Have You Been to the Amazing Sunday Market in Teguise?
Being a small island with a relatively low population, Lanzarote is not what you would describe as a shopper’s paradise, and most residents and visitors are fine with that.
Of course, there are ample shops in several parts of the island such as Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca, Arrecife, and Deiland Shopping Centre in Playa Honda, but Lanzarote has much greater strengths.
Some of the big names have arrived on the island in recent years though, and this will undoubtedly increase as the number of foreign residents continues to grow in the next decade.
Last month, for example, Open Mall Lanzarote, the island’s biggest shopping centre opened its doors in Arrecife with an impressive range of well-known shops and restaurants.
If you prefer a different type of shopping experience to malls and big brands, then you will be pleased to hear that Lanzarote has an abundance of well-supported small independent and artisan stores and markets.
There are a number of thriving markets throughout the island such as in Arrecife, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Puerto Calero and more. It is great to walk around these markets and see all the local people running their own businesses and selling items which are often locally produced.
The biggest and best market by far though happens every Sunday in Teguise, Lanzarote’s previous capital from the first half of the 15th Century to 1852, when it was switched to Arrecife.
Teguise’s market runs from 9am to 2pm each Sunday, in the centre of the town’s historic quarter, and is one of the biggest markets in Europe with more than 400 stalls! Because of this, it is also one of the main tourist attractions on the island, with buses full of people arriving in Teguise every ten minutes or so to experience this wonderful event.
It is fantastic to see so many people walking around enjoying themselves, and it is brilliant for the local economy.
Unlike with big brand name superstores where the profits often leave Lanzarote and head to the company headquarters abroad, the profits from these market stalls stay with the locals that work there every week.
There are so many different things on offer at the market that you will be spoilt for choice as to what to buy. There is handmade jewellery, an extensive range of aloe vera products, art, books, clothes, household decorations like candles, handmade soaps and beauty products, and lots of stores specialising in individual products like lovely handmade bookmarks, or handmade hanging wooden flowerpot holders.
These kinds of products are quite unique and many of which are not easy to find elsewhere, so they make wonderful gifts.
There is also a special food section with a wide variety of products unique to Lanzarote or the Canary Islands such as locally produced wine, or a stall selling cactus-based food such as delicious cactus omelettes and cactus jams.
If you are staying in Lanzarote for a week or more then we strongly recommend a trip to the Sunday market in Teguise. You will get to experience an authentic flavour of Lanzarote and Canarian culture, mixed with a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
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Teguise has centuries of tradition and history with fascinating and beautiful features such as its impressive church, and a town square with an attractive fountain.
As well as the food from the market stalls there are a substantial number of bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can sit and put your feet up after exploring the market. These are perfect for relaxing and taking in beautiful surroundings while savouring delicious local and international flavours. As a bonus, there is often excellent live music to enjoy!
We hope you are able to experience the Teguise market for yourself next time you visit Lanzarote, and if you liked this post then please feel free to share it on social media below.
