Arrecife

Travel Guide

Papagayo Beach showing rugged coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Papagayo Beach featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a beach
Papagayo Beach featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and boating
Cesar Manrique Foundation
Papagayo Beach which includes a sandy beach, rocky coastline and general coastal views
A superb exploring destination, this coastal capital offers exciting artisanal markets, tropical beaches, a pirate-filled history and tapas bars by a lagoon.

Sample the relaxed pace of Arrecife, Lanzarote's attractive coastal capital. The 50,000 local residents never seem to rush. Join them in enjoying life's daily pleasures, from desayuno (breakfast) treats to beach tapas. 

Begin your day on Arrecife's central thoroughfare, known as Calle Leon y Castillo or Calle Real. Have a hot chocolate served with churros, a sugar-dusted pastry, and explore the many duty-free shops. 

For more shopping, visit La Recova Market’s cluster of stalls offering varied artisanal goods. On Saturday, scope out vintage bargains at La Recova's market for second-hand goods.

Arrecife's history is plagued by piracy. Raids by Berber pirates and British privateers were commonplace in the 17th and 18th centuries. Delve into this past as you visit San Gabriel Fort, built after a raid by famed pirate Morato Arraez. 

Another battlement, Fort San Jose, offers delightful views of Arrecife's main port, Muelle de los Marmoles, from its on-site restaurant. Within this impressive structure, enjoy innovative pieces at the International Museum of Contemporary Art. 

Relax on the gorgeous shoreline, which has a tropical feel with white sand and palm trees. Tan, read or swim at Playa del Reducto, the main beach. Rise early to see the action at nearby Calle Liebre, the fish market, and buy swordfish or sama, a local delicacy. 

Let the kids run loose at Parque Tematico, a park with play equipment, skating ramps and manicured gardens. Watch an art film at the Atlantida cinema complex.

Watch model sail boat racing at Charco de San Gines, Arrecife's Lagoon. Admire Iglesia de San Ginés (Church of St. Genesius) or enjoy tapas at bars around the lagoon promenade.

Arrecife is located next to the international airport on Lanzarote's east coast. Get around town by rented car, but be wary of parking regulations as police aren't afraid to tow. After sunset, take a romantic stroll under warm streetlights of the San Gines promenade. 

Where to stay in Arrecife

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Argana

Argana is well-liked for many features, particularly its beaches, bars, and golf courses. Though there might not be top sights in Argana, consider a stop by Sports City of Lanzarote or El Reducto Beach, located nearby.

Argana
Hotel Lancelot
Hotel Lancelot
3 out of 5
Mancomunidad Av 9, Arrecife, Lanzarote
The price is ¥13,806 per night from May 18 to May 19
¥13,806
¥14,772 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Arrecife. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (977 reviews)
Very accommodating
"Good location, near a bus stop that was handy to get around the city and be used as a pick up point for day trips. Good breakfast selection, and offered a picnic breakfast as long as it was requested the day before which came in very handy when we had to leave earlier for trips. Dinner selection ..."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Hotel Lancelot
Hostal San Gines
Hostal San Gines
2.5 out of 5
Calle Molino 9, Arrecife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The price is ¥6,827 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
¥6,827
¥7,305 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
Stay at this hostal in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Playa de Matagorda and Pocillos Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (146 reviews)
"very nice hostel. very clean. just one thing yes you will hear your next room neighbours very loudly. But its hostel. Otherwise very nice place for a short stay( i stayed 1night only) . Nice and very friendly staff!"

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

Hostal San Gines
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
5 out of 5
Parque Islas Canarias S/N, Arrecife, Lanzarote
The price is ¥32,860 per night from May 1 to May 2
¥32,860
¥35,160 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Arrecife. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (989 reviews)
"Excellent hotel in the central location. Close to the beach. Delicious breakfast with a lot of choices. Will go back in a heart beat."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Arrecife Gran Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Blue Marina Suites Boutique Apartments
Blue Marina Suites Boutique Apartments
4 out of 5
La Marina, 9, Arrecife, CN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Playa de Matagorda and Pocillos Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Lovely spacious apartment that was very clean and modern and high tech. The public areas were beautifully designed and clean and the property had a lovely rooftop terrace. However, sometimes the high tech appliances, such as the oven was difficult to operate so perhaps some instructions would be ..."

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2025

Blue Marina Suites Boutique Apartments
Plus Fariones Habitat
Plus Fariones Habitat
3.5 out of 5
Avenida de la Mancomunidad 3, Arrecife
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Arrecife. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Playa de Matagorda and Pocillos ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
Good location
"Location is good. Several bars around which was a little noisy on Sat night but not noticeable at all rest of week. Fab pizza place up the road. Taxi rank opposite. Room spacious, clean and well kitted out. Only issue was online hotel checkin asked for passport front photo when they actually wanted ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

Plus Fariones Habitat
Grupotel Flamingo Beach
Grupotel Flamingo Beach
3.5 out of 5
AV. de las Canarias, Yaiza, Las Palmas
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Yaiza. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (171 reviews)
"The hotel property is right next to the beach and sea view available from almoat all rooms. Many pools and multiple activites are also a plus for this venue. There are Multiple dininng options in and around the property. The only challenge i would say will be for people with disabilities.. the property ..."

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Grupotel Flamingo Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Arrecife

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

B.

Overall safe and beautiful location with tons of activities.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Not as touristy as the North of the island.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Many unique attractions are just a short drive from Arrecife.

4/5 - Good

Robert

The ferry from Plays Blanca to Papaguya beach was very enjoyable. With more time I would like to see more

3/5 - Okay

David

Taxi To and from airport just eleven. Euros

Cities near Arrecife