The historic town of Teguise can be found in the inland northern half of Lanzarote and boasts several tourist attractions. Teguise is also one of Lanzarote's oldest towns.
It was founded in 1414 and enjoyed the title of capital of the island until 1847. Between 1425 and 1448, Teguise was even the capital of the Kingdom of the Canary Islands.
It is situated in a strategic location in the middle of the island, quite far from the sea, especially to protect it from the numerous pirate raids.
Book a hotel in Lanzarote at a discount
About 10 km to the east you will also find the popular resort of Costa Teguise.
Santa Bárbara Castle
Teguise's most eye-catching landmark looks out over Teguise from the edge of a volcanic caldera almost 200 metres above the town centre.
The medieval Castle of St. Barbara (Castillo de Santa Bárbara, sometimes called Castillo de Guanapay after the volcano on which it is located) has been one of the city's main defensive strongholds since the 15th century.
Over the years, it was rebuilt with the increasing raids of pirates and Berbers and acquired its present appearance around 1586. It lost its importance in the 17th century, when massive fortifications were built at the main port of Arrecife.
The castle is currently home to the Pirate Museum, for detailed information on prices and opening times visit the official website: museodelapirateria.com/en
You can easily reach the top, where Santa Bárbara stands, by car on an asphalt road. If you take a bus to Teguise, you'll have to walk from the centre of the village along a road with quite a bit of elevation gain, but the distance of just 2km (see map) one way is nothing that the average trained hiker can't handle.
Sunday markets in Teguise
A very popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, the Sunday markets are held every Sunday in Teguise's main square. In Spanish, they are known as the Mercadillo de Teguise.
The original farmers' markets have been transformed with the growth of tourism into an incredible pel-mel of goods ranging from handicrafts to clothing to traditional Lanzarote dishes. You'll find stalls not only in the main square but also in the side streets, and the local market is one of the largest in the Canary Islands.
Markets are held every Sunday from approximately 9:30 to 14:00.
Historic centre
Stroll through several tastefully restored streets with traditional low white houses reminiscent of the time of Teguise's greatest glory during the 15th and 16th centuries. The beautiful church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe), dating from the first half of the 15th century, dominates the entire town.
Accommodation in Teguise
Due to its considerable tourist popularity, you will find several apartments and even a small hotel in Teguise. Teguise can serve as a good starting point for exploring the centre of the island, and it's a good place to stay for those who don't want to rent a car. There are several bus lines that pass through Teguise (see list below).
The best accommodation in Teguise includes Hotel Boutique Palacio Ico **** right in the centre of town.
On the other hand, one of the cheapest is a holiday home Casa Galiano for up to 6 people, with prices below 73 eur per night.
How to get there
An easy way to get to Teguise is by car on the LZ-10 road. There are large free car parks built for the markets, which of course you can use outside of Sundays. From the capital city of Arrecife you drive about 12 km to Teguise.
However, the town is also easily accessible by buses that go to places like this:
- Arrecife - 7, 8, 9, 52
- Costa Teguise - 31 and 33
- Playa de Famara - 31 and 33
- Jameos del Agua - 9
- Yé - 8
In addition, special bus routes from all over the island run to Teguise during the Sunday markets. Here you can see the timetables by clicking on the line number:
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Lanzarote.
