Lanzarote (Arrecife), Canary Islands, Spain - Cruise Port Guide

Location

When arriving by cruise ship in Arrecife, there are two potential docking locations. The cargo docks at Muelle de Los Marmoles Port, situated about a 30-minute walk from Arrecife town center, and the new cruise dock La Boca de Puerto Naos, which is much closer to town (1 km). Shuttles are typically provided, although they may not always be free.

If docked at Muelle de Los Marmoles Port, you have the option to walk or use available shuttles to reach the town center. On the other hand, if you dock at La Boca de Puerto Naos, the proximity to town makes transportation more convenient.

For those considering a visit to Teguise, taxis to Teguise use meters, and the cost is approximately 20 euros for a one-way trip. Teguise was the capital until 1852 when the decision was made to move the capital to Arrecife due to its prominence as the main shipping port and trading center on the island.

If you prefer a taxi ride to Arrecife, the cost is approximately 20 euros per cab. Taxis are readily available and provide a convenient means of transportation for exploring the town or reaching other destinations on the island.

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Monthly climate averages for Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain

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Sights

Arrecife, the city on the island of Lanzarote, gets its name from the rock reef that covers the beach in the city ('Arrecife' is Spanish for 'reef').

For visitors with more than a few hours on the island, considering an excursion is advisable, especially during the siesta period from noon until around 5 pm when most businesses are closed.

Lanzarote is renowned for its moon-like landscape, and Arrecife, while somewhat sleepy, can be easily explored within an hour or so. Noteworthy places to visit include El Charco de San Gines, a salt-water lagoon in the city center surrounded by fishermen's houses; La Casa de Los Arroyo, a patriarchal residence emblematic of Arrecife and a declared Historical Monument that houses the "Blas Cabrera" Scientific Center.

Other interesting attractions include the Castles of San Jose, which is home to the International Museum of Modern Art, and San Gabriel, housing the Archaeological Museum. Additionally, explore the Casa de la Cultura Agustin de la Hoz and the 17th-century Iglesia de San Gines, an important landmark in historical Arrecife.

César Manrique, a significant influence on the region, played a key role in shaping the island's aesthetic. His guidelines included restrictions on building heights (except for church towers), the ban on roadside hoardings, the requirement to lay electric cables underground, and a recommendation for villages to decorate in white and green. The Volcano House César Manrique Foundation in Tahíche is a compelling visit, showcasing his enduring impact on Lanzarote's architectural and environmental harmony.

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Tours, excursions and transportation

Car hire in Lanzarote is relatively inexpensive, making it an ideal choice for exploring the remote wilderness regions of the island. It takes approximately 40 minutes to cross the entire island from North to South and about 25 minutes from East to West by car. Right outside the port, there is a car rental office within a 50-meter walk, offering cars for cheap.

Noteworthy places of interest on the island include Teguise, the old capital, featuring the Guanapay Castle set on a volcanic cone; the oasis-like Haría; Malpaís de la Corona, home to the immense volcanic cave called Los Verdes, measuring 6 km (3.5 miles) long; and the nearby Jameo del Agua lagoon. The National Park of Timanfaya is a spectacular expanse of lava covering nearly one-third of the island, offering awe-inspiring views and a barren landscape. A popular excursion involves camel rides through the volcanoes.

When renting a car, drive towards Tinajo and follow the signs to Timanfaya. The first stop is the Mancha Blanca Visitor Center, providing an exhibition and overview of Lanzarote (free). The second stop is Islote de Hilario, where an 8 euro entrance fee includes an hour-long bus ride through the volcanic landscape and a "geyser" demonstration—a thrilling experience not to be missed. The last stop, a mile or two further, is where the camels await.

Arrecife boasts three beaches: Playa Blanca, El Reducto, and Guacineta. Playa El Reducto, just south of Arrecife, is often considered the best beach in the area.

Shopping and food

In Lanzarote, shops and restaurants are concentrated around the waterfront avenues of Generalissimo Franco and Leon y Castillo. These areas provide a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of shopping and dining options for visitors to explore.

Lanzarote, along with the other Canary Islands, benefits from a special duty-free tax status. This means that items such as cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes, and petrol are available at significantly lower prices compared to mainland Spain and the rest of the European Union. Visitors often take advantage of these duty-free prices to make purchases during their stay on the island.

Other information

Currency: Euro.

Emergency number: 112.

Language: Spanish serves as the official language across the entirety of Spain. Nevertheless, other languages coexist alongside Spanish in specific regions of the country.