Teguise (Historic Former Capital)

The historic former capital of Lanzarote from the 15th century until 1852, founded as the island's first settlement. Named after the daughter of the last Guanche king of Lanzarote, Teguise preserves its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets in remarkable condition. Key landmarks include the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (16th–18th century), the Palacio Spinola (18th century), and the Convento de Santo Domingo. Every Sunday, the town hosts the largest open-air street market in the Canary Islands (Mercadillo de Teguise), drawing thousands of visitors for crafts, local products, food, and live music. Beyond Sunday, Teguise is tranquil, with excellent restaurants in historic buildings serving traditional Canarian cuisine. The town is also home to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara (16th century, now a pirate museum) perched on the extinct Guanapay volcano with panoramic views over the island.