A Guide to the Best Things to do in Teguise, Lanzarote
Last Updated on 5th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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Teguise is the former capital city of Lanzarote and is said to be the oldest town in the entirety of the Canary Islands. Best explored over the course of several hours, there’s plenty of history to be uncovered, as well as delicious eateries to sample. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Teguise, as well as travel tips to know before you go!
Teguise is not only the name of the town, but also the wider municipality, which lies in the centre of the island. The area also happens to be where acclaimed artist César Manrique was born. Teguise town is sometimes referred to as La Villa de Teguise.
Thanks to the fact that Teguise dates all the way back to 1414, it is one of the oldest towns in the entirety of the Canary Islands group. In fact, the town is of such historical importance that it was the capital of the Kingdom of the Canary Islands between 1425 and 1448.
If it’s your first time on the island, be sure to check out our suggestions for how to spend the perfect 3 days in Lanzarote.
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Best things to do in Teguise
Casa Museo Palacio Spíno
Set within the former Spinola Palace, those who wish to learn more about the history of Teguise and its surroundings can head to this small museum, which is set within a former traditional Canarian home that once housed a wealthy family.
The exhibitions itself are focused on musical instruments from around the world. One particularly unique instrument is the timple, a traditional instrument from the Canary Islands that’s similar to a guitar but only has five strings.
Plaza Mayor
Without a shadow of a doubt, the most impressive and beautiful place to visit in Teguise is Plaza Mayor. Overshadowed by a bell tower which was constructed in the early 20th-century, the square has a number of palm trees and is one of the first points of entry into the village if arriving by road from the north.
La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe)
The main place of worship in town is the Church of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, which stands proudly in the heart of the cobbled streets of the old town. Free to visit, there has been a church on site since the 1500s, though this was just a simple construction.
Most of what you see today was actually constructed in the 19th-century, before the entire structure was set on fire in the early 20th-century. After being rebuilt using donations from local residents, the bell tower was added in 1914.
Wander through the old town
Truth be told, one of the greatest joys of a visit to Teguise is to wander through the cobbled lanes and allow the town to reveal itself to you. In order to enjoy all that Teguise has to offer, as well as stop for a coffee or bite to eat, you’ll want to set aside two or three hours.
Teguise Market
If you happen to be visiting the town on Sundays, then you can enjoy the largest market in Lanzarote in the form of Teguise Market. For sale you’ll find everything from delicious local cheese and wines to handmade artisanal products which make for the perfect souvenir from your time on Lanzarote.
Santa Barbara Castle
Set on the Guanapay mountain, the Santa Barbara Castle is situated a short drive away from Teguise and dates back to the 15th-century. Today, the fortification operates as a museum where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and exhibitions about local pottery.
Stratified City
One of the most curious geological features of Lanzarote is just a ten to fifteen minute drive away from Teguise town centre in the form of Stratified City. This spot takes around half an hour to visit so won’t take up too much of your time if you do opt to stop here.
This set of volcanic rocks has been carved by the sun, wind, and rain over time to create unique strata and shapes. Free to visit, you can spend around twenty minutes wandering around the rocks and snapping some photos.
Cactus Garden
From Teguise, it’s just under a fifteen minute drive (10 km) to get to the Cactus Garden. Known as Jardín de Cactus in Spanish, the garden is the last work created by the acclaimed late artist César Manrique. The magical space boasts over 4000 cacti and succulent species and is fun for all ages.
Where to eat and drink in Teguise
If there’s one place where I genuinely enjoyed all of the food and drink we ate, it was in Teguise. From tapas bars to vegan joints, my two favourite meals of our entire trip to Lanzarote were both in Teguise. Just note that Teguise can get pretty busy so be sure to book any evening meals ahead of time so as to secure a table and avoid dissapointment.
El Recoveco: For an unforgettable tapas experience during your time in Teguise, I highly recommend heading to this tapas bar. They have a bunch of outdoor tables on the square of Maciot de Bethencourt and plenty of vegetarian options on the menu. I particularly enjoyed the fried aubergine which is served with honey and cream cheese.
Esquina: This vegan café is the perfect place to stop off for lunch. On the menu you’ll find vegetable packed healthy bowls, smoothies, and other refreshing snacks that make for the perfect spot to stop at during a day of exploring.
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