Villa de Teguise
Villa de Teguise, Lanzarote, 35530
Back in the 1400s, La Villa de Teguise (also known as “Teguise” or “La Villa”) was the buzzing epicenter of Lanzarote life, serving as the island’s capital until the 19th century. Today, Teguise remains one of the best-preserved historic villages in the Canary Islands, affording magnificent views from the top of Mount Guanapay.
The basics
A walking tour through the historic center of Teguise provides a glimpse into Lanzarote’s past. Admire the whitewashed buildings and palm-studded plazas as you stroll through the village, peek inside the 15th-century Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), and take in the views from Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara).
Many Lanzarote tours include a stop in Teguise, often in combination with nearby sites such as the César Manrique Foundation, the Cactus Garden (Jardín de Cactus), and Cucharas Beach. The village is also famous for its weekly flea market, which takes place on Sunday mornings.
Things to know before you go
A visit to the Teguise market is a quintessential Lanzarote experience and a must for first-time visitors.
Despite its small size, Teguise has a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, and accommodation options.
Cobblestones are common throughout Teguise, but the village is still largely accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
La Villa de Teguise is located in the Teguise region of Lanzarote at the center of the island. Close to the César Manrique Foundation, it’s about a 15-minute drive from the coastal towns of Las Caletas and Costa Teguise. You can easily reach the village by car, and many local buses and tours run on Sunday mornings to coincide with the market.
When to get there
Most travelers time their visit to Teguise to browse the weekly flea market, held each Sunday from 9am until 2pm year-round. The market is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so the small town can get crowded, especially during the peak tourist season (July and August). If you can, get there when the market opens to dodge the crowds and take in the stalls before the tour buses arrive.
Shopping at Villa de Teguise flea market
These days, Teguise is most renowned for its weekly flea market, the largest and most popular in Lanzarote. More than 400 stalls take over the historic quarter of Teguise, selling everything from clothes and homeware to handicrafts and souvenirs. The market also has an agricultural and livestock section, a fresh produce market, plenty of tasty street food on sale, and performances by traditional Canarian musicians and dancers.
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