Visiting markets is a different way to discover a tourist destination, as it gives us an authentic experience and helps us, to a certain extent, understand some of its customs. What’s more, it’s a great way to support local businesses, helping the farmers that work the land as well as artisans from the region. By visiting one of the markets in this article, you’ll also be able to find that souvenir from Lanzarote that you want to give to a loved one or take home to remind you of your stay on this beautiful island.

The best markets in Lanzarote

As you would expect, the most important markets on the island, in terms of size and number of visitors, are held on weekends. The following two markets are the largest on the island:

  • Arrecife Market. The Arrecife Tourist and Craft Market takes place in Lanzarote’s capital every Saturday morning between 9 AM and 2 PM on Plaza de las Palmeras in the city centre. Said plaza, also known as Plaza de San Ginés—as it is home to the homonymous parish—is the heart of the market, although it also spreads out along neighbouring streets. The market is organised in the following manner: food stalls are concentrated on Plaza de las Palmeras, selling vegetables, bread, artisan cakes, wine, cheese and jams, among other produce, whilst other stalls—cosmetics, crafts, decorative items and clothes—can be found on the streets surrounding the plaza. The main advantage of the Arrecife Market is that it is held in the capital, in an area full of bars with outdoor seating, so you can round off a morning of shopping with a beer or soft drink at some of the eateries. Likewise, it’s worth exploring the surrounding area to discover neighbouring tourist attractions, such as the emblematic San Ginés Lagoon, the Las Bolas bridge and the castle of San Gabriel.
Quesos en el mercadillo de Teguise
Canary cheese in Teguise market
  • Teguise Market. Rivalling that of Arrecife is this Sunday market, which takes place in the old town of Teguise and is considered one of the most important in the archipelago. This is mainly due to the number of visitors that congregate every Sunday and the variety of products that it offers. In fact, the small town of Teguise, which is a peaceful haven during the week, completely transforms on Sunday mornings, hosting around 400 stalls and numerous shoppers in search of bargains. The main difference between this market and others in Lanzarote is that here you can find works of art, as many Lanzarote artists have set up their workshops in the area. As a result, you can buy ceramics, baskets made by local artisans and ocarinas—interesting wind instruments similar to a whistle. Naturally, you will also find stalls selling traditional Lanzarote food. The market also usually livens up thanks to live performances by local folk bands, making it a perfect place to enjoy traditional song and dance.

Other weekend markets:

Saturdays:

    • Haría Artisan Market. The market was declared a Tourist Attraction in the Leisure and Events category in 2004 by the Lanzarote Tourist Board. It is held on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Plaza León y Castillo, and is particularly notable for the quality of the crafts, both traditional and modern, that are sold at its stands.
    • Tías Market. The town of Tías is 15 minutes away from Arrecife by car. The market has a wide range of farmers’ produce on offer and is open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
    • Marina Rubicón Market. Also held on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM it is noteworthy for its setting next to the port and for the variety of shops and restaurants in its surrounding area.
    • Uga Market. Held on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A great thing to do before is to visit the La Geria vineyards—which are just five minutes away by car—to help you grasp the system implemented by local people to produce wine on land with less than favourable conditions. Later on at the market you can buy a bottle to enjoy at home once you have returned from your holidays.

Sundays:

    • Tinajo Famers’ Market (Mancha Blanca). This town surrounded by volcanoes has held a farmers’ market since 2006. Visitors can buy farm produce as well as fish and confectionary. However, it is also notable for organising interesting activities linked to the primary sector—a great option for learning about the production methods of farmers and cattle breeders in Lanzarote. For example, demonstrations are given on millet toasting, grape treading for the production of wine and how to prepare gofio, a traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains. It takes place every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Calle Virgen de los Dolores.
    • San Bartolomé Farmers’ and Handicraft Market. By car, the town of San Bartolomé is just over ten minutes away from Arrecife and five minutes from the Casa Museo del Campesino, a place that is more than worth the visit. The market takes place on Plaza de León y Castillo, next to the church of San Bartolomé, and shoppers will find farm produce, cake and crafts. What’s more, it is a perfect option if travelling with kids, as it also boasts workshops for infants related to Canarian games and traditions, among other themes.

As you can see, we weren’t exaggerating when we said that there are markets for all tastes in Lanzarote. Choose one and shop like a local at Lanzarote’s local markets!