Top 10 Gran Canaria markets

Sure, they have supermarkets over on Gran Canaria. But for a more authentic taste of what the island actually produces, head to the various markets dotted around the island. Introducing, in no particular order, the top 10 markets on Gran Canaria:

1.) Mercado del PuertoMercado del Puerto

The Mercado del Puerto's reinvented itself in recent years. As well as being a place to stock up on your five a day before the sun does gown, this market's now a nocturnal destination. Well served by buses, Mercado del Puerto's also a short walk from the La Puntilla end of Las Canteras beach.

Contact details: Calle Albareda 76, 35008, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. +34 928 470 208. website.

Distance from airport: 28.8km (17.9 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 3.5km (2.2 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 57.4km (35.7 miles)

Opening hoursMondays 10:00am-12:00am and Tuesday-Saturday 7:00am-12:00am

2.) Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal de ArtenaraMercado de Artenara

Visit Gran Canaria's highest municipality Artenara on the second Sunday of each month if you want to see this market. You can sample a communal hotpot at the Mercado Agrícola y Artesanal de Artenara. Along with fruit and vegetables harvested by the Summit farmers.

Contact details: Plaza San Matías, 35350, Artenara. +34 928 666 102. website.

Distance from airport: 53.2km (33.1 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 45.5km (28.3 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 57km (35.4 miles)

Opening hoursSundays 9:00am-2:00pm

3.) Mercado del AgricultorMercado del Agricultor

You'll find this farmers' market on the outskirts of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Indeed, San Lorenzo village used to be the capital of its own municipality. Since 2011, they've been welcoming bargain hunters to the Mercado del Agricultor lured by the lower-than-average prices.

Contact details: Carretera San Lorenzo 238, 35018, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Distance from airport: 25.9km (16.1 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 10.2km (6.3 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 56.9km (35.3 miles)

Opening hoursSundays 9:00am-2:00pm

4.) EcoVallesEcoValles

The green, green municipality of Valleseco's home to EcoValles. This is Gran Canaria's first ecological market. The 10 stalls all have certificates, allowing them to sell green produce, from bread to fruit and veg to even furniture.

Contact details: Calle Párroco Francisco José Hernández, 35349, Valleseco. +34 928 618 022. 

Distance from airport: 43.1km (26.8 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 26.8km (16.7 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 74km (46 miles)

Opening hours: Fridays 4:00pm-8:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm and 4:00pm-8:00pm, and Sundays 9:00am-2:00pm

5.) Mercado de VeguetaMercado de Vegueta

The Mercado de Vegueta holds the distinction of being the oldest market on the whole of the Canary Islands. Contructed in 1856, the Mercado de Vegueta didn't officially open for another two years. These days, it's a shopping destination that's very much on the tourist map.

Contact details: Calle Mendizabal 1, 35001, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. +34 928 334 129

Distance from airport: 20.6km (12.8 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 4.8km (3 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 52.7km (32.7 miles)

Opening hoursMonday-Thursday 6:00am-2:00pm, Fridays and Saturdays 6:00am-3:00pm

6.) Mercadillo Agrícola y Artesanal de La Aldea de San NicolásMercadillo de La Aldea

Held on the first Saturday of each month, the Mercadillo de Agrícola y Artesanal de La Aldea de San Nicolás is a great place to enjoy the fruits of the labourers. La Aldea, after all, is one of Gran Canaria's principal agricultural areas. There is also often a concert to entertain the crowds.

Contact details: Calle Real, 35470, La Aldea de San Nicolás. +34 928 892 305. website. 

Distance from airport: 83.8km (52.1 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 68.1km (42.3 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 57.4km (35.7 miles)

Opening hoursSaturdays 9:00am-2:00pm

7.) Mercado CentralMercado Central 

Taking pride of place in the Alcaravaneras neighbourhood, the Mercado Central's one of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria three main markets. There's a bus stop right outside and it's a short distance on foot from Avenida Mesa y López. Look out for the various promotions at this market, including watercress for 1€ a kilo.

Contact details: Calle Galicia 24, 35006, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. +34 928 242 910. website. 

Distance from airport: 26.4km (16.4 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 3.1km (1.9 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 57.4km (35.7 miles)

Opening hoursMonday-Saturday 7:00am-2:00pm

8.) Mercadillo Agrícola Artesanal de La Vega de San MateoMercadillo de San Mateo

There's a child's play area, café, and free parking for bikes at the Mercado Agrícola Artesanal de La Vega de San Mateo. A popular weekend destination for locals, there's even a Canarian cigar stall. So why delay, make a pilgrimage to Vega to San Mateo today.

Contact details: Calle Antonio Perera Rivero S/N, 35320, Vega de San Mateo. +34 928 660 358. website. 

Distance from airport: 31.9km (19.8 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 25.4km (15.8 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 62.9km (39.1 miles)

Opening hoursSaturdays 9:00am-8:00pm and Sundays 9:00am-2:00pm

9.) Mercado AltavistaMercado Altavista

Although it's not as far out as San Lorenzo's market, Mercado Altavista isn't in the centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. But well worth the extra journey time if you want to pick up the likes of fresh pasta at a market rooted firmly in its community.The number 11 bus will return you to central LP.

Contact details: Calle Juan Ramón Jimenez 45, 35011, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. +34 928 501 401. 

Distance from airport: 26.1km (16.2 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 1.5km (0.9 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés: 57.1km (35.5 miles)

Opening hoursMonday-Thursday 7:00am-2:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays 7:00am-3:00pm

10.) Mercado de GáldarMercado de Gáldar

This municipal market aka La Recova de Gáldar dates back to 1945 and its main entrance preserves the original iron gates. Inside the Mercado de Gáldar, you'll see murals from local artist Diego Higueras. These were produced in tribute to legendary painter Antonio Padrón whose house museum you'll find in the same Gáldar street.

Contact details: Calle Capitán Quesada 29, 35460, Gáldar. +34 928 880 050. website.

Distance from airport: 47.8km (29.7 miles)

Distance from centre of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 24.5km (15.2 miles)

Distance from Playa del Inglés78.8km (49 miles)

Opening hoursMonday-Saturday 7:30am-1:30pm plus Fridays 4:00pm-7:30pm