TEGUISE
Teguise is the largest municipality on the island, reaching both its east and west coasts. Villa de Teguise was the capital of Lanzarote from the first half of the 15th century until the second half of the 19th century (1852) when Arrecife became the new capital . Teguise was the first civil and urban settlement in the Canary Islands.
VILLA DE TEGUISE – OLD TOWN
Villa de Teguise has been a noble and stately town throughout its rich past, thanks to both the Bethencourt and the Herrera dynasties, Teguise´s most majestic eras. Teguise was declared an architectural-historical-artistic town and it is one of the oldest villages that has taken part in significant events in the history of Lanzarote. Walking today through the paved streets of its historical centre is a pleasure.
MUSEO DE LA PIRATERÍA – CASTILLO DE SANTA BÁRBARA (Museum of Piracy – Santa Bárbara Castle)
The Castillo de Santa Bárbara was built on the peak of the Guanapay Volcano towards the middle of the 15th century. From this location you can see the town of Villa de Teguise, as well as a large part of the island. Nowadays it is an interesting museum which tells the story of piracy in the Canary Islands.
CASA – MUSEO DEL TIMPLE (Timple House Museum)
Located in the Palacio Spínola in the historic neighbourhood of the town, the Timple House Museum is an exhibition space dedicated to the history of an instrument that is peculiar to the Canary Islands: the timple. In addition it offers a programme of concerts and other interesting cultural events throughout the year.santes.
MERCADILLO DE TEGUISE (Teguise Market)
Every Sunday, in the heart of the historic quarter of the Villa de Teguise, a market is held from 9:00 to 14:00. This has become one of the most popular markets in the Canary Islands, selling products of every type: crafts, organic and traditional produce, souvenirs, etc.
Other markets:
In addition from the popular market of La Villa, the municipality of Teguise holds other markets in the tourist area of Costa Teguise:
PLAYA DE FAMARA
Famara is nature in its purest state. This large beach of golden sand stretches from the fishing village of Caleta de Famara to the slopes of El Risco (the natural cliff that shapes the northern area of the island). Its waves make it perfect for surfing. In the village there are numerous surf schools and shops that hire equipment. It is also considered to be one of the best beaches from which to watch the sunset. We recommend a walk along the beach when low tide coincides with the setting of the sun.
- Caleta de Famara. This small fishing village, starting point of the beach with the same name, is an obligatory stop on anyone’s itinerary. Its sandy alleyways and its wide range of eateries makes it the perfect place to disconnect, as well as to sample the local fresh fish and seafood.
JARDÍN DE CACTUS
The Jardín de Cactus is one of Lanzarote’s Centres for Art, Culture and Tourism. It was one of César Manrique’s last big artistic interventions on the island. The space is home to some 4,500 cactus plants from 450 different species, sourced from all over the world.
CAMPOS DE TUNERAS – CULTIVO DE COCHINILLA.
Travelling through Lanzarote, the landscape changes and surprises at every turn. An example is around the Jardín de Cactus (Cactus Garden) and the village of Guatiza, where the landscape transforms into wide fields of cactus. This peculiar contrast is the result of the cultivation of cochineal that has been carried out in Lanzarote since 1835, producing the renowned colouring.
FUNDACIÓN CÉSAR MANRIQUE
The Fundación de César Manrique is based in what was the artist’s home after his return from New York. A visit to the house takes you into a world where art and nature blend to form a single work of art.
MUSEO AGRÍCOLA EL PATIO
The Museo Agrícola El Patio is located in the village of Tiagua, in one of the oldest and largest farmhouses on the island. Visitors to the museum can find out more about the history of Lanzarote, its agrarian traditions and the architecture typical of the island.
COSTA TEGUISE
Costa Teguise is a seaside resort situated on the eastern side of Lanzarote. It is one of the main tourist centres on the island, and has a varied range of accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities. Its beaches include: Playa Bastián, Las Cucharasand Jablillo.