The Charco de San Ginés is one of the most visited spots on Lanzarote. It is a large natural salt water lagoon which was originally a small fishing port, it is surrounded by little whitewashed fishing houses. During the Conquistador era it was a stop off point on the route taken by the ships returning to Spain from Latin America.
These ships carried a variety of goods, including gold, and this attracted the attention of pirates which prompted the construction of forts such as the San Gabriel and San José Castles.
This port became so important that Lanzarote’s capital was eventually changed to Arrecife from Teguise, this was also down to the volcanic activity seen further inland.
Over time, the port’s size increased and the Charco de San Ginés was only used by small fishing boats.