Experience Lanzarote's historic center, where you'll find quaint Spanish churches, ancient convents reinvigorated with modern art and intriguing Canarian markets.
Exploring Teguise is a journey through the history of Lanzarote, with stories preserved by its ancient buildings. This former capital of Lanzarote has about 20,000 residents and serves as the main urban center of the Teguise municipality. Take a few days to see its landmarks, visit art museums housed within convents and explore the exciting surroundings.
Teguise served as the capital of Lanzarote from the 15th century until the 19th, before relinquishing its title to Arrecife. The executive residences and beautiful plazas have been left behind, however, helping Teguise to earn the status of a “city of architectural-historical-artistic interest."
View this architecture at San Miguel Plaza, a peaceful square surrounded by colonial buildings. Standing proudly above the square is the Nuestra Señora de Gaudelupe, a 16th-century church with a white-painted bell tower. Explore within to see dark and ornate Neo-Gothic naves. Visit the plaza on Sunday to find a lively market selling Canarian crafts, African wood carvings and handbags. Watch the dance show or try paella from a food stall.
See relics of political power at Palacio de los Spinola, the 18th-century residence of the Lanzarote governor. Explore its finely decorated inner rooms or admire its low-hanging white façade, which is separated by intermittent doorways.
Enjoy the combination of religious and artistic devotion at the Convent of San Francisco. This 16th-century Baroque building hosts the Museum of Sacred Art. Experience contrasting styles at the Convent de Santo Domingo, which houses a contemporary art gallery within its historic walls.
Find Teguise in central Lanzarote, just a 15-minute drive from Lanzarote's international airport. Reach attractions within town on foot. For adventures farther afield, rent a car or travel by tour bus.
After seeing the town, take in views of it from Santa Barbara Castle or explore volcanic caves at Cueva de los Verdes.
