Summary
Arrecife is a resort located on the southern coast of Lanzarote, offering convenient access to stunning beaches and the remarkable volcanic landscapes for which Lanzarote is renowned.
When discussing Arrecife and Lanzarote, one must reference César Manrique, the prominent architect and artist responsible for designing many of the island’s key attractions during the 1970s and 1980s.
Each attraction features its own distinctive logo or motif, such as the fire devil symbol associated with Timanfaya or the cactus found in the Jardín de Cactus.
Furthermore, Manrique advocated for the preservation of Lanzarote’s natural beauty by opposing the development of high-rise buildings, contributing to the island’s characteristic understated tourism architecture.
Let us examine the most notable activities in Arrecife:
1. Playa del Reducto
Playa del Reducto is an aesthetically pleasing beach characterized by two arcs of golden sand, separated by a small rocky section.
The waters are usually calm, making them suitable for swimming, though one should be mindful of the rocks on the seabed.
The beach is meticulously maintained, with options for renting sun loungers and umbrellas, and notably absent are the hawkers commonly found in other tourist venues.
A promenade extends around Punta del Cantito at the beach’s western end, leading to a park area with benches situated along the seawall.
2. Castillo de San José
The 18th-century volcanic eruptions at Timanfaya had a devastating impact on Lanzarote, leading to years of famine and hardship for its inhabitants.
This fortress, constructed in the 1770s under the directive of King Carlos III, was designed not only to safeguard Arrecife from piracy but also as a public works initiative to provide employment for the local populace.
Positioned on a hill, the castle offers expansive and impressive views of the harbor and the ocean.
In the 1970s, Manrique undertook renovations of the interior, establishing a modern art exhibition featuring works from renowned 20th-century artists such as Antoni Tàpies and Joan Miró.
3. Museo Aeronáutico
This museum located within Lanzarote’s airport occupies the building that served as the terminal until 1970. The structure, designed in the art-deco style, may have felt somewhat inadequate for the demands of mass tourism.
Aviation enthusiasts will appreciate the exhibits detailing the history of manned flight, highlighting Lanzarote’s role as a stopover for pioneering transatlantic flights.
Room eight showcases vintage equipment and logbooks from an era when tourism flourished, while room nine represents the original control tower, featuring a 180° panorama of the old runway.
4. Charco de San Ginés
Another initiative by the dedicated César Manrique was the revitalization of this lagoon located in the heart of Arrecife.
He transformed what was once a dilapidated fishing area into a charming pedestrian zone, complete with a footbridge over the water and numerous seating areas for enjoying the view of incoming boats while savoring a refreshing beverage.
The restaurants in this area are more affordable and arguably offer a more authentic Canarian experience compared to those in tourist-heavy locales such as Puerto del Carmen. Surrounding the lagoon, you can appreciate the sight of traditional fishing boats alongside the promenade.
Visiting on Saturdays allows you to explore the stalls at the artisan market.
5. César Manrique Foundation
Located a few kilometers beyond Arrecife’s northern periphery is the former residence and studio of César Manrique, which was opened to visitors posthumously after his death in 1992. The structure was built on a lava flow, featuring innovative designs that incorporate volcanic rock as part of the swimming pool and relaxation spaces.
The museum provides insight into Manrique’s visionary projects for Lanzarote, as well as showcasing works from artists like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró that he collected during his lifetime.
6. Timanfaya National Park
Lanzarote experiences a desert climate, resulting in a National Park that has remained largely unchanged since it was devastated by a significant volcanic eruption in the 1730s.
Over 100 volcanoes have erupted in this region, with lava flows continuing until the 1820s.
The visitor center, designed by Manrique, features a restaurant that prepares meals using geothermal heat sourced from the intense underground temperatures, which can reach as high as 600°C at just a few meters deep. Consequently, access to the park is limited, but guided coach tours provide insights into the main attractions with informative commentary.
7. Rancho Texas
This all-day destination combines a water park with a zoo, featuring engaging animal demonstrations and activities.
A highlight of the event is the daily bird of prey exhibition, where condors, hawks, eagles, and vultures glide just above the spectators’ heads.
Rancho Texas is home to a variety of mammals, including cougars, white tigers, seals, and American bison.
The park also organizes themed “Wild West” nights, complete with horseback riding opportunities for children and Texas-style barbecues featuring hearty fare such as grilled chicken, ribs, and jacket potatoes.
8. Cueva de los Verdes
This remarkable cave, relatively young at just 3,000 years, is a lava tube formed through the movement of hot lava beneath a cooled surface layer, which drained away, leaving a crust that caps the cave.
The tube extends for a total of 7.5 kilometers, with 1.5 kilometers underwater, featuring openings in the ceiling that allow natural light to stream into the cave.
A guided tour lasts just under an hour, with guides providing commentary in both Spanish and English.
One of the most impressive features is an underground concert hall with a capacity of 500 people, hosting performances from April to December.
9. Mirador del Rio
César Manrique also contributed to the design of this scenic viewpoint situated in the northern part of Lanzarote.
You will find yourself on the edge of a cliff nearly 500 meters high, overlooking the beautiful island of La Graciosa.
Gazing east and west, one can see the dramatic cliffs falling away towards the sea.
Manrique’s futuristic viewing gallery is cleverly camouflaged among the volcanic rock. In case of strong winds outdoors, visitors can enjoy the panoramic views from the stylish bar inside.
10. Puerto del Carmen
Within a mere 15-minute journey, you can reach Lanzarote’s principal tourist destination.
This area offers the opportunity to explore other beaches, such as Playa Chica, a cove framed by volcanic cliffs that create tranquil lagoon-like waters.
The marina of Puerto del Carmen serves as a departure point for various cruises, with the Canary Islands being a migration route for numerous whale species and a habitat for dolphins year-round.
When night falls, the area comes alive, offering an extensive selection of bars, restaurants, and clubs on the island.
11. Scuba Diving
Another incentive to visit Puerto del Carmen is the PADI-certified diving centers available in the area, which facilitate access to the premier diving spots on Lanzarote.
Conditions for exploring the underwater environment are optimal, with water temperatures rarely falling below 19°C, excellent visibility, and a diverse array of marine life and underwater landscapes.
The most striking site is a dramatic drop-off a short distance from Playa Chica, home to grouper, deep-sea shrimp, and coral formations.
A complex of caves is situated within the cliff face, with a shipwreck located at the base, adding to the intrigue of the dive experience.
12. Playa de Famara
On Lanzarote’s windward coast, the shoreline is relentlessly pounded by powerful Atlantic waves, with Playa de Famara being the ideal location to witness this raw natural power.
This expansive beach is defined by a towering mountain range to the east and a vast expanse of sand and gravel shaped by waves that break far offshore, creating long stretches of frothy whitewater.
Such conditions create a perfect environment for seasoned surfers and kite surfers to challenge themselves.
For others, it serves as a stunning backdrop for photography and invigorating walks.
13. Jardín de Cactus
Another of Manrique’s visionary projects includes transforming this former quarry into a stunning cactus garden, where the plants are akin to living sculptures.
A pathway meanders along the terraces of the quarry, flanked by various species of cacti, including towering saguaros and stout golden barrels, all thriving in Lanzarote’s arid climate.
Manrique’s distinctive cactus motif is present throughout the garden, which also features a bar designed by the architect where your entry ticket provides one complimentary beverage.
14. Costa Teguise
The next resort located a mere ten-minute drive from Arrecife offers several appealing attractions.
Among these is an 18-hole golf course, providing a unique experience of playing amidst black sand traps or at the foot of a volcano.
Las Cucharas Beach, recognized with a Blue Flag, along with the neighboring Playa del Jablillio, is well-protected from strong currents thanks to two breakwaters and the coastal curve.
This characteristic does not hinder the steady winds offshore, which are highly beneficial for windsurfers and kite surfers, who consider Las Cucharas one of the best locations for water sports in the region.
15. Los Hervideros
This natural landmark can be conveniently incorporated into your visit to Timanfaya, as it is located just a few kilometers down the coastline.
Los Hervideros comprises volcanic cliffs featuring unique patterns which have been shaped by the rapid solidification of lava and the relentless action of water and wind erosion.
The landscape is marked by countless cavities and funnels.
On many days, the ocean exhibits a fierce temperament, and the English translation of these cliffs, “the boilers,” aptly describes the visual phenomenon that occurs when waves crash against the cliffs, forcing water through the openings.
