and, together with the Puente de las Bolas, is designated as a National Monument.

History

The Puente de las Bolas preserves a 175-metre-long paved path that connects the city of Arrecife on one side with the fortification on the other. The Museo de Historia de Arrecife presents various periods of the history of Arrecife and Lanzarote.

Culture

The MIAC houses a collection of 20th-century works, including works by Picasso, Miró, Chillida and Tàpies. The MIAC opened in 1975 to promote, collect and exhibit important works of modern artistic creation.

La Casa Amarilla is located on Calle León y Castillo, one of the best-known streets in the old town of Arrecife. The exhibitions at La Casa Amarilla are free of charge and are located on the ground floor, making access easier for visitors. On Saturdays, the house offers guided tours at 11:00 a.m. by prior reservation.

The museums in and around Arrecife focus on different areas: the Museo de Historia is dedicated to the periods of the city’s and island’s history, while the MIAC preserves 20th-century art. Nearby, there is also the Callejón El Aguaresío Museum, the Museo Arqueológico de Lanzarote and the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo Castillo de San José. Further afield is the Museo Tanit.

Coast

A long seafront promenade runs along the coast of Arrecife. The Charco de San Ginés is a seawater inlet in the heart of Arrecife, around which the island’s first fishing settlement developed.

In the immediate vicinity of Arrecife are Playa Reducto, Playa del Cable and Playa Honda. Further away in the surrounding region of Arrecife is Playa de Matagorda.

The coastal references therefore range from the seawater inlet in the heart of the city, through the nearby beaches, to the beach farther away in the surrounding region. These different geographical categories can be considered separately when cultural sites in the city and coastal excursion destinations are assessed alongside one another.

History, art, coast and cuisine offer different focal points for your personal daily planning in Arrecife.

Cuisine

Arrecife offers specialities of Lanzarote cuisine, including fish dishes, fresh seafood, papas arrugadas with mojos and local cheeses.

For accommodation planning in Arrecife, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions are among the details that describe a holiday apartment more closely. This information complements the city’s cultural, coastal and culinary themes.

For the overall travel overview: Lanzarote.

More destinations

More places at the same destination:

Tajaste, Caleta de Famara, Playa Quemada, El Mojón, Las Laderas, La Hoya, Montaña Blanca.