Lanzarote´s capital city of Arrecife can often be overlooked by visitors to the island.  But this bustling conurbation has loads to offer – including two historic castles, an inland lagoon, a city centre beach and the best shopping on the island.

Arrecife has been the island capital since assuming the mantle from Teguise in 1852.  And whilst not considered a holiday resort per se it still boasts some of the best hotels in Lanzarote.  Such as the only high rise establishment on the island – the Arrecife Gran.

Back in the 1970´s the island government actually banned all construction above the height of a Canarian palm tree, in order to ensure the relatively controlled evolution of tourism on the island.  However the Arrecife Gran somehow slipped through the net.  And today this seventeen story edifice is the only tall building on Lanzarote – granting guests great views across the island.

Arrecife also boasts some much older but equally impressive architecture.  Such as the two fortresses that lie just 2km apart in the centre of the city.  The older of the two, the Castillo San Gabriel, was built in the 1590´s in order to protect Arrecife from repeated pirate incursions.  And today houses a small but fascinating exchition of artefacts from the pre-Spanish inhabitants of the island, an aboriginal race called the Guanche.

Arrecife´s second castle, the Castillo de San Jose is located close to the cruise liner and ferry port at Porto Naos.  And was built in the 1800´s – primarily as a means of helping to alleviate the poverty that engulfed the island during this period.  As Lanzarote recovered from the impact of successive large scale volcanic eruptions.

As a result the castle quickly became known locally as the Fortress of Hunger.  And rather ironically today is home to one of the most upmarket restaurants in Lanzarote.  Which is housed in the castle’s basement, with great views across to the port. 

The main hub of the capital is the principal shopping thoroughfare – Calle Leon Y Castillo.  Which is home to the best selection of shops on the island.  And which is located right next to the inland lagoon called El Charco – which Lanzaroteños refer to as the puddle. 

In reality El Charco is a lot more impressive than this appellation implies and is a great venue for strolling around or just relaxing with a drink at one of the many water front bars and cafes.

And for even more serious relaxation what better than a spell on the beach?  Few capitals boast their own stretch of sand and the palm fringed beach at Playa El Reducto provides a playground for both residents and visitors to the city alike.

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