Markets in Tenerife provide the ideal place to purchase some original Canarian
products. In these picturesque, colourful and multi-ethnologic places you'll
find nearly everything, from basic food produce to the ultimate fashion trend,
all in a familiar relaxed atmosphere.
Most markets on the island are held in the morning from around 8:00 to 14:00, so
you'll need to get there early and be prepared to haggle like a professional to
secure the best bargains.
Every Sunday morning throughout the year, Los Cristianos holds one of the
biggest street markets on Tenerife. If you just follow the crowds, you'll soon
end up at the eastern edge of the resort next to the Arona Gran hotel.
Every person entering the market does have to run the gauntlet of innumerable
timeshare touts attempting to lure you to their development with offers of free
car hire, free holidays or even cash rewards. Just smile, keep walking, and say
no, and they'll soon move on to the next likely candidate.
Once inside the market it usually takes around 1.1/2 to 2 hours to see
everything. A couple of words of advice, do not start to negotiate if you have
no intention of buying, but do not be afraid to say no and walk away if the
prices do not fall to a level that you are prepared to pay for an item. Common
sense we know, but still easy to forget.
Regular markets are also held every Thursday and Saturday morning opposite the
Centro Commercial El Duque in the Torviscas district of the resort. However,
since many of the same traders often appear at this and the Los Cristianos
market, the choice of goods for sale may be somewhat limited.