Telamón Shipwreck
A hauntingly beautiful 'ghost ship' stranded on Lanzarote's coast, offering a surreal monument to maritime history and a vibrant underwater world.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dramatic light for photos
Telamón Shipwreck
Best Time
Dramatic light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hauntingly beautiful 'ghost ship' stranded on Lanzarote's coast, offering a surreal monument to maritime history and a vibrant underwater world.
"It's one of the most unique and thought-provoking sights in Lanzarote, a quiet symbol of time, tragedy, and beauty."
⚠️ Safety First!
Do not attempt to board the wreck. Rusty edges are sharp and the structure is unstable. Admire from a safe distance.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The wreck is stunning at sunset. The light casts dramatic shadows, creating a truly atmospheric scene.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ghost Ship
Near Las Caletas, Arrecife
A hauntingly beautiful, rusted cargo vessel stranded on the coast, a surreal monument to maritime fate.
Vibrant Marine Life
Surrounding waters
Abundant fish, including barracuda and hammerhead sharks, make the waters around the wreck a haven for divers.
Coastal Cycle Path
Arrecife to Costa Teguise
An excellent cycle path runs along the coast, offering unique views of the shipwreck and the surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Wreckage
Best Viewing & Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Safety First!
Do not attempt to board the wreck. Rusty edges are sharp and the structure is unstable. Admire from a safe distance.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The wreck is stunning at sunset. The light casts dramatic shadows, creating a truly atmospheric scene.
🚲 Coastal Cycling
Cycle from Arrecife to Costa Teguise for unique views of the shipwreck and coastline.
🐠 Marine Life Spotting
The waters around the wreck teem with fish, including barracuda and hammerheads. Great for snorkelers and divers.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Safety First!
Do not attempt to board the wreck. Rusty edges are sharp and the structure is unstable. Admire from a safe distance.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The wreck is stunning at sunset. The light casts dramatic shadows, creating a truly atmospheric scene.
🚲 Coastal Cycling
Cycle from Arrecife to Costa Teguise for unique views of the shipwreck and coastline.
🐠 Marine Life Spotting
The waters around the wreck teem with fish, including barracuda and hammerheads. Great for snorkelers and divers.
🦀 Shoreline Exploration
Look for colorful crabs on the black volcanic rocks near the shore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Telamón Shipwreck is a unique and hauntingly beautiful sight, often described as a 'ghost ship.' Visitors appreciate its striking visual appeal, especially at sunset, and the rich marine life in the surrounding waters. However, some find the reality less dramatic than edited photos, and access to the wreck itself is prohibited due to safety hazards.
"Crazy place. Went up there during my holidays, need to be careful and watch out for dead birds on the top and rusty edges - they are very sharp. Next to ship you will see a looooooot of different fish 🐠, including barracuda and hammerhead shark…."
Yeva
"The Telamón, often referred to as the Ghost Ship, is one of those rare, mysterious places that invite reflection and wonder. Beached just off the coast near Las Caletas, this stranded cargo vessel, rusted by time and the elements, stands like a surreal monument to the unexpected turns of maritime fate.
There is something deeply poetic about its presence—silent, weathered, and immobile—yet full of implied stories. I highly recommend stopping by, even briefly, just to observe it from the shore and take a quiet moment to meditate on the derelict beauty and the strange trajectories the world can take.
Although official access is prohibited, we did notice a few people approaching the ship by jet ski, which seems risky and potentially unsafe. Still, from a safe distance, the Telamón is hauntingly impressive and makes for stunning photographs, especially around sunset when the light casts dramatic shadows over its twisted frame.
It’s not a traditional tourist attraction, but I would suggest it’s one of the most unique and thought-provoking sights in Lanzarote. If you're in the Arrecife area, it’s absolutely worth a short detour. Let the image of this abandoned vessel linger with you—it’s a quiet symbol of time, tragedy, and the beauty that can be found in decay."
Q G
"To be honest, I was a little bit disapointed. Because I saw really nice (obviously edited) photos on the internet but reality was a little bit different.
However it is still worth of visiting.
In Arrecife, Lanzarote, the “Barco Fantasma” refers to the Telamón, a shipwreck that has become an iconic and eerie sight along the coastline.
The Telamón Shipwreck:
• History: Originally named Temple Hall, the Telamón was a cargo ship built in 1954. It was carrying wood when it suffered a structural failure and began taking on water near Lanzarote in 1981. The ship was deliberately grounded near Arrecife to prevent it from sinking completely.
• Location: It rests partially submerged near Las Caletas, just outside the main port of Arrecife.
• Current State: The rusting hull of the Telamón has become a striking feature of the coastline, often called the “ghost ship” of Lanzarote due to its abandoned and haunting appearance.
• Tourism: While you cannot explore the wreck up close for safety reasons, it is a popular spot for photography and can be viewed from the nearby shore.
The Telamón serves as a reminder of Lanzarote’s maritime history and adds an air of mystery to the island’s cultural and natural landscapes."
Matúš Komarňanský
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Telamón Shipwreck is located near Las Caletas, just outside Arrecife. You can reach it by car, and there's a coastal cycle path that runs from Arrecife to Costa Teguise, offering excellent views of the wreck.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the wreck, you can usually find parking in the nearby Las Caletas area or along the coastal road.
Yes, you can walk along the coastline to view the shipwreck. The terrain can be rocky, so wear appropriate footwear.
Public transport options are limited directly to the wreck. It's best to combine a bus to Arrecife with a walk or cycle along the coast.
Many visitors enjoy cycling along the coastal path for unique perspectives. Others prefer to view it from the shore, especially during sunset for photography.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Telamón Shipwreck is visible from the shore and does not require an entrance ticket. It's an open-air sight.
Official access to the shipwreck is prohibited for safety reasons. The structure is unstable and dangerous.
As it's an outdoor sight, you can view the Telamón Shipwreck at any time. However, sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photos.
While not a traditional tourist attraction, some local tour operators might include it as part of a broader Lanzarote island tour, especially for photography enthusiasts.
There is no admission fee to view the Telamón Shipwreck from the shore.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for photographing the Telamón Shipwreck, as the golden hour light creates dramatic shadows and a haunting atmosphere.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the entire wreck against the sea and sky, close-ups of its rusted details, and shots incorporating the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws in Lanzarote before flying. Some FPV pilots have captured stunning aerial footage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the wreck. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a tripod for low-light sunset shots.
The coastline offers various viewpoints. The cycle path provides elevated perspectives, while the rocky shore allows for ground-level shots.
🎫 🐠 Underwater Exploration
Yes, the waters around the Telamón Shipwreck are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving, with abundant marine life.
Divers and snorkelers can expect to see a variety of fish, including barracuda and even hammerhead sharks.
Several dive centers in Lanzarote offer excursions to the Telamón Shipwreck. It's advisable to book in advance.
While swimming is possible, be cautious of currents and the sharp, submerged parts of the wreck. Stick to designated snorkeling/diving areas.
Visibility can vary depending on conditions, but it's generally good, allowing for clear views of the wreck and marine life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a bike ride along the coastal path for a more engaging way to see the wreck, ensuring children are supervised and wear helmets. The nearby waters are also home to diverse marine life, which can be a great educational point for kids interested in ocean creatures. 📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Capture wide shots of the entire wreck against the vast ocean or focus on the intricate textures of the decaying metal. For art lovers, the shipwreck is a poignant symbol of decay and resilience, inviting contemplation on themes of time, nature, and human endeavor. 🐠 Divers & Snorkelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Telamón
+1For decades, the Telamón has been a prominent fixture on the coastline, slowly succumbing to the elements. Its rusted hull has earned it the moniker "Ghost Ship" due to its eerie and abandoned appearance. This stranded vessel stands as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea and the stories held within maritime disasters.
+1Despite its historical significance, the Telamón has been a subject of legal disputes regarding its removal, with some locals viewing it as an eyesore while others appreciate its unique character. It remains a powerful symbol of Lanzarote's maritime past and a unique point of interest for visitors.
Experiencing the Telamón: Beyond the Shore
Many visitors find it a place for quiet reflection on the power of nature and the passage of time. For the more adventurous, the waters surrounding the Telamón are a vibrant underwater world. Snorkelers and scuba divers can explore the rich marine life that has made the wreck its home, encountering various fish species, including barracuda and even hammerhead sharks.
Another popular way to appreciate the Telamón is by cycling along the excellent coastal path that connects Arrecife to Costa Teguise. This route provides unique vantage points of the shipwreck and the rugged Lanzarote coastline, making for a memorable and active exploration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit