Puerto del Carmen

Arrecife

The capital of Lanzarote since 1852 and home to approximately 64,000 residents. The city's name derives from the Spanish word for reef (arrecife), reflecting the volcanic rock formations along its coastline. Key landmarks include the Castillo de San Gabriel (16th century, accessible via Puente de las Bolas drawbridge), the Castillo de San José (18th century, houses the Museum of Contemporary Art), and the Charco de San Ginés lagoon lined with whitewashed fishing boats. The city is the commercial and cultural hub with a bustling port handling cruise ships and inter-island ferries.