The Castle  of San Gabriel (Castle  of Saint Gabriel) is in Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. It was built in the 16th Century on an islet known to locals as ‘islote del Castillo’, with the aim of protecting the island from the continuous pirate attacks.

At first, in around 1572, a wooden fortress was built that proved insufficient to withstand the atacks. So just a few decades later a stone castle was constructed and has remained intact ever since.

As it is located on an islet, you can only access it via a bridge called the Puente de las Bolas, which along with the Castle holds the status of a National Historic Heritage Site. Together they give shape to a beautiful spot that has become on the best-known sights of Arrecife.

Museum of the History of Arrecife

Over time, the castle lost its military importance, and in 1972 it was decided to convert it into a museum. It now houses the Museum of the History of Arrecife (Museo de la Historia de Arrecife) which showcases the military equipment that was used in the past.

Opening hours and prices

• Monday to Friday: 10am – 5pm
• Saturdays: 10am – 2pm

Closed on Sundays unless there are cruise ships docked (10am – 4pm)