Teguise, Lanzarote's old capitol.

Teguise, with its beautiful historical buildings and cobbled streets, was one of the first settlements to be established in the Canary Islands

Teguise, with its beautiful historical buildings and cobbled streets, was one of the first settlements to be established in the Canary Islands and was the Capital of the island until 1847.

The town hosts the largest market on the island every Sunday morning, where a wide range of stalls can be found selling souvenirs, local artisan products, clothing and accessories. There is also a display of traditional dancing every week in the square in front of the church.

A walkabout through Teguise allows the visitor to get a feel for what life was like at the beginning of colonial times. As well as its heritage, the ancient capital is home to various museums and the Casa del Timple (House of the Timple), where the characteristic sounds of this unique Canarian musical instrument are demonstrated.

You will find a good range of bars and restaurants in the town, offering a range of food often made using local produce, including typically Canarian tapas accompanied by local wine.

Although Sunday is the main day for visitors to visit Teguise, it’s well worth going to during the week if you are heading up to the North of the island. There is a local charm to the place that can really be appreciated on the quieter days, and there are some great places to stop for lunch on your journey.