Travel Guide To Arrecife - Capital Of Lanzarote

Lanzarote is part of the Canary Island chain, and owes its formation to violent volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. The island is the most eastern of the Canaries, and is just 125km from the coast of Africa. Many people are aware of the Lanzarote resorts of Puerto del Carmen, Puerto Calero, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, but do not know that Arrecife is the island's capital city.


If you wish to catch the metropolitan side of Lanzarote - then visit the eastern seaboard city of Arrecife - which has been the island capital since 1852. The city is home to half of the island's population - approximately 45,000 - and offers good shopping, fantastic historical bulidings and long beaches. It is well served by motorways - as the L-71 links it to the north of Lanzarote, and the L-72 and L-73 links to the northwest and west. The main industries in Arrecife are agriculture, business and tourism.

Arrecife gives its name to the nearby international airport, with the city lying just 5 miles east of Arrecife Airport. Originally known as Puerto de Arrecife, for centuries it was the main port of entry to the island, and this was credited to its close distance to the ancient Lanzarote capital of Teguise. The natural deep surrounding water at Los Marmoles made Arrecife the perfect port due to its strategic position - this area is now the home of the ferry and container port areas. During the 1700's and 1800's the port of Arrecife was subject to many savage pirate coastal raids. The testimony to these regular pirate attacks can be seen today when you see two impressive castles that hold guard to the impressive natural port harbour.

Things to Do and See in Arrecife

The most popular attractions in Arrecife are the Castillo de San Gabriel and the Castillo de San José.

Castillo de San Gabriel

Located on a tiny islet called the Islote de los Ingleses, the Castillo de San Gabriel can be reached by two town causeways, one for traffic and one for walkers. The pedestrian walkway passes over the Puente de las Bolas which is a small drawbridge that has a landmark of two cannonballs on top of its big pillars. The castle was rebuilt in its present form in 16th century and the fortress had a huge significance in protecting the harbour and city from attack. The castle is chiselled out of honey coloured stone and is home today to the Ethnographic Museum. Here, you can learn about the native islanders of Lanzarote, the Gaunche people, and view historic items from pottery to jewellery. From the top level of the castle which was awarded National Historic Monument status in 1972, you can get stunning views of the sea and the city.

Castillo de San José

Castillo de San José stands as a timeless monument to the history of the island. It was originally constructed to help defend the city against pirate attacks and to alleviate the effects of the famine that affected the island in the 1730s. Castillo de San José lies to the north east of the town, and on your way to it you will pass Puerto de Naos, the fishing port of Arrecife, and the birthplace of celebrated artist César Manrique, the most famous person from Lanzarote. Puerto de Naos has the largest fishing fleet in the Canaries. You will also see the commercial docking area of Puerto de los Marmoles which is the second largest container harbour in the Canaries. Castillo de San José has a commanding position on a cliff top, which overlooks the sea.

The castle is built from black basalt, and part of the reason for building it was to give work and money to the islanders who were rendered destitute after the volcanic eruptions of the 18th century. It is also known as the "Hunger Fortress" for this reason. After its use as a defence fortress began to wane, the castle began to decay in appearance. However, under the guidance of Manrique, there was a huge restoration of the castle, and the Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo (Contemporary Art Museum) was opened in 1976. The art collection put together by Manrique features work by Picasso, Tàpies and Miró and is well worth taking in as part of a tour of the castle.

Other Attractions to explore

If you head across the road on the way from the town hall you will come across a tidal lagoon called the Charco de San Ginés. The Charco area is a charming promenade that is dotted with palm trees, little bridges, and restored cottages where fishermen lived. In this area you will find Iglesia de San Ginés, which is a church and dedicated to the town's patron saint. Also worth viewing is the old Cabildo Insular building, which has a charming tiled front and a church clock. Take in a trip to Casa de los Arroyos, which dates back to 1749. It has wonderful exhibitions commemorating the work of renowned physicist Blas Cabrera Felipe, who hailed from Arrecife. You will come across his bronze statue on the square by the Paseo Marítimo. Located along the shore near the Castillo de San Gabriel, are the wonderful Parque José Ramírez Cerdá Gardens, with lots of palm trees and colourful plants and flowers.

Shopping

Obviously whilst you are on holiday you are going to partake in some shopping! Calle León y Castillo, a pedestrianised area is the main shopping street heading into the city centre, where the Centro Commercial Atlantida with Lanzarote's largest department store is located. You can also purchase some wonderful local handrafts in the city.

Beaches

The main beach at Arrecife is Playa del Reducto, which offers good bathing and clear waters. Here you cannot miss the view of Gran Hotel Arrecife, the tallest building of Lanzarote. Another beach to check out is Playa del Cable, 2 km further to the west.

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.

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