Arrecife: Local Heritage in Long-Standing Castles
Arrecife, Spain is a city in Las Palmas that was named after the rock reef covering its beach. The earliest recorded history of the city is in the 15th century, during which it was a small fishing settlement. In 1964, the first sea-water desalination plant of Lanzarote was established in Arrecife.
Best Time to Visit
With a desert climate, it is ideal to visit Arrecife during the months of October through June. The busiest months are usually January, March, and August. Tourists are least likely to visit in September. Every August, usually from the 15th until the 25th, Fiesta de San Gines is held to honor the city’s patron saint, San Gines. On the last night, there is a breathtaking fireworks display at the main beach. Of course, carnivals are part of the culture; and Arrecife Carnival is held annually between February and March for about two (2) weeks. Locals come in colorful costumes depending on the selected theme for the year.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The city is home to a lot of historic castles. First in the list should be Castillo de San Jose, which was built in the 18th century as a defensive fortress. In the 1970s, it was redesigned to serve as a contemporary art museum. By 1976, it opened its doors to the public as International Museum of Contemporary Art. Have fun taking pictures at the Telamon Shipwreck. Another popular destination is Castillo de San Gabriel, which was used for military purposes until the 1950s. Some of the best Arrecife, ES hotels include Hotel Diamar & Business Center, the 5-star Arrecife Gran Hotel, and Hotel Lancelot.