Teguise was the capital of Lanzarote for centuries, and its old streets and squares still have the pale, low, quietly grand look of a colonial town on a volcanic island. On Sundays the centre fills with stalls for the most famous market in the Canary Islands. You will find handicrafts, leather and jewellery, linen and beachwear, ceramics, local cheese and sweets, spices and plants, along with street food, musicians and a good deal of people-watching. It is a visitors’ market as much as a local one, so expect a lively, touristy mood rather than a quiet village morning, and treat it as a way to see a historic town with a bonus of shopping and snacks. The market takes over the main square and the lanes running off it, and the church, the old houses and the courtyards that open to the street are part of the pleasure. Above Teguise stands the Castillo de Santa Bárbara on its volcanic cone, a landmark you can see from much of the town.
How it works
Entry is free and there is nothing to book. The market runs on Sundays, and the busiest period is usually the late morning. Because hours and the number of stalls can vary, check the town’s tourism information before you set out if you are planning around a specific time. Cash in small notes is useful for stalls, although many traders now take cards. Bring a bag for purchases, since stall-holders may not supply one.
What to expect
Crowds, especially from late morning, and narrow lanes where it can be slow going with a pushchair. Prices at the stalls are a mix, so look around before buying, and take a polite approach to bargaining where it is the custom. Food stalls and cafés around the square make it easy to eat there, and the town’s old buildings give plenty of reasons to step out of the crowd.
Take a hat and sunscreen, because the main square has limited shade. Parking in the town fills quickly on market days, so allow time to find a space on the approach roads and walk in.
Making the most of it
Arrive early to see the stalls being set up and to beat the coach parties, then drive on to the Fundación César Manrique or north to the Manrique sites for the afternoon. Teguise also sits close to Costa Teguise, so it is an easy half day for visitors based on the east coast.
If you are keen on crafts, walk the side streets as well as the square, where smaller stalls sell more unusual goods. Visit on another day if you prefer a quiet town: on other days the streets, churches and cafés are calm and the market stalls are gone.
What to expect
The experience
A free open-air market in the streets and squares of the former island capital, with crafts, food stalls and music.
Best time
Go on a Sunday morning, early enough to find parking and to see the stalls before the late-morning crowds.
How long
Allow two to three hours for the stalls, a coffee and a walk through the old town.
Tips
Bring small notes, a bag, a hat and sunscreen, and expect to park on the edge of town and walk in.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a lively Sunday morning with crafts, snacks and an old Spanish town.
- Families
- Children enjoy the music and the busy stalls, but narrow lanes make pushchairs awkward when it is crowded.
- Couples
- Wander the side streets for the quieter stalls and stop for a long coffee in a courtyard.
- Pair with
- The Fundación César Manrique at Tahíche, or the northern sights for the afternoon.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours, or a half day with a nearby stop.
Good questions
Which day is the Teguise market?+
It is held on Sundays in the centre of Teguise. Check the town’s tourism information before you go for the latest details on timing.
Is there an entrance fee?+
No, wandering the market and the old town is free. You only pay for what you buy or eat.
What can I buy there?+
Typical stalls sell crafts, leather and jewellery, clothing and beachwear, ceramics, plants, spices, local sweets and cheese, plus street food.
Is parking easy?+
Parking fills quickly on market days. Arrive early, expect to park on the approach roads and allow a short walk into the centre.
Is it worth going if I am not shopping?+
Yes, the town itself is a pleasant sight. Teguise was the island’s capital and its old streets, squares and churches reward a walk even without buying anything.
