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 Friday a colourful street market is held around the Plaza Varadero, which is near to the old harbour in Puerto del Carmen. There's typically around 60 - 70 stall each week, offering a selection of locally produced fruit, vegetables and crafts, along with a selection of other Canarian products including flowers and clothes etc.

If you are visiting Lanzarote on a self catering basis, the Saturday morning Farmers market, held at nearby Tias, is an ideal place to purchase fresh locally produced vegetables, at a fraction of the price that you would expect to pay in the local resort supermarkets.

Every Saturday morning from around 9:00 to 14:00, a 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.

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 7 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.

The Transporte Interurbano de Lanzarote run a special bus, La Linea 12, from Puerto del Carmen to the market at Teguise. 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.