| Arrecife | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms  | ||
| State | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Canary Islands | |
| Territory | Lanzarote | |
| Altitude | 20 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 22.72 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 55.700 (2013 census) | |
| Prefix tel | 34 928 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 35500 | |
| Time zone | UTC | |
| Patron | San Gines | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Arrecife is a city in Spain, the capital of the island of Lanzarote.
To know
Geographical notes
The town is located on the east coast of the island of Lanzarote in an area of cliffs and islets (hence the name); it is the most important port of the island and the international airport is 5 km away.
When to go
The climate is almost constant throughout the year with an average annual temperature around 20 ° C. The maximum temperature never exceeds 28 ° C, while the night temperature in winter can reach 11 ° C.
Background
Inhabited by a few aborigines (Guanci) due to the inexistence of water sources, it became a small fishing village after the Spanish conquest in the fifteenth century. The official foundation of the city took place only in 1798 when the small natural port (lagoon "Charco de San Ginés") was enlarged becoming an important place of trade. Far from the original capital, Teguise, about 12 km took its place in 1847.
How to orient yourself
Arrecife: full screen map.How to get
By plane
Lanzarote International Airport (Aeropuerto de Guacimeta) is located 5km to the south.
How to get around
By car
The small size allows you to park your car as soon as possible and proceed with the visit on foot. This is also advisable for the numerous one-way streets and stopping bans.
What see
Tourist interest is limited to the area of the original nucleus, the Charco de San Ginés, the small marine lagoon that favored the first port settlement around which white houses were built to form a sort of amphitheater.
- Iglesia de San Ginés de Clermont. Parish church with characteristic white architecture with a bell tower edged in dark stone. It stands on Plaza de las Palmas, a small square shaded by palm trees with a monument in the center adorned with succulent plants and benches on which to relax in the shade.
- Castillo de San Gabriel. The small fort is located on an islet a few tens of meters from the shore. It can be reached via two bridges, the oldest and most impressive is called "Puente de la Bolas".
- Calle Léon y Castillo. Beautiful pedestrian street where the most beautiful shops of Arrecife overlook, with the cross street Calle Otilia Diaz (leading to the church of San Ginés) it forms an important commercial area.
- Castillo de San José. It is a strong post in defense of the 18th century port (Puerto Naos). It houses a contemporary art exhibition and a famous restaurant; the renovations were supervised by the architect Cesar Manrique, unfortunately the view is now limited to the new commercial port.
- The Amarilla House, C /. León y Castillo, nº 6, ☎ 34 928 839782.
Mon-Fri 10: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-20: 00, Sat 10: 00-14: 00. The yellow house is an information space that organizes temporary exhibitions focusing on the knowledge and memory of Lanzarote. - Playa del Reducto. Large well-kept sandy bay with all comforts. From here starts the walk that runs along the sea to Castillo de San Gabriel.
Mon-Fri 10: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-20: 00, Sat 10: 00-14: 00. The yellow house is an information space that organizes temporary exhibitions focusing on the knowledge and memory of Lanzarote.Events and parties
- Arrecife Carnival (Carnaval de Arrecife). The two weeks before Ash Wednesday the city comes alive for the carnival. Street performers, music competitions, election of the "Queen of Carnival", but the most important day is Monday (before Shrove Tuesday) when the parade takes place.
