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.

A very good street market is held around the Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Unlike so many other markets on the island, this market offers a slightly more upmarket range of jewellery, clothes, locally produced crafts and books.

A further street market is also held on the same days along the Calle La Concha in the resort, offering for sale the usual range of sunglasses, t-shirts and other tourist souvenirs.

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 25 miles north of Playa Blanca. 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 13, from Playa Blanca 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.