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Arrecife
On a little islet just off the seafront promenade, reached via the 18th-century Puente de las Bolas or a more recent Franco-era bridge, the 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel was originally built to fend off pirate attacks. Today it holds the Museo de Historia de Arrecife, with Spanish-language exhibits on the island's geology, flora and fauna as well as pre-Hispanic life, the Spanish conquest and the capital's history.
Climb to the battlements for sweeping views across Arrecife.
3.15 MILES
Upon returning definitively to Lanzarote, César Manrique built his spectacular house and creative centre, Taro de Tahíche, into the lava fields just…
12.85 MILES
Lanzarote's most spectacular sight, the eerie 51-sq-km Parque Nacional de Timanfaya sprawls around the Montañas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) formed by…
25.26 MILES
This nature park of yellow dunes stretches along the east coast for about 10km south from Corralejo; it's also several kilometres wide, so covers a lot of…
15.49 MILES
A yawning, kilometre-long chasm, the Cueva de los Verdes is the most spectacular segment of an almost 7km-long lava tube left behind by an eruption 5000…
15.52 MILES
When molten lava seethed through this volcanic cavern around 5000 years ago, the ocean leaked in slightly, forming the startling clear azure lake that…
Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo
1.33 MILES
Converted into an art gallery in 1976, on César Manrique's wish, the well-preserved 18th-century Castillo de San José houses one of the Canaries' major…
13.02 MILES
Frozen in time, complete with Manrique's clothes in the cupboard and personal art collection adorning the walls, the palm-shaded final home of the island…
14.13 MILES
One of the most magical swimming spots on Lanzarote, this cluster of glittering turquoise natural pools dots the coast in the tranquil whitewashed fishing…
0.18 MILES
This handsome mustard-yellow, tile-walled 1920s building was once the headquarters of Lanzarote's Cabildo; it now hosts rotating exhibitions.
2. Biblioteca Universitaria Municipal
0.2 MILES
In the green-shuttered former Parador building, right on the seafront, this university library conceals four wonderful early César Manrique murals,…
0.22 MILES
Dating from 1665 and featuring Tuscan-style columns, a neoclassical tower and a 17th-century statue of the island’s patron saint, this triple-nave church…
4. Centro de Innovación Cultural El Almacén
0.3 MILES
Occupying a duo of 19th-century townhouses, this cultural centre was remodelled into an arts hub by César Manrique in 1973, then revamped once more in…
5. Museo Arqueológico de Lanzarote
0.32 MILES
Tucked into the repurposed mansion of 20th-century lanzaroteño doctor and architect Fermín Rodríguez Bethencourt and his wife Manuela García Parrilla,…
0.33 MILES
Fringed by homes and restaurants in a beguiling combination of mildly down at heel and freshly whitewashed (with blue trim), the attractive natural San…
0.63 MILES
If you fancy a dip, the city’s main beach is lovely: an arc of pristine pale-gold sand fringed with lofty palm trees and a promenade. It's safe for…
8. Museo Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo
1.33 MILES
Converted into an art gallery in 1976, on César Manrique's wish, the well-preserved 18th-century Castillo de San José houses one of the Canaries' major…