A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Arrecife: The Hidden Gem of the Canary Islands

Arrecife, the capital of the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, is a vibrant and lively tourist destination. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, Arrecife offers visitors an unforgettable experience.

The charm of the city

Arrecife is a city that perfectly combines the old and the new. The old town, with its narrow, cobbled streets, is full of historic buildings and traditional charm. Here, visitors can explore the Church of San Ginés, a beautiful 17th-century building, and the Castle of San Gabriel, a 16th-century fortress that houses a history museum.

The modern city, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a lively promenade and a golden sandy beach. In addition, the Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque saltwater lake surrounded by white fishermen's houses, is a perfect place for a peaceful walk or a romantic dinner.

Natural attractions

Arrecife is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. To the north of the city is the Timanfaya National Park, a vast lava field that offers a fascinating insight into volcanic geology. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by camel, or by bus, and enjoy spectacular views from the Mirador del Río, a viewpoint designed by the famous local artist César Manrique.

To the south of Arrecife, visitors can discover the Salinas de Janubio, the largest salt flats in the Canary Islands, and the Hervideros, a series of caves and arches formed by sea erosion on volcanic lava.

Activities and experiences

Arrecife offers a wide range of activities and experiences to suit all tastes. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic, while nature lovers can explore the island's rich flora and fauna on a hiking or cycling tour.

In addition, Arrecife is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars and clubs where visitors can dance until dawn. And for those seeking a cultural experience, the city offers a number of festivals and events throughout the year, from the lively Carnival to the International Music Festival of the Canary Islands.

In summary, Arrecife is a tourist destination that has it all: history, culture, natural beauty, and fun. No matter what you're looking for in your vacation, you're sure to find it in this hidden gem of the Canary Islands.

Gastronomic Products of Arrecife

• Wrinkled Potatoes with Mojo

  This is a typical dish from the Canary Islands and very popular in Arrecife. It consists of small potatoes cooked with skin in salt water. They are served wrinkled and accompanied by mojo, a sauce that can be green (based on coriander or parsley) or red (based on red peppers and garlic).

• Gofio

  Gofio is an unrefined flour of toasted cereals, usually wheat or corn, which is used in numerous dishes of Canarian cuisine. In Arrecife, it can be found in various preparations, from breakfast to dinner, in dishes such as watercress stew with gofio or gofio mousse.

• Majorero Cheese

  Although originally from the island of Fuerteventura, Majorero cheese is highly appreciated in Arrecife. This cheese, made with goat's milk, has a soft texture and an intense and characteristic flavor. It can be tasted alone, with palm honey or in dishes like Majorero cheese salad.

• Fresh Fish

  Given its coastal location, Arrecife offers a wide variety of fresh fish. Among the most popular are the parrotfish, a fish with white meat and a mild flavor, and the grouper, a rock fish with a more intense flavor. Both are usually prepared grilled or baked, accompanied by wrinkled potatoes and mojo.

Sporting Activities in Arrecife, The Canary Islands

Diving

Arrecife is an ideal place for diving thanks to its crystal clear waters and rich marine life. There are several diving schools that offer courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers.

Surfing

The Canary Islands are known as the "Hawaii of Europe" due to their excellent surfing conditions. Arrecife, with its sandy beaches and powerful waves, is a popular destination for surfers.

Cycling

Arrecife offers a network of bike lanes that allow you to explore the city and its surroundings. In addition, the island of Lanzarote, where Arrecife is located, is famous for its mountain biking routes.

Hiking

The Canary Islands are a paradise for hiking lovers. In the surroundings of Arrecife, you can find hiking routes that will take you through impressive volcanic landscapes.

Place near Arrecife

If you are in Arrecife and wish to explore a bit more, here we present a nearby city that offers a unique tourist and gastronomic experience:

Teguise, in Lanzarote, is a historical gem with colonial architecture, vibrant markets and a rich culinary scene. Try traditional Canarian food, such as watercress stew and majorero cheese, in its cozy restaurants and wineries.