... I never wanted to know the history of Teguise and I certainly didn't want to stand around taking pictures of Canarian ladies in pretty frocks.
A couple of months ago however I returned from a trip to Lanzarote with my fiance and my take on tings was completely different. I had a great ... Read review
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Advantages: cheap bargains, fun day out, nice little village Disadvantages: can get busy
...to know the history of Teguise and I certainly didn't want to stand around taking pictures of Canarian ladies in pretty frocks.
A couple of months ago however I returned from a trip to Lanzarote with my fiance and my take on tings was completely different. I had a great time exploring the stalls selling souvenirs of many cultures, I enjoyed tasting Tapas and I certainly enjoyed bartering myself.
TEGUISE
------------- ...local market.
Teguise is better known as 'La Villa' to the locals. The Canarians claim that Teguise is the oldest Spanish settlement in the whole of the Canaries. It certainly has an awe of history and I felt a certain urgency to find out more about the village.
Castillo Santa Barbara stands tall and proud above the market shoppers. On our ascent to this castle we realised how high it was. The picture opportunity was ... more
INTRODUCTION ------------------------ Since 1994 I have been visiting Lanzarote, I love my holidays there and appreciate the little things more and more as I get older. When I was 7 and visiting Lanzarote for the first time I hated the hustle and bustle of the market. It was often cloudy and people pushed past to get their bargains. I never wanted to know the history of Teguise and I certainly didn't want to stand around taking pictures of Canarian ladies in pretty frocks.
A couple of months ago however I returned from a trip to Lanzarote with my fiance and my take on tings was completely different. I had a great time exploring the stalls selling souvenirs of many cultures, I enjoyed tasting Tapas and I certainly enjoyed bartering myself.
TEGUISE ------------- Teguise used to be the capital of Lanzarote, until Arrecife was made the capital. Mondays to Saturdays the village is quite. The inland village is traditional and has a great history, on a Sunday however the village comes to life with thousands of tourist flocking to the local market.
Teguise is better known as 'La Villa' to the locals. The Canarians claim that Teguise is the oldest Spanish settlement in the whole of the Canaries. It certainly has an awe of history and I felt a certain urgency to find out more about the village.
Castillo Santa Barbara stands tall and proud above the market shoppers. On our ascent to this castle we realised how high it was. The picture opportunity was amazing with a vantage point overlooking all directions. The castle serves it purpose very weel, it had been built in the 15th century to act as a watchtower for the Lord of Lanzarote, Sancho de Herrera.
The Palacio de Marques is the oldest building on the Island. It was once home to the islands government but now serves as a Tapas bar. There was once a tunnel leading from the Palacio de Marques to the Castillo Santa Barbara in case of attack.
Teguise was once plagued by invaders from Algeria, there is a street named La Sangre meaning 'Blood' after the many who died there. The village is now plagued and invaded by hordes of tourists searching for the cheap bargains every Sunday at Market.
SUNDAY MARKET --------------------------- The old cobbled streets of Teguise and historical square makes a perfect venue for a bustling market. It can get a little colder in Teguise due to the altitude and it is advised to take a cardigan just in case - even if it does look nice from your hotel window.
GETTING THERE ------------------------ It's rather easy to get to Teguise, I personally feel car is better and allows more freedom and time. As the market is positioned on the south of the island it is easy to tour this part of the island on the same day as the market. In the south you have the option to visit the Green caves and Jameos del Agua. A hire car is easy to arrange and costs about 25 Euros per day.
Public transport to the market however is also reliable. Buses run from all major tourist attractions such as Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Arrecife and Costa Teguise for a small amount of money. When I looked a return ticket to the market from Puerto del Carmen cost les than 4 Euros.
It is also possible to arrange an excursion to the market. With an excursion you have the option to only visit the market or do a tour of some attractions such as the castle or Ceasar Manriques home. As mentioned previously the close proximity of the market to the Green caves and Jameos del Agua means that some tour operators will do a full day with excursions and market visit.
STALLS ----------- The amount of stalls at the market can be daunting if you are visiting for the first time. It is almost impossible to have a strategy of where you want to go. There are small lanes and streets leading off one another and it is very easy to get lost. Luckily the windmill is a guide back to the car ;-)
Everywhere you look you can pick up a souvenir for the family and friends back home. Most tourists go to the market for this reason alone. I managed to pick up ALL my souvenirs this year at the market.
LEATHER On my first trip to the market back in 1994 I was so happy to get a lovely little leather handbag. I return every year to buy a leather belt, bag or wallet. Not only do they make fabulous souvenirs but they look expensive.
GENUINE-FAKE There are many African stalls with signs stating that the watches/belts and wallets are 'Genuine Fake'. Obviously they got a little confused with the translation. Lanzarote's close proximity to Africa obviously means that you can get some great African souvenirs such as carved wooden ornaments and bongo drums. I managed to get a great set of drums a few years ago for only 3 Euros.
JEWELLERY Shell jewellery is very popular in Lanzarote; I have bought a few bracelets as they look very nice. As it is a volcanic island the islanders make as much use out of the lava as possible and you are likely to find lava jewellery. The rare green mineral, Olivine found in some pieces of lava can also be seen as jewellery. If you want to pick up an interesting bit of jewellery different to anywhere else this is the place to buy it.
TATOOS + HAIR BRAIDING Dotted around the market you can find people sat at stools doing henna tattoos or African woman braiding hair. These can become very popular with the tourists so its probably best to visit in the morning if you want a tattoo or hair braided.
T-SHIRTS Every time I sgo to the market I am surprised at hoe many t-shirt stall theer are. Most of these are directed at the British tourists and many stalls are run by English ex-pats. A lot Brits move out to Lanzarote and set up a t-shirt business. The best company is probably Wai Wurrie, I managed to get 5 t-shirts for 30 Euros and they were of a great quality.
FOOD --------- In the main square you can purchase a nice snack. The price of food is fairly cheap. The burger vans sell food from many different countries such as Sweden, UK, Germany, Spain and Netherlands. I love the German van as the curried Bratwurst is lovely. The sausage is served with a bread roll and is handsome. Last time we went we had chips, curried sausage and a bread roll with a can of cola and it only cost 5 Euros which is great in comparison to other tourist attractions.
There is a British van that sells typical English food from Cornish pasties, chips and cheese and hot dogs. I must admit that a nice bit of junk food is great after a hard day shopping!
ENTERTAINMENT -------------------------- In the main square you can watch the traditional Canarian dancers dancing along to the sound of live Canarian music. In other parts of the village people play panpipes. There is so much to see and do at the market and so much to learn.
HAGGLING ----------------- When I used to go to the market as a child I would dread watching my dad haggle. It was so embarrassing. Not quite understanding that this was a way of life here and the souvenirs are over priced so tourists are encouraged to haggle. It would usually be the same with my dad haggling that extra cent whilst my mum, sister and I hid around the corner.
This year however I gave it a go and watched as my [partner hid around the corner embarrassed. OK so I may be joking about it a little but you will find that after flying out on the Thursday you get little chance to price things up before the Sunday market. I found a few examples this year where things were sometimes 20 Euros more than the local souvenir shop opposite my apartment.
I actually did very well at haggling and managed to get 5 t-shirts for 9 Euros (they were 3 Euros each). I was very proud of myself and I had a great time with the bloke on the stall, in fact it was a real giggle.
Its quite easy to haggle - ask the price and then walk away, they will be so desperate to sell you the stuff that they will call you back. Keep knocking it down even if you are happy with the price, you never know how much you could save ;-)
TOURIST TIPS -------------------- I am now going to give you a 'tip of the trade'…on your approach to the market you will see lots of scammers trying to get you into their car park on the side of the road. Some charge between 1-5 euros to park in their back gardens, however the car parks are a long walk from the market. If you continue up there is free parking in the village centre, next to the market. You will need to continue past the bus only sign, and then the taxi only sign - take the next turning and you will arrive in the village centre with plenty of free spaces. Obviously after 14 years of visiting the island we have picked up these little tips, so I hope they will help you on your holiday!
SUMMARY ---------------- Overall however Teguise market is a great day out for the family. There is so much to see and do, even if you want to stay all day or for a few hours. Don't forget to haggle for the best deal. Try one of the German curried sausages for lunch. Most of all dress appropriately for hot and cold weather. Looking out of your window will not help as the weather can vary so much in Teguise.
Advantages: lots of choice, lots to see and bargains to be had if you search Disadvantages: busy, cold on a windy day out of season
...other bargains here. Teguise is a really old Lanzarote town that holds little to keep the visitor entertained during the week, but on a Sunday it comes alive. Buses from all over the island bring visitors and locals to the town.
The first impression is of lots of space and a view of Los Moulinos which is a huge windmill in the town square. It all looks modern and open until you walk down the hill. It was February when we went to lanzarote so it ... ...one had been there collecting fees earlier in the day. The lady had only set up business when the place got busy. Thousands of visitors, one loo, fifty cents per visit.....well, I'll let you do the maths!
Teguise Market is not to be missed. It's a real experience. ...
janharper 19.03.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Teguise Market, Lanzarote
Advantages: Bargains all round Disadvantages: Very big, can't do whole market if on a trip, queue and pay for the loos!
...Lanzarote we decided to do Teguise Market for a morning on a trip from our apartments.
The coach picked us up at 8.30 and it took around 30 mins to get to Teguise where there were coach loads of people in their thousands.
Getting to the market can be tricky if you don't go on a trip as there is nowhere really to park if you have hired a car and the local bus service is few and far between. On entering the market you notice the droves of people ... ...price or even better.
Teguise Market is a vast market set over numerous roads around the centre of Teguise. Take your time when walking around the market. On every street there is cafe/restaurant so take time out if you get too tired. The market usually goes on until early afternoon.
Working your way around the market in a circle you finally end up where all the food stalls are and they are great value. Most stalls will sell leather goods and lace ...
MitchellandAimeesMum 26.10.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Teguise Market, Lanzarote
Advantages: quality leather and gold goods acailable quite cheep Disadvantages: only on a wed,some prices expensive
I went to this market while on holiday last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. There is a variety of stalls selling hand made lace and leather bags and belts to internatonal designer goods available in the shops that line the market place. Be careful on the prices however as some stalls will try and charge alot more than you will pay at home so just be careful or you may get ripped off. I would recomend going early however as it does get very busy. ... ...through you travel rep the cost is astonishing for what you get. I would recomend going by either taxi or bus. We went by taxi and the cost was very cheep (about the same as the bus) but you need to be brave the taxi drivers do not drive slow. There is a taxi rank at the entrance to the market so you will have no problems on the return leg. Te toilets there do leave a bit to the imagination. Tjere is a lady who stands on the door and afer you pay ...
matandlynz 16.09.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Teguise Market, Lanzarote
Advantages: Wide variety of stalls & very cheap Disadvantages: Extremely busy
...a recent stay in Costa Teguise we visited the Teguise market. A half hour bus journey brought us to the small old town of Teguise where the bustling market was set entwined amongst the small streets. We spent a good 2 to 3 hours walking round varied stalls all selling similar goods but with a variation in price. If you enjoy bargaining you will come away with plenty of good stuff for a good price. Plenty of food outlets in main square and food stalls ...
simoni73t 12.11.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Teguise Market, Lanzarote
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Advantages: reasonable prices, lovely weather, short journey from UK Disadvantages: poor food, need own transport
definitely made his mark on the island .He was involved in many aspects of the planning and development of the island and you can see many of his sculptures dotted about plus his home with stylish rooms built into lava bubbles in the side of the volcano.Also worth a visit in this area is the surreal Jardin de Cactus.
There's a large market on Sundays in Teguise , which was once the capital of Lanzarote and the architecture of this town is some of the oldest and most beautiful on the island. Here you can buy local craftwork, pottery and weaving and also African art .
If you like being out on the water you can go saling from Puerto Calero or the up-market Rubicon Marina .There are trips in a glass-bottomed boat to look at life under the sea and regular ferry services to Fuertaventura.
Eating out is a bit hit and miss we found. It's probably ...
