What’s a holiday without a bit of souvenir hunting or a spot of serious shopping?
Well, heaven for some and hell for others, but at least Lanzarote’s open air markets offer some atmosphere and entertainment.
Sadly, there aren’t any of the traditional food markets that you find in mainland Spain, although plans are afoot to renovate the old La Recoba area in Arrecife where farmers wives used to set up stall and sell fresh produce.
However, Lanzarote does host a massive market every Sunday in the old capital of Teguise, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the island.
In addition, smaller scale markets are held across Lanzarote throughout the week.
Arrecife Tourist Market
Every Sunday : 09.00-14.00
The newest market to open on Lanzarote is the Arrecife Tourist Market, which runs every Saturday morning, from 09.00 until 14.00. Situated in the botanical gardens that lie in front of the Cabildo building, the market combines the opportunity for a spot of shopping along with traditional Canarian past-times, such as Lucha Canaria (Canarian Wrestling) and activities for children.
Numerous stalls are dedicated to selling organically grown local produce, including potatoes, onions, spinach, strawberries and a host of other tasty vegetables. Or you can pick up a hand crafted goats cheese from one of the island's smaller producers. Several of the leading Lanzarote wines are also available to buy.
For souvenirs, there is a good selection of artisan craftwork, such as ceramics, paintings and hand made jewellery. Traditional lacework and fabrics dyed with cochineal also feature. Other aspects of the local culture that are celebrated each weekend include music from various folklore groups, playing a range of instruments, some of which are unique to the Canary Islands.
The market's close proximity to the beach at Playa del Reducto means there is not only a beautiful stretch of sand for kids to play on, but there are also activities such as kayaking available for youngsters to try.
Getting to and from the market is very easy, as the bus service from Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen stops right next to the gardens and offers a regular half hourly service both to and from Arrecife.
Teguise Market
Every Sunday : 09.00-14.00
The mother of all markets, this huge affair is as much a weekly social and cultural event as a shopping excursion.
The normally sleepy town of Teguise is transformed, as hundreds of stalls selling all manner of goods vie for custom amidst the thousand-strong throngs of locals and tourists.
You really can buy pretty much anything here-ranging from genuine, locally produced handcrafts such as pottery and timples (a small Canarian guitar) through to Chinese mass-manufactured tat and the obligatory African woodcarvings.
Just like Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, haggling is obligatory and local folklore groups performing in Teguise’s Main Square add further volume to the spectacle.
Busy, bustling and good fun but best reached either by private car or on an organized excursion (available through all hotels and apartments).
Otherwise, you’ll find yourself battling it out on tightly packed public buses or queuing forlornly for a taxi come home time.
Haria Market
Every Saturday : 09.00-14.00
In total contrast to Teguise, Haria stages a laid back, small-scale market every Saturday morning, with twenty to thirty stalls set up in the shade of the towns beautiful tree-lined main square.
Haria has traditionally attracted individuals in search of a more alternative lifestyle and the goods on sale here often reflect that.
The accent is on hand produced art and craft items as well as limited amounts of locally grown fruit and veg, as well as fresh produce such as goats cheese.
There are a number of good bars and restaurants in the square where you can just sit and drink in the atmosphere.
Whilst serious shoppers will find Haria less engaging than Teguise Market, those who want nothing more than a relaxed browse in a more atmospheric environment should head here.
Costa Teguise Market
Every Friday : 18.00-24.00
This heavily diluted version of Teguise Market, staged in the Pueblo Marinero, is, frankly, a bit of a wash out.
Around twenty stalls sell a pretty limited range of inauthentic produce, including mass produced African woodcarvings and jewelry.
Fine for a stroll if you’re based in resort but definitely not worth traveling for.
Playa Blanca Market
Marina Rubicon : Every Wednesday and Saturday: 09.00-14.00
Market days in this stylish, relatively new marina are just starting to take off and currently there are around thirty stalls selling the usual range of souvenirs.
However, the limited range of goods on sale is redeemed by the surroundings. As the Marina Rubicon has a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere so a stroll here is no hardship.
Further compensation is provided by the fact that there are a number of good bars and restaurants dotted around, providing ample excuse for retail recovery.