Hotel Lancelot

Arrecife is the capital and main port of Lanzarote, a working city on the east coast with a seafront promenade, a small lagoon known as the Charco de San Gines, and a mix of shops, cafes and museums. It is not a resort, and that is its appeal for travellers who want practical value, local restaurants and an easy base for the whole island. Hotel Lancelot offers a budget-friendly stay in the city, a few minutes from the airport, with buses to the resorts and to the north and south within walking distance of the centre. It suits independent travellers, short stays, and anyone who prefers a real town to a holiday complex.

Arrecife has more to offer than its reputation as a transit stop suggests. The Charco de San Gines is a pretty lagoon lined with small restaurants and boats, the Castillo de San Gabriel sits on a small island reached by a drawbridge, and the Castillo de San Jose, a former fortress, houses a contemporary art museum designed with the help of Cesar Manrique.

The seafront promenade is a pleasant evening walk, and the city beach at El Reducto is a handy place for a swim without leaving town. Tapas bars and fish restaurants serve local dishes such as grilled fish, papas arrugadas and goat stew at much lower prices than in the resorts.

The central position is the main advantage. Costa Teguise is about fifteen minutes by car, Puerto del Carmen is ten to fifteen, and Teguise, Timanfaya and the Playa Blanca coast can be reached in thirty to fifty minutes. Buses run from the central station to the main resorts, and taxis are cheap.

If you plan to see the volcanic parks, the vineyards and the north, hire a car for two or three days and use public transport for the rest. The airport is close enough that early flights are easy, which is helpful for the first or last night of a trip.

There is no beach resort atmosphere, so expect a city rhythm, with traffic in the day and quieter evenings away from the main streets. Weather is mild all year, with warm sunny days from spring to autumn and cool, windy evenings in winter. The sea at the city beach can be rough, so check conditions. Room types, breakfast, parking and facilities vary, so check the details when you book, and ask for a quieter room if the street is busy.

A sensible plan is to treat Arrecife as a hub, with day trips to the sights, two mornings in the old town and the castles, and evenings at the lagoon. Bring a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes and small change for buses.