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Introduction to the history of the castles of Lanzarote and their function
The castles of Lanzarote were built to protect the island from corsairs and pirates, although their evolution was very different.
Today, these fortresses are a symbol of that era of maritime trade and invasions, and each one reflects the influence of different cultures, from the aboriginal inhabitants to the European colonisers.
The local culture of the island is also rooted in these buildings, which have inspired legends and traditions that still endure today, making the castles of Lanzarote another tourist attraction that allows visitors to learn about the historical legacy of the island.
Which are the most famous castles in Lanzarote?
Several castles can be visited in Lanzarote, military constructions with very interesting histories. Let’s see which are the most outstanding:
1. San Gabriel Castle in Arrecife
Philip II ordered the construction of this castle in Lanzarote in 1576 but pirates left it seriously damaged a decade later. It had to be rebuilt and in 1972 it was declared a National Historic Heritage Site. It has also been an Asset of Cultural Interest since 1979 and currently houses the Arrecife History Museum.
- Where it is: Arrecife coast, near the fishing port of San Ginés.
- Visiting hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00; Saturday, from 10:00 to 14:00; Sunday, closed.
- Price: €1.80 – €3
- Recommended visiting time: About 45 minutes.
- How to get there by public transport: You can reach the historic centre of Arrecife with good connections and then walk to the fortress.
- Guided tour: No, but there are explanatory panels.
2. San José Castle in Arrecife
This fortress was built on the orders of Charles III in the 18th century, after the eruptions of Timanfaya, in order to provide work for the population and prevent famine. For this reason, it was originally known as the Fortress of Hunger. It is built of volcanic rock and fell into disuse until César Manrique convinced the authorities to restore it in the mid-20th century. Today it houses the International Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Where is it: In Puerto Nao, Arrecife.
- Visiting hours: 11:00 to 18:00. Open every day of the year.
- Price: Between €1.50 and €5 (children 0 to 6 years old, free).
- Recommended visiting time: Approximately 1 hour.
- How to get there by public transport: There are good transport links to the area and then you can access the site on foot.
- Guided tour: Ask about tours for small groups.
3. Santa Bárbara Castle in Teguise
This castle in Lanzarote is located on the Guanapay volcano in the town of Teguise. It was built at the beginning of the 14th century by Lancelotto Malocello and in the first half of the 15th century a watchtower was built to anticipate the arrival of pirate ships. After several reconstructions and a period of abandonment, in 1991 it was converted into a museum dedicated to Canarian emigration to America. Today it is the Museum of Piracy.
- Where it is: On the mountain of Guanapay, in the town of Teguise.
- Visiting hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Price: €3 (discounts for residents and free for children up to 11 years old).
- Recommended visiting time: At least 1 hour.
- How to get there by public transport: You can get there by bus to the historic centre and then walk about 30 minutes to the fortress-museum.
- Guided tour: No.
4. Las Coloradas Castle in Playa Blanca
This castle is also known as Torre del Águila and is the only defensive fortress in the south of Lanzarote. It owes its name to its proximity to Las Coloradas beach and was built in 1741 on the remains of the old Torre del Rubicón. It was set on fire by pirates and rebuilt but is still closed to the public. There are plans to turn this circular castle into a museum.
- Where is it: On the seafront at Playa Blanca.
- Visiting times: You can visit the outside freely.
- Price: There is no access to the interior, so the exterior visit is free of charge.
- Recommended visiting time: about 15 minutes.
- How to get there by public transport: You can easily reach the seafront and then cross the drawbridge to get closer to the castle.
- Guided tour: No.
Which is the oldest castle on Lanzarote?
Santa Bárbara Castle, also known as Guanapay Castle, is considered the oldest of the castles on Lanzarote. It was built in the mid-14th century.
Do the castles on Lanzarote have access for people with reduced mobility?
Most of Lanzarote’s castles do not have access for people with reduced mobility due to their narrow spaces, complicated access, slopes and steps, etc. However, there are areas in some of them that are adapted.
What museums are there inside the castles in Lanzarote?
As we have already seen, Lanzarote’s castles today have different functions to those they had in their origins. Many of them house museums:
- San Gabriel Castle is the Arrecife History Museum.
- San José Castle is the International Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Santa Bárbara Castle is the Piracy Museum.
Visiting Lanzarote’s castles could be the ideal plan for your holidays.
