Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
A historic, bustling market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offering fresh produce, seafood, local crafts, and authentic Canarian flavors.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak freshness & fewer crowds
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Best Time
Peak freshness & fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, bustling market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offering fresh produce, seafood, local crafts, and authentic Canarian flavors.
"This market offers an authentic atmosphere — honest, vibrant, and full of character."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Many stalls, especially for fresh produce and seafood, start closing by late morning. Get there early to experience the market at its liveliest!
🗣️ Engage with Local Vendors
Don't be shy to ask questions or try samples. Vendors are often friendly and happy to share insights about their products.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Produce Stalls
Ground floor perimeter
A colorful explosion of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local produce. A feast for the eyes and the palate!

Bustling Seafood Market
Downstairs
An incredible array of fresh fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Witness the daily catch and enjoy seafood tapas.

Artisan and Souvenir Crafts
Central area
Discover unique local crafts, artisanal products, and souvenirs. Perfect for finding a piece of Tenerife to take home.

Argentinian Empanadas
Various food stalls
Savor delicious Argentinian empanadas with rich fillings, a popular and tasty treat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Embrace Local Flavors and Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Many stalls, especially for fresh produce and seafood, start closing by late morning. Get there early to experience the market at its liveliest!
🗣️ Engage with Local Vendors
Don't be shy to ask questions or try samples. Vendors are often friendly and happy to share insights about their products.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
While not always possible, some vendors in the craft section may be open to a little friendly negotiation.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the market.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Many stalls, especially for fresh produce and seafood, start closing by late morning. Get there early to experience the market at its liveliest!
🗣️ Engage with Local Vendors
Don't be shy to ask questions or try samples. Vendors are often friendly and happy to share insights about their products.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
While not always possible, some vendors in the craft section may be open to a little friendly negotiation.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the market.
📱 Capture the Colors
The market is incredibly photogenic! Bring your phone or camera to capture the vibrant displays and lively atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often describe the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África as a 'hidden gem' and an 'authentic experience' with friendly staff and a vibrant atmosphere. The fresh produce and seafood are frequently praised, as are the unique local crafts and delicious empanadas. However, some visitors have reported disappointing experiences due to visiting on public holidays or late in the day when stalls were closed, and one review mentioned issues with being misinformed by a specific vendor.
"Such a hidden gem! We walked past this place about 3 times before we actually noticed it, but I'm so glad we went in! The staff were so friendly and accomodating and recommended wines and certain menu items. The jamon and cheese board was fantastic, and we also received a bread baskets with little personalised crackers. The wine was so lovely we ended up purchasing a bottle of it. It was such a lovely place, I would definitely recommend!
You can also buy Jamon, cheese, and wine to take away. 100% recommend!"
Chloe Bassett
"Experience
This market offers an authentic atmosphere — honest, vibrant, and full of character. There are many vendors selling unique local souvenirs, and the fruit displays are colorful and abundant. You’ll also find fresh fish counters with a great selection."
Милена
"We went twice, but it was a bit disappointing.
The first time we went on a public holiday. The hotel reception said everything will be open in the capital, which was the opposite…
But after reading the reviews and the history we went back on a weekday. After a 1,5 hrs bus ride we arrived at 11.15 hrs, and unfortunately most stands were closed or about to close.
We wanted to see some plants and flowers.
I think if everything is open the experience is different. And it might be a vibrant place.
We bought an Argentinian empanada and some fruits. The empanada was okay. I personally like the Caribbean empanadas due to the spices they use.
Don’t buy fruits from an Indian lady!
She sold us the wrong products and misinformed us.
She sells a lot of unripe produce which you can throw away, because it will not ripen.
We bought 4 different fruits and all rotten or doesn’t ripe, even after several weeks.
The market hall is pleasant to walk, with enough benches and a nice ambiance. But that’s the only positive experience I had."
Nadia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. You can easily reach it by public bus, with several routes stopping nearby. If you're driving, parking can be tricky, so consider using public transport or a taxi.
Parking near the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África can be challenging, especially during peak hours. There are some paid parking lots in the vicinity, but it's often recommended to use public transport.
The market typically opens in the morning and many stalls begin to close by late morning or early afternoon. It's best to visit on a weekday morning for the full experience. Specific hours can vary by vendor.
The main market hall is generally accessible, but some areas, like the downstairs seafood market, might have stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility on-site if you have specific concerns.
Yes, numerous bus lines serve the area around the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, making it easily accessible via public transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África is generally free. You only pay for the goods you purchase from the vendors.
For a less crowded experience, aim for weekday mornings. Saturday mornings can be lively but also busier with locals.
The market is typically open most days, but it's wise to check for public holidays, as some vendors might have reduced hours or be closed.
Generally, pets are not allowed inside food markets for hygiene reasons. It's best to leave your furry friends at your accommodation.
No, the craft market section in the central area is also free to enter. You'll only pay if you decide to purchase any items.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Products
You'll find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, seafood, local cheeses, wines, artisanal products, and souvenirs.
Absolutely! Look for local cheeses, wines, honey, and other regional delicacies. You can also find Argentinian empanadas.
Prices are generally competitive, especially for fresh produce. For souvenirs, some friendly bargaining might be possible.
The freshest fish and seafood are located in the downstairs section of the market, which is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Yes, there are several stalls offering prepared foods, including delicious seafood tapas and Argentinian empanadas, perfect for a quick bite.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are casual restaurant counters, especially near the seafood market, where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes.
You can enjoy fresh seafood tapas, Argentinian empanadas, local cheeses, and other regional specialties.
Yes, you can often purchase wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy with your food at the market's dining areas.
While the focus is on fresh produce and seafood, you can find some options like salads and empanadas that might suit vegetarians. It's best to ask vendors directly.
Definitely! The market offers a lively atmosphere and delicious, fresh food options for a memorable casual lunch experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and the market's vibrant colors and lively scenes make for fantastic photo opportunities.
The produce stalls, the bustling seafood market, and the colorful craft displays offer excellent photographic subjects.
Be mindful of vendors and other shoppers; avoid using flash directly in people's faces. Natural light is often best.
While generally permitted, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or stalls.
You can capture close-ups of fresh produce, action shots of vendors at work, vibrant market scenes, and unique artisanal crafts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning when the market is busiest and most lively. While there aren't dedicated play areas, the market itself provides a dynamic environment. For a snack, the empanadas or fresh fruit can be a hit with younger ones. Remember to keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and ensure they have comfortable shoes for walking.
💰 Budget Travelers
While souvenirs might have varying prices, friendly negotiation in the craft section could yield good deals. The market also offers a chance to experience local life without spending a fortune, making it an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture while keeping costs down.
💑 Couples
Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to truly savor the experience. The craft market section also presents opportunities to find a unique memento of your trip together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Santa Cruz: A Historic Market
Visitors can explore a wide array of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, high-quality meats, and an impressive seafood market downstairs. Beyond the edibles, the central area often hosts a craft market, providing opportunities to find unique local souvenirs and artisanal products. It's a place where tradition meets commerce, offering a sensory experience that is both engaging and memorable.
Many visitors recommend arriving early to witness the market at its peak, especially for the freshest catches and produce. The experience is enhanced by interacting with the friendly local vendors, who are often happy to share insights about their products. Whether you're looking for ingredients for a home-cooked meal or simply want to soak in the local culture, this market is a must-visit destination in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
A Culinary Journey: Flavors of the Market
Beyond seafood, the market is a fantastic place to discover local Canarian specialties. You can find stalls selling local cheeses, wines, and other regional products. A particular highlight for many are the Argentinian empanadas, praised for their rich and satisfying fillings, offering a taste of South America within the market. Some vendors also offer gourmet products like truffle-infused oils and cheeses, perfect for elevating your culinary creations.
For those looking to take a taste of Tenerife home, many vendors offer jamón, cheese, and wine for takeaway. The market provides an excellent opportunity to sample authentic flavors and discover new culinary treasures, making it a highlight for any foodie visiting Santa Cruz.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit