4 Best Sights in Arrecife, Canary Islands

This double-wall fortress was once used to keep pirates at bay. You can walk out to the fortress over Puente de las Bolas, with lovely views of the port and city, and then explore the small (Spanish-only) museum inside. There's usually an English-speaking attendant on hand able to provide basic historical info.

The old waterfront fortress Castillo San José was turned into this stunning modern art museum (aka MIAC) by the architect César Manrique. One of his paintings is on display, along with works by Cardenas, Beaudin, Zóbel, Tàpies, and others.

Playa del Reducto is an attractive urban beach, ideal for relaxing after you've looked around Arrecife. It's well maintained and protected by natural reefs, so swimming is usually like swimming in a warm lake (just watch out for rocky outcrops at low tide). The beach, overlooked at the eastern end by the high-rise Arrecife Gran Hotel, is backed by a pleasant promenade that goes all the way to Puerto del Carmen. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; walking.

Housed in the original bandstand in the municipal park, this visitor center has detailed maps and information about local points of interest.