When you arrive at Constitution Square, the first thing you'll see is the tower of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its lava bell tower streaked with lime. If you're wondering what to see in Teguise, the answer lies in its quiet streets, green doors, and history of pirates and Guanche princesses. Strolling through here is a pleasure, especially if you avoid the Sunday bustle. The town preserves the charm of an era when it was the center of the island.
- Best time
- Monday to Saturday to avoid the market; Sunday morning if you like the atmosphere
- Where to stay
- Historic center of the Villa de Teguise
- Perfect for
- Colonial architecture lovers * Travelers seeking peace and quiet
- Don't miss
- Go up to Santa Bárbara Castle to see 360° views of the island
Things I'd tell a friend
If you asked me, this is what I'd tell you about Teguise.
Wake up early for the market
The Teguise market is open on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you arrive early, you'll be able to see the stalls calmly and avoid the peak hours. By 10:00 AM it's already packed, so go early.
Source · I checked it personally
Stroll without rushing
The streets of Teguise are the real attraction. Look out for the green wooden doors, the lava steps, and street names like El Miedo or Timanfaya. Wear comfortable shoes because the ground is cobblestoned.
Source · Firsthand experience
Visit the castle for free
Santa Bárbara Castle has free admission and sits atop the Guanapay volcano. The views are 360 degrees, though the piracy exhibit is no longer there. It's worth it just for the landscape.
Source · Confirmed upon arrival
Constitution Square and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The main church of the entire island presides over this square, the ideal starting point for exploring Teguise.
- Church founded in the 15th century, destroyed and rebuilt several times
- Lava bell tower streaked with lime
- The current image of the virgin is a copy of a stolen original
- Square with palm trees and a peaceful atmosphere
Constitution Square is the heart of the Villa de Teguise. From here you can see the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its volcanic stone tower and white bell tower. This temple was built in the first half of the 15th century but suffered looting, fires, and destruction. The last major fire was in 1909, and it was rebuilt with donations from the community. The image of the virgin, as the story goes, was stolen centuries ago and taken to Algiers; the one you see today is a copy. The church is usually closed outside of mass times, so you might not be able to enter. However, walking around the back of the building offers some very peaceful spots.
Church almost always closed
You can't go inside outside of mass times. The author of the article couldn't see the interior and was left wanting more.
Walking around the church brings surprises
The back area hides charming corners, like arches and lava walls that deserve a photo.
On foot from anywhere in the old town
The square is in the center of the Villa de Teguise, just a few minutes' walk from any main street.
If you want to see the interior, ask at the parish for the mass schedule.
Staying overnight in Teguise lets you enjoy the town in silence, without the daytime bustle.
Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort
- 7 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
Vitalclass Lanzarote Resort (Adults Only)
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Spa and wellness center
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
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Callejón de la Sangre
An alley with a pirate history that stained its stones with blood in 1569.
- Scene of the massacre of 170 pirates in September 1569
- Legend of the monk who rang the church bells
- Connects the church with the Palace of the Marquis of Herrera
- Slight slope between white walls
Between the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Palace of the Marquis of Herrera runs a street with a blood-chilling name: Callejón de la Sangre (Blood Alley). Legend has it that on the night of September 7, 1569, a Franciscan friar rang the alarm bells to warn of arriving pirates. While doing so, an arrow killed him. The Christians were victorious, and in that alley, the Marquis of Herrera's men killed 170 pirates. Blood ran across the cobblestones. Today it's a clean and quiet place, but the name remembers what happened. It's a quick stop, ideal for a photo and to imagine its history.
A small place, don't miss it
It's a short alley, easy to walk right past. Look for the signs between the church and the palace.
Combine it with your visit to the square
It's right next to the church, so you can see it on the same walk without going out of your way.
Direct access from the square
From Constitution Square, walk towards the side facade of the church and you'll find it.
Walk slowly and read the plaque; the history feels more real.
Many accommodations in the historic center are just a few steps from this spot.
Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level
- 8 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
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- Exceptional Breakfast
Radisson Blu Resort, Lanzarote Adults Only
- 4 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Private Parking
- Beachfront
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Very Good Breakfast
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Timple House Museum (Spínola Palace)
A museum dedicated to the most famous Canarian instrument, located in an 18th-century palace.
- Spínola Palace, built between 1730 and 1780
- The timple is a stringed instrument about 24 inches long
- Offers concerts and cultural events throughout the year
- Check hours on the Lanzarote Tourism website
Across from the church, the Spínola Palace houses the Timple House Museum. The timple is a Canarian stringed instrument, a sort of small five-stringed guitar about 24 inches long, descended from Baroque guitars. The building itself is worth a visit: it was built between 1730 and 1780 and has an interior courtyard with arches. The museum opens in the mornings, but be careful with the hours. The author of the article saw it open, left it for later, and it was already closed. If you're interested, check the hours on the Lanzarote Tourism website so you don't miss out. They also organize concerts throughout the year.
Variable hours, better to check
It opens in the mornings but closes early. The safest bet is to check the official Lanzarote Tourism website before you go.
Free entry or reduced price
Specific prices aren't listed, but it's usually affordable or free on designated days.
Right in front of the church
It's in the same square, right across the street from the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Check the schedule before you go, so you don't end up like I did.
From your hotel in the historic center, you can reach it on foot in a couple of minutes.
Apartamentos Santa Rosa
- 3 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Fitness center
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
El Charco Suites
- Free Wifi
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
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Santa Bárbara Castle
A 15th-century castle on the summit of a volcano, with 360-degree views of the entire island.
- Built in the mid-15th century atop the Guanapay volcano
- Declared a Site of Cultural Interest
- Free entry, though the piracy exhibit is no longer there
- Spectacular views of Lanzarote
Santa Bárbara Castle stands on Guanapay Mountain, a volcano from which the entire island can be seen. It was built in the mid-15th century to spot approaching pirates and serve as a shelter for the population. For years it housed the Piracy Museum, but it has been dismantled. Today you can visit it for free, although many complain that there is no exhibit and the building is neglected. Still, going up is worth it for the 360-degree views. Keep in mind, however, that it closes on Fridays and Saturdays, and is open from Sunday to Thursday only in the mornings. Before you go, confirm the schedule because it can change.
Free but with limited hours
Free admission. Closed Fridays and Saturdays; open Sunday to Thursday only in the morning.
No entrance fee
It's free, so you don't need to book or pay for anything. Ideal for a last-minute plan.
Ascend on foot or by car
You can hike up from the historic center, but there is also car access up to the base of the castle.
Go up just for the views; the exhibit is no longer there.
From the center of Teguise, the castle is about a 20-minute walk uphill.
Los Alonsos - Open Mall - By Az Rentals
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
Alava Suites
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Very Good Breakfast
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Teguise Market
One of the largest and most popular markets in the Canary Islands, held every Sunday in the historic center.
- Held every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- More than 400 stalls of crafts and traditional products
- One of the most popular markets in the Canary Islands
- Lively atmosphere, but very crowded by mid-morning
Every Sunday, the historic center of the Villa de Teguise transforms into a huge open-air market. With more than 400 stalls, it's one of the largest in the Canary Islands. Here you'll find crafts, typical Canarian gastronomy products, souvenirs, and clothing. The atmosphere is cheerful, but there are also a lot of people. If you go, do it early: it's open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. By mid-morning, the streets are full and it's hard to move around. If you prefer quiet, visit Teguise any other day of the week. Then the town is almost empty, and you can enjoy the architecture without the crowds.
Sunday: a lot of hustle and bustle
On market day, the center fills up with stalls and people. If you're looking for peace, choose another day.
You can haggle a bit
At the craft stalls, there's sometimes room to negotiate, especially if you buy several items.
Buy local products
Take the opportunity to bring home cheese, mojo, or palm honey, which are typical of Lanzarote.
Arrive before 10:00 AM if you want to park without problems.
Sleeping in the center lets you wake up and go straight to the market without needing to take the car.
Casa Mocan
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Viviendas Vacacionales Aurea
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
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Cactus Garden
One of César Manrique's last great works, with 4,500 cactus specimens from all over the world.
- Center of Art, Culture, and Tourism of Lanzarote
- Work of César Manrique, one of his last interventions
- Houses 4,500 specimens of 450 different species
- Cacti brought from all parts of the world
The Cactus Garden is one of Lanzarote's Centers of Art, Culture, and Tourism (CACT). It was one of César Manrique's last major projects on the island. The space houses about 4,500 cactus specimens of 450 different species, brought from all parts of the world. It is located near the village of Guatiza, a short drive from Teguise. The tour is easy and can be done in less than an hour. If you like plants or Manrique's work, don't miss it. The contrast between the green of the cacti and the volcanic landscape is impressive.
Paid entry, fixed hours
Open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). The general price is around €9; check the official website.
Don't confuse it with other centers
It is one of several CACT centers, like Jameos del Agua or the César Manrique Foundation.
By car from Teguise
It's about a 5-minute drive from the center of Teguise, heading towards Guatiza.
Bring a thin jacket; the wind in the area can be cool.
If you stay in the north of the island, getting to the Cactus Garden will be very quick by car.
Comfortable Houses Playa Roca Beachfront Access
- 2 swimming pools
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Beachfront
- Facilities for disabled guests
Beautiful Studio On The Seafront
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Facilities for disabled guests
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How much time do you need to see the center of Teguise?
Not counting Santa Bárbara Castle, you can walk through the historic center in one or two hours. If you go on market day, dedicate the whole morning.
Is it worth going up to Santa Bárbara Castle?
Yes, especially for the 360-degree views of the island. Entry is free, although the piracy exhibit is no longer there. Keep in mind that it closes on Fridays and Saturdays and only opens in the mornings.
What is the best day to visit Teguise if you're looking for peace?
Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, there is a market and the town fills with stalls and people between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Where is the cactus garden and how do you get there from Teguise?
It is in Guatiza, about a 5-minute drive from the center of Teguise. It is one of the CACT centers and has about 4,500 plants of 450 species.
