Mercado de Teguise

Every Sunday morning, the cobblestone streets of Teguise — the former capital of Lanzarote for over four centuries — transform into the largest and most lively market in the entire Canary Islands. More than 300 stalls invade the squares, alleys, and corners of this 15th-century stately village, creating a spectacle of colors, aromas, and sounds that attracts both locals and visitors.

A village with five centuries of history

Even before the market, Teguise is worth a visit. It was the capital of Lanzarote from the 15th century until 1852, and its streets preserve a notable architectural heritage: stately homes with wooden balconies, the church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the Convent of Santo Domingo (now an art center), and the palace of the Marquis. Strolling through Teguise is like traveling to noble Lanzarote, the land of feudal lords and watchtowers against pirates.

Crafts, flavors, and unexpected finds

At the stalls, you'll find everything: Lanzarotean handcrafted ceramics, olivine jewelry (the semi-precious stone found only on volcanic beaches), linen clothing, hats, leather bags, and antiques. But the best are the local products: homemade mojo picón, cured cheeses, cactus jams, aloe vera in all its forms, and the island's traditional sweets.

Street musicians play the timple — the small Canarian string instrument — in every square. The atmosphere is festive yet relaxed, and the terraces of the bars and restaurants in the square fill up from early on. A cortado with views of the church of Guadalupe while a timple plays in the background: that's Sunday in Teguise.

The Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Above Teguise rises the Guanapay volcano, crowned by the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a 16th-century fortress that today houses the Museum of Piracy. The walk up from the village takes about 20 minutes and offers panoramic views of the entire island. On market Sundays, it also opens its doors, and the combination of market and castle makes for a perfect morning experience.

Teguise on Sundays is Lanzarote in its purest form: tradition, crafts, music, and local flavors in a setting with five centuries of history behind it.