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.
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.