Visiting markets is a different way to discover a tourist destination, as it gives us an authentic experience and helps us, to a certain extent, understand some of its customs. What’s more, it’s a great way to support local businesses, helping the farmers that work the land as well as artisans from the region. By visiting one of the markets in this article, you’ll also be able to find that souvenir from Lanzarote that you want to give to a loved one or take home to remind you of your stay on this beautiful island.

As you would expect, the most important markets on the island, in terms of size and number of visitors, are held on weekends. The following two markets are the largest on the island:

Arrecife Market

The Arrecife Tourist and Craft Market takes place in Lanzarote’s capital every Saturday morning between 9 AM and 2 PM on Plaza de las Palmeras in the city centre. The market is organised in the following manner: food stalls are concentrated on Plaza de las Palmeras, selling vegetables, bread, artisan cakes, wine, cheese and jams, among other produce, whilst other stalls—cosmetics, crafts, decorative items and clothes—can be found on the streets surrounding the plaza.

Teguise Market

Sunday market, which takes place in the old town of Teguise and is considered one of the most important in the archipelago. This is mainly due to the number of visitors that congregate every Sunday and the variety of products that it offers. In fact, the small town of Teguise, which is a peaceful haven during the week, completely transforms on Sunday mornings, hosting around 400 stalls and numerous shoppers in search of bargains.

Haría Artisan Market

On Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Plaza León y Castillo, and is particularly notable for the quality of the crafts, both traditional and modern, that are sold at its stands.

Tías Market

The town of Tías is 15 minutes away from Arrecife by car. The market has a wide range of farmers’ produce on offer and is open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM also on Saturdays.

Marina Rubicón Market

Also held on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM it is noteworthy for its setting next to the port and for the variety of shops and restaurants in its surrounding area.

Uga Market

Held on both Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. A great thing to do before is to visit the La Geria vineyards—which are just five minutes away by car—to help you grasp the system implemented by local people to produce wine on land with less than favourable conditions. Later on at the market you can buy a bottle to enjoy at home once you have returned from your holidays.

Tinajo Famers’ Market (Mancha Blanca)

This town surrounded by volcanoes has held a farmers’ market since 2006. Visitors can buy farm produce as well as fish and confectionary. However, it is also notable for organising interesting activities linked to the primary sector—a great option for learning about the production methods of farmers and cattle breeders in Lanzarote. For example, demonstrations are given on millet toasting, grape treading for the production of wine and how to prepare gofio, a traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains. It takes place every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Calle Virgen de los Dolores.

San Bartolomé Farmers’ and Handicraft Market

The market takes place on Plaza de León y Castillo, next to the church of San Bartolomé, and shoppers will find farm produce, cake and crafts. What’s more, it is a perfect option if travelling with kids, as it also boasts workshops for infants related to Canarian games and traditions, among other themes.