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.
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 9 miles inland from Costa Teguise.
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.
The Transporte Interurbano de Lanzarote run a special bus,
La Linea 11,
from Costa Teguise to the market at Villa de Teguise. However, due to the popularity of the market, these buses do get
very busy, and have in the past also been known to attract pick-pockets.
A smaller street market is also held every Friday evening between 5pm and 10pm around the Pueblo Marinero
in Costa Teguise.
This market offers the usual tourist souvenirs and fakes, but is worth a visit since it is held
in the evening and Pueblo Marinero has a nice atmosphere where you can enjoy some Tapas, drinks or a more
formal dinner in between browsing the stalls.
Every Saturday morning from around 9:00 to 14:00, a further street market is also held beside the Cabildo on the
Recinto del Parque Temático de Arrecife, in nearby Arrecife.
Launched in 2010, this market offers a selection of craft
items and souvenirs, food items and locally produced agricultural products.