Markets in Lanzarote provide the ideal place to purchase some original Canarian products.

In these picturesque, colourful and multi-ethnologic places you'll find nearly everything, from basic food produce to the ultimate fashion trend, all in a familiar relaxed atmosphere.

Most markets on the island are held in the morning from around 8:00 to 14:00, so you'll need to get there early and be prepared to haggle like a professional to secure the best bargains.

Every Saturday morning, from around 9:00 to 14:00, a street market is held on the Plaza Leon y Castillo in Haria, offering a selection of craft items and souvenirs, food items and locally produced agricultural products.

The largest street market on Lanzarote is held every Sunday morning in the centre of the old town of La Villa de Teguise, which is some 8 miles north of Arrecife.

In recent years every person entering the market does have to run the gauntlet of innumerable timeshare touts attempting to lure you to their development with offers of free car hire, free holidays or even cash rewards.

Just smile, keep walking, and say no, and they'll soon move on to the next likely candidate.

Once inside the market it usually takes around 1.1/2 to 2 hours to see everything, although to secure the best bargains you will have to haggle with the traders.

A couple of words of advice, do not start to negotiate if you have no intention of buying, but do not be afraid to say no and walk away if the prices do not fall to a level that you are prepared to pay for an item.

Common sense we know, but still easy to forget.