TRAVEL GUIDES DIRECTORY: LANZAROTE SPAIN: ARRECIFE

Arrecife is a natural harbor sheltered by a barrier of reefs and islets. At the beginning of the 15 th century, a small fishing community formed on the banks of El Charco de San Gines . It has been dated from 1403 as a port being utilized to transport provisions to Gadifer .

As mentioned, an aboriginal population had settled in the surroundings of San Gines . Being under the constant attack of pirates, a fort was raised, and, after being burned, was rebuilt as El Castillo de San Gabriel.

In the year 1630, the merchant named Francisco Garcia Santellas constructed a hermitage at San Gines which as now converted into the parish Church of San Gines. Here one can admire the salt carpets that the islanders prepared for the festival of El Corpus .

In the early years of the 19 th century, Arrecife became a city, when the capital of the island changed from being Teguise to Arrecife due to the trading of la barrilla (material used in the production of soap) and cochineal (an expensive natural colorant), and its fishing fleet. And, in 1908, the first commercial port was developed.

The festivals of Arrecife are the most important since they are the oldest. San Gin in August involves popular music, sailing competitions, and many other exciting activities.

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