Lights, Tradition and the Sea: Seven Plans for Christmas in Arrecife
Yes, Christmas is coming. Every year we repeat the rituals and the excitement, but sometimes these holidays can be difficult due to the number of commitments or even because of the emotional burden. If this year you want to experience a truly different and sustainable Christmas, we’re waiting for you in Arrecife with seven plans that are as simple as they are comforting for body and soul. Merry Christmas!
Swap your coat for your swimsuit
In Arrecife we tend to beat all the Christmas clichés, if only because of our year-round spring-like weather. Take the opportunity to do some outdoor sport, swap your coat for your swimsuit, and your alpine skis for water skis. We suggest you book a room in one of the capital’s seafront hotels, and rent a bike or go swimming, windsurfing, kayaking or scuba diving. Remember that the waters of the urban beach of El Reducto are perfect for water sports such as paddle surfing.
Give the gift of craftsmanship and authenticity
The capital’s Christmas market is located in the historic quarter, opposite the Charco de San Ginés. The beauty of this inlet is sure to influence your shopping choices. You might remember friends or relatives who will love some of the handicrafts or gourmet products on offer at these stalls. Imagine the smiles you’ll get when you give them Malvasia wine from La Geria, fleur de sel from the Salinas de Janubio or local handicrafts such as lace or indigenous-style pottery.
Enjoy cultural walks
If you have decided to forget about your car this Christmas, you are in luck because Arrecife offers endless possibilities for leisure and culture in just a few square kilometres. Its marina is exceptional, even within the archipelago, not only for the enormous wealth and biological diversity of its waters, but also for being home to some of the island’s main historical monuments: the Puente de las Bolas, the Casa de Los Arroyo, the Castillo de San Gabriel and the Castillo de San José (MIAC). The best thing about this cultural walk is that you can do it on foot and at your own pace.
Experience nights under the stars
In Lanzarote we can enjoy the luxury of celebrating the night-time Christmas festivities in the open air, and Arrecife is one of the best places on the island to enjoy this privilege. We suggest you start the route at sunset, spending the evening at the Islote de Fermina or on one of the terraces by El Charco. Delight in the colours as the sun paints the coastline and then cross the little bridge that leads to the clubs and discotheques of Marina Lanzarote, with its fun, family atmosphere. Tip: don’t miss the view from the 17th floor of the Arrecife Gran Hotel. Your favourite drink will taste even better in this stunning setting.
Shop without crowds
We know it’s hard to believe, but in Arrecife’s shops no one has to wait in long queues at the cash registers and no one has to wait endlessly to be served. In addition to this peace of mind and the friendliness of the service, whether in small shops or in large shopping centres, there is also the advantage of the price (taxation levels in the Canary Islands significantly reduce the price of the articles). Take advantage of this to buy aloe vera products from Lanzarote, top brand fashion items or high-end cosmetics and perfumery.
Feel our Christmas tradition
If Christmas makes your heart beat a little faster, in Arrecife you’re going to enjoy it twice as much. The whole city is packed with Christmas details: the spectacular nativity scene made of jable (local sand) that is created on El Reducto beach, the lights (this year the city streets are lit by a million sustainable LED lights), the traditional carol concerts from parrandas, choirs, Christmas ranchos (a tradition that arose from the prayers sung to the dead), folk groups and more. During these festivities, Arrecife puts its traditions on show and welcomes anyone who wants to experience them with open arms.
Discover the authentic Manrique-style Tardevieja (New Year’s Eve)
Get to know the Manrique of Arrecife, the city where he was born. You can expect to come across one of his interventions at almost every turn: in the Plaza de Las Palmas, which houses the Church of San Ginés, or in the Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz, the Real Club Náutico and the old Parador de Turismo hotel, which all have murals by the artist. His presence was immortalised a few years ago on the seafront avenue through the sculpture La Mirada de César, which allows visitors to take a selfie with this fascinating artist who devised environments where people can enjoy life. This is no exaggeration: have a quiet snack in the restaurant of the Castillo de San José and you’ll understand what we’re talking about. Finally, if you’ve decided to say goodbye to the year with the locals, we’ll be waiting for you at the iconic Tardevieja at the Centro Insular de Cultural El Almacén, created by Manrique in the 1970s. There is no better way to start the year, and we’ll be waiting to welcome you!