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).
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.