PLACES TO SHOP
1. Mercadillo de Santa Brígida
Under Municipal Park • Open 8am–8pm Sat, 8am–2pm Sun
Stock up your picnic hamper at this farmers’ market. Along with locally grown fruit and vegetables, there are first-rate cheeses and fresh bread. Get a handmade wooden toy for the little ones and a well-crafted walking stick to help you hike in the hills.
2. Mercadillo de San Fernando
C/San Mateo • Open 8am–2pm Wed & Sun
One of the south’s “big three” markets along with Puerto de Mogán and Arguineguín; 400 stalls of clothes, souvenirs and local produce vie for attention. Inside the hall you’ll find freshly juiced fruits, homemade cakes and speciality foods such as German bratwurst.
Stall at Mercadillo de San Fernando
3. Mercadillo de Santa Lucía de Tirajana
Plaza Santa Lucía • Open 8am–2pm Sun
Head to the centre of Santa Lucía de Tirajana for the freshest local produce at bargain prices. Pick up the town’s speciality products, such as its olives and its mejunje de ventura, made from of honey rum and herbs.
4. Mercadillo de Arguineguín
C/Paco González • Open 8am–2pm Tue
A popular market selling the usual array of souvenirs, and anything from fake designer labels and leather goods to African drums and bikinis.
5. Mercado de Artesanía y Cultura de Vegueta
Plaza del Pilar • Open 10am–3pm Sun
Artisans gather in the streets behind the cathedral to sell ceramics, clothing, food and handicrafts. Stop for refreshments in one of the makeshift bars set up for the occasion and watch the folk-dancing display.
6. Shopping Centres
El Muelle and Las Arenas in Las Palmas are both well equipped with chain stores and places to eat. Other popular centres are Varadero in Meloneras, Las Terrazas in Telde and Tropical in Playa del Inglés.
El Muelle Shopping Centre
7. Mercadillo de San Mateo
The island’s best farmers’ market (see Mercadillo, Vega de San Mateo) offers excellent local produce and local handicrafts, such as wicker work and leather goods. Try the marinated olives and pan de millo (sweet yellow cornbread).
Produce at Mercadillo de San Mateo
8. Calle Mayor de Triana, Las Palmas
The Modernist buildings that line the city’s most elite shopping street (see Calle Mayor de Triana) now house chain stores, such as Benetton and Marks & Spencer, but it’s still a great place to while away an afternoon. For unique purchases, head to the boutiques in the cobbled side streets, where you’ll find one-off clothes shops, original handicrafts and specialist bookshops.
9. Vecindario
The island’s third-largest town is no beauty, but it has two large malls, and a high street stretching 3 km (2 miles). Visit the big chain stores, or the craft shop in Parque de la Era de Verdugo.
10. The Mint Company, Meloneras
Avda Paseo Playa s/n, CC Boulevard El Faro • Open 10:15am–10pm daily • www.themintcompany.com
Pick up great fashion bargains at this popular store selling top brands at low prices. It also offers a good personal shopping service and Wi-Fi.
TOP 10 SOUVENIRS
1. Cheese
Buy queso de flor (flower cheese), a speciality of Santa Maria de Guía.
2. Lacework and Embroidery
Buy embroidered tablecloths, pretty place mats and blouses in Ingenio.
3. Traditional Costume
You’ll probably never wear it, but the traditional island dress is very interesting visually and also makes a rather good wall hanging.
4. Mojo
You should take home at least two jars of the dipping sauce: one green and one red (see Mojo).
5. Timples
This small, five-stringed instrument resembles a ukulele and is the musical emblem of the island. A few artisans still make it by hand.
6. Mejunje de ventura
If dark rum is too hard to swallow, go for a bottle of honey rum instead.
7. Pintaderas
Necklaces of replica Guanche pintaderas (ceramic stamps) make beautiful and original gifts.
8. Agaete Coffee
Strong coffee, grown in the Agaete Valley, is on sale across the island.
9. Aloe Vera
The healing plant grows in abundance on the island, so Gran Canaria is a great place to stock up on cosmetics made from its extracts.
10. Pottery
The only Guanche tradition to have survived is the production of hand-crafted ceramics. Potters still make their wares without a wheel in La Atalaya, Hoya de Pineda and Juncalillo.
Pottery on sale in Fataga
