In addition to the standard "see Lanzarote in a day" type trips run by most of the major tour operators, these are a
few of the islands other attractions that may be worth a visit:
Casa Mayor Guerra
Casa Mayor Guerra, just to the west of San Bartolome, is the 18th Century home of the former
military Governor of Lanzarote, and although at present it is not open to the general public, the house is currently
undergoing a major refurbishment project that will hopefully see it's doors soon opening to visitors.
Castillo de San Gabriel
The Castillo de San Gabriel was originally built in 1574 on a small island
at the entrance to Arrecife harbour, which was then connected to the mainland via a causeway and drawbridge.
However, less than 12 years after its construction the original Castillo de San Gabriel was completed destroyed
during a raid by the Algerian pirate Morato Arraez.
The castle was subsequently rebuilt in 1599, and was then
continuously used for military purposes well into the late 1950's. The castle today is the home to the Lanzarote
Museum Archaeological and Ethnographic and is open to the general public most days. Contact details are:
Castillo de San Gabriel
35500
Arrecife
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 802 884
Castillo de San Jose
The Castillo de San Jose, is substantially bigger than the Castillo de San Gabriel, and
proudly stands overlooking the harbour at Arrecife.
Construction of the castle began in 1776
during the rule of King Carlos III, and it is widely believed that the only purpose of this project was to create
work for the impoverished local population of Lanzarote.
The Castillo de San Jose has since 1974, housed The Museum of Contemporary Art which features
a collection of works by many of the 20th Century's greatest artists including Picasso, Bacon, Miro
and, of course, Lanzarote's own Cesar Manrique. Contact details are:
Castillo de San Jose
Calle Puerto Naos, s/n
35500
Arrecife
Lanzarote
Telephone: +34 928 812 321