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 Tematico 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.