Sights in Arrecife
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A
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
Converted in 1994 by the Fundación César Manrique into a sleek modern-art museum, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo is housed in the Castillo de San José, which was built in the 18th century to deal with pirates and, at a time of famine on the island, to provide unemployed locals with a public-works job scheme. Today it houses the most important collection of modern art in the Canaries.
Aside from a couple of early works by Manrique himself (which may help explain why he turned to architecture), artists such as Miró, Millares, Rivera, Gerardo Rueda, Sempere and Tápies are on show. Both gallery and restaurant are well worth the 30-minute walk from the city centre.
reviewed
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B
Centro Insular de Cultura El Almacén
Another vibrant gallery space is the Centro Insular de Cultura El Almacén, a cultural centre housed in a former warehouse that has had a stylish makeover, once again influenced by Manrique. There are exhibitions, a cinema (showing original-version films) and a bar and restaurant named after César's old buddy, Picasso, where you can enjoy live music at weekends.
reviewed
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C
Charco de San Ginés
The Charco de San Ginés is an attractive lagoon that could be a commercialised, Portofino-style place but, thankfully, it's not (yet). The buildings and restaurants here are a beguiling combo of mildly down-at-heel and freshly whitewashed with blue trim.
reviewed
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D
Castillo de San Gabriel
The city's second castle, the curiously squat 16th-century Castillo de San Gabriel was sorely tested on several occasions by Moroccan and European pirates. Today it is home to occasional exhibitions, but generally closed to the public.
reviewed
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E
Playa del Reducto
If you fancy a dip, Playa del Reducto is a superb white sandy beach, a thong's throw from Calle Dr Rafael González Negrín. It's safe for children, reasonably clean and, generally, surprisingly empty.
reviewed
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F
Iglesia de San Ginés
The Iglesia de San Ginés, an attractive church consecrated to the island's patron saint, was built in 1665 and features a statue - which originated in Cuba - of said saint. Opening hours vary.
reviewed