Location & Transportation
When you arrive in Arrecife, your ship will likely dock at one of two places. You may arrive at the cargo docks at Muelle de Los Marmoles Port – a scenic 30-minute walk from the town center – or at the new cruise dock La Boca de Puerto Naos, which is only about 1 km from central Arrecife. Shuttles are sometimes provided, although they aren’t always free.
Taxis are easy to find. If you’re headed to nearby Teguise – which was the island’s capital until 1852 – the meter ride usually costs around €18 one way. A cab ride within Arrecife tends to be around €10. This makes it simple and affordable to explore nearby attractions right from the port.
Sightseeing
Arrecife has a relaxed charm and a rich history that’s best experienced on foot. Some highlights I enjoyed include:
- The natural rock reef along the beach – the name “Arrecife” means reef in Spanish.
- El Charco de San Ginés: A peaceful salt-water lagoon in the city center bordered by traditional fishermen’s houses.
- La Casa de Los Arroyo: A historic residence now housing the "Blas Cabrera" Scientific Center.
- The twin castles:
- Castillo de San José: Home to an international Museum of Modern Art.
- Castillo de San Gabriel: Features an Archaeological Museum.
- Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz and the 17th-century Iglesia de San Ginés are also must-sees.
- The influence of César Manrique is evident all over the island. His unique vision even shaped local building guidelines – for example, many buildings were designed to be no taller than a palm tree. If you have time, visiting the César Manrique Foundation at The Volcano House in Tahíche is well worth it.
Tours & Excursions
If you’re planning to explore further afield on Lanzarote, there’s plenty to do:
- Rent a car right outside the port (only a 50-meter walk to the rental office). Rates can be less than €40 a day, with companies like Cicar offering attractive deals.
- Drive to discover remote, volcanic landscapes – the island is small! In about 40 minutes, you can cross from the north to the south.
- Head to Teguise, the old capital, and visit landmarks like Guanapay Castle perched on a volcanic cone.
- Explore the unique, moon-like terrain of Malpaís de la Corona, with highlights such as:
- Los Verdes: An immense volcanic cave stretching 6 km (3.5 miles) long.
- Jameo del Agua: A striking lagoon set within volcanic formations.
- Don’t miss a trip to the Timanfaya National Park, where you can:
- Stop at the Mancha Blanca Visitor Center for an insightful exhibition (free entry).
- Experience the Islote de Hilario: For about €8, you get a thrilling bus ride through the volcanic landscape complete with a geyser demonstration.
- Cap off your visit with a camel ride among the volcanoes.
- For a relaxed pace, note that taxis can also arrange four-hour excursions; fares are around €150 for a tour around the island (check local taxi fare details here).
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
Arrecife’s shopping scene is centered along the waterfront avenues Generalísimo Franco and León y Castillo. I found that:
- Many shops benefit from Lanzarote’s special duty-free tax status. This means items like cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes, and even petrol are often much cheaper than on mainland Spain.
- Whether you’re browsing for souvenirs or luxury goods, the relaxed pace and pleasant seaside setting make for an enjoyable shopping experience.
Dining
The dining options in Arrecife are a blend of traditional Canarian cuisine and Spanish classics. Some tips from my visit:
- Enjoy fresh seafood and local tapas in cozy waterfront restaurants.
- Look out for traditional dishes such as “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce.
- Many eateries line the promenades, offering alfresco dining with sea views that are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Culture & Local Events
Lanzarote has a distinct cultural flavor shaped by its history and the visionary ideas of artists like César Manrique. Here are some local tips:
- The euro is the local currency. Remember that it’s divided into 100 cents, available in coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus 1 and 2 Euros) and banknotes (in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euros).
- Museums are generally closed on Mondays, so plan your visits accordingly.
- To get a taste of local life, check out the various festivals and events. For instance, you can learn more about local fiestas by visiting this festivals and events guide.
- While tipping is not obligatory in Spain, leaving a small amount (around 5-10%) for good service is appreciated.
- Stay aware of your surroundings, and in case of an emergency, remember that dialing 112 will connect you to local emergency services.