An atmospheric food market in the capital city was the setting for a Masterchef contest.
Things to do in Tenerife
Santa Cruz Food Market
One of the beautiful food markets on Tenerife was showcased in the 2019 BBC Masterchef series. Competitors had to tour the traditional market, or Mercado Municipal Nuestra Señora de África La Recova in Santa Cruz, to select their ingredients and then produce iconic Canary island dishes for locals in one of the market squares.
The market has been at the heart of Santa Cruz since 1943. It is lively and full of atmosphere and is where the locals go to shop. The aromas of fresh herbs and the vast range of foodstuff entice you in and encourages you to linger.
Visitors enter through an impressive arch into a courtyard surrounded by market stalls, bars and cafes. There is a tall bell tower with a fine clock face, shady areas to sit in, tiled floors and mosaics decorating the walls.
It is a great place to buy your food for a picnic, shop for more unusual souvenirs or stop for a Canary island snack and just people watch.
There are several other markets of all types on the island. At the more touristy ones, haggling is expected.
Other markets in Tenerife:
- Los Cristianos, the biggest general market in the south, every Tuesday and Sunday until 2pm.
- Costa Adeje, arts and crafts, souvenirs, clothing, Thursdays and Saturdays until 2.
- Adeje farmers’ market, great local produce, Wednesdays 3pm – 7pm, Saturday and Sunday mornings.
- Los Abrigos has the island’s only night market on Tuesdays between 6 and 10pm.
Days and times were correct at the time of publication.
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