They also have supermarkets in Gran Canaria, sure they do. But if you are looking for a more authentic taste of what the island actually produces, you should head to the different markets dotted around it. Markets in Gran Canaria vary from the huge Fridays extravaganza at Puerto Mogán, to tiny local markets where you only find fresh local produce. We think everyone should visit a local market in this beautiful place, due to the fact that it is one of the best ways to get to know how Canarians live and that it is one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria.
Here's a selection of markets in Gran Canaria and information about the best things to do there, buy and try.
Mercado del Puerto (Las Palmas)
Set in a stunning iron building dating back to 1891, the Mercado del Puerto has reinvented itself in recent years. As well as being a place to stock up on food for your home, it has an excellent mix of tapas bars and fresh produce stalls before the sun goes down. But this market is also a nocturnal destination because, at night, it is a popular drink and tapas spot, especially at the weekends. The action is both inside the market and at the outdoor tables around its walls. It is well served by buses too, Mercado del Puerto is also a short walk from the La Puntilla end of Las Canteras beach.
Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal de Artenara
If you want to visit this market located in Gran Canaria's highest municipality Artenara, you can do it on the second Sunday of each month. You can try the delicious taste of a typical hotpot at the Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal de Artenara, along with fruit and vegetables harvested by the Summit farmers. Definitely, one of the best things to do in Gran Canaria in terms of food!
Mercado del Agricultor
If you want to visit this place, you will find this farmers' market on the outskirts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Indeed, San Lorenzo village used to be the capital of its own municipality. Since 2011, they have been welcoming bargain hunters to the Mercado del Agricultor lured by the lower-than-average prices. Do you want to enjoy cheap holidays? Come and visit this market!
EcoValles
EcoValles' market is located in the green, green municipality of Valleseco. This is the first ecological market in Gran Canaria. All the ten stalls have certificates that allow them to sell green products, from bread to fruit and vegetables, even furniture. If you consider yourself eco-friendly, there is no doubt you should visit this market!
Mercadillo Agrícola y Artesanal de La Vega de San Mateo
At this market, Mercado Agrícola Artesanal de La Vega de San Mateo, there is a play area for children, a café, and a free parking for bikes. A popular weekend destination for locals and visitors, there is even a Canarian cigar stall! So, why delay your visit to this market? You should make a pilgrimage to Vega de San Mateo just today.
Mercadillo Agrícola y Artesanal de La Aldea de San Nicolás
The Mercadillo Agrícola y Artesanal de La Aldea de San Nicolás is a great place to enjoy the delicious fruits of the laborers. It is held the first Saturday of each month. After all, La Aldea is one of the main agricultural areas in Gran Canaria. There are also concerts often to entertain the crowd.
Mercado Central
The giant Mercado Central is one of the three main markets in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It is located in the Alcaravaneras neighborhood. There is a bus stop right outside and it is not far from Avenida Mesa y López shopping street on foot. The whole ground floor is full of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, flowers and local products such as cheese. It’s a busy local market and prices are excellent. Look out for the various promotions at this market, including watercress for 1€ a kilo.
Mercado Altavista
This market, Mercado Altavista, is not in the center of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, even though it is not as far from the center as San Lorenzo's market. But it is well worth the extra journey time if you want to pick up the likes of fresh pasta, fresh fruit, vegetables, and local produce at excellent prices at a market rooted firmly in its community. It is particularly famous for its meat and for the very nice Churros con Chocolate that you can have in the surrounding bars. The bus number 11 will return you to Las Palmas central.
Mercado de Vegueta (Las Palmas)
Now it is time to talk about the oldest market on the whole of the Canary Islands. The Mercado de Vegueta was built in 1856, located in the capital’s Old Town, and this market didn't officially open until two years later. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular shopping destinations that appears a lot on the tourists' maps. It counts on a wonderful nightlife ambiance in the evenings from Thursdays to Sundays with beer wine and tapas.
Mercado de Gáldar
This municipal market, Mercado de Gáldar, as well known as La Recova de Gáldar, dates back to 1945 and its main entrance preserves its original iron gates. Inside of the market, you can see murals from the local artist Diego Higueras. These were produced in tribute to legendary painter Antonio Padrón, whose house museum is located in the same Gáldar street.
Would you like to rent an accommodation to visit these markets in Gran Canaria? In Villa Gran Canaria we have villas, rural houses, and bungalows in the most attractive places on the island. We have very varied prices and sizes that will surely satisfy you. Contact us!
