car hire arrecife
Pick up your hire car at Arrecife airport and head for a city spoilt by stunning beaches and beautiful lagoons. Book car hire arrecife airport now
the 60-second guide to Arrecife
in its own head
"Don't come here if you want to sit in the Rose and Crown watching EastEnders all day. This is the Lanzarote city with a touch of culture!"
but more realistically
It's true that most tourists tend to head straight to the island's big resorts, leaving Arrecife pleasantly quiet. If you're in need of home comforts, you might spot the odd pub though!
the vibe
Along the seafront there's a laid back air which practically forces you to take a seat, quaff some wine and watch the ocean rolling in.
the natives
Arrecife doesn't rely on tourism but it's used to holiday-makers - this is Lanzarote after all - and its residents will welcome you enthusiastically, especially if they own a bar.
the weather
It's basically warm. In the summer the temperature hovers in the mid to late 20s and in winter it rarely drops into the teens.
the local speciality
With a great watery larder on its doorstep you won't be surprised that seafood is popular. Order some papas arrugadas with a mojo picon - potatoes in a spicy sauce - to go with your fish.
the celebrity
Artist and architect Cesar Manrique was born in the city. You can see his sculptures and buildings all over Lanzarote.
did you know?
Lanzarote is in the same time zone as Britain, so you can just roll off the plane and get straight into your holiday without worrying about anything trivial like sleep.
they say
"A quiet, beautiful port city with an historic centre and attractive beaches." - Spanish Tourist Board
5 to see in town...
- 1. El Reducto Beach
- 2. El Charco de San Gines
- 3. La Casa de Los Arroyo
- 4. Castle of San Jose
- 5. Bolas Bridge
All cities should be forced by law to have a wide, sandy beach which benefits from at least seven hours of sunshine a day. A bit like this one.
where to park?
It's free to park your hire car on all the streets around the beach, but it can be tricky finding a space right next to it. There is a big esplanade 200 metres away, where there's usually room.
5 to see in town...
- 1. El Reducto Beach
- 2. El Charco de San Gines
- 3. La Casa de Los Arroyo
- 4. Castle of San Jose
- 5. Bolas Bridge
Most cities could probably do with one of these too - a lagoon in among a jumble of historic buildings. Arrecife's makes a fine spot for an evening stroll.
where to park?
This is located next to the maritime port and has a large area where you can park your hire car for free.
5 to see in town...
- 1. El Reducto Beach
- 2. El Charco de San Gines
- 3. La Casa de Los Arroyo
- 4. Castle of San Jose
- 5. Bolas Bridge
Built in the 18th century by the then military governor of the island, this is not only a great example of Lanzarote's colonial architecture, it's also a science and arts centre.
where to park?
The easiest place to leave you hire car to access this central sight is at the Arrecife Gran Hotel in Avenida Dr Rafael Gonzalez. It costs €6.30 for 24 hours.
5 to see in town...
- 1. El Reducto Beach
- 2. El Charco de San Gines
- 3. La Casa de Los Arroyo
- 4. Castle of San Jose
- 5. Bolas Bridge
This castle was built to defend the island from pirate attacks, so don't bring your cutlass. It now doubles as the home of the International Museum of Contemporary Art.
where to park?
The museum is under a mile from the coast and has its own free car park.
5 to see in town...
- 1. El Reducto Beach
- 2. El Charco de San Gines
- 3. La Casa de Los Arroyo
- 4. Castle of San Jose
- 5. Bolas Bridge
You'll go a long way to see a cuter drawbridge than this. Leading to the equally bijou castle San Gabriel, Bolas Bridge got its name from the balls which sit atop its two supporting columns.
where to park?
The bridge is at the end of the main shopping street in Arrecife, Calle Leon y Castillo. You can park there for free, but if you can't find a space try any of the nearby squares.
and 4 to drive to...
You may be in Lanzarote but you'll think you've stumbled on to the moon if you take a walk through the volcanic landscape of this park.
how to get there?
It's about a 30-minute drive to the park. Take the LZ-2 west out of Arrecife and just before Yaiza, head north on the LZ-67.
and 4 to drive to...
This network of caverns and tunnels was formed by an underground lava river. Fortunately the lava has cooled a bit since then so you won't burn your feet if you go for a walk.
how to get there?
Head north on the LZ-1 and it should take around 30 minutes to get there from Arrecife.
and 4 to drive to...
how to get there?
Take the LZ-1 north, then head onto the LZ-201. It should take around 35 minutes to get to Mirada del Rio.
and 4 to drive to...
This collection of beautiful, secluded beaches and bays are some of the remotest on Lanzarote.
how to get there?
Head west on the LZ-2, then south towards Las Casitas de Fermes. Keep going until you hit the coast - it should take about 40 minutes.
ask a Arrecife cabbie!
Local taxi driver Marcelo Esteban on car hire in Arrecife: "As everywhere, you can feel the traffic becomes dense in rush hour, and when children finish school. It is very common for local drivers to park on roundabouts and zebra crossings, but don't follow their example. And don't be tempted to park in front of any dustbins either. You will be towed away, as the bin collectors empty rubbish at all hours. There are no signs indicating you shouldn't park there, so be warned.".