Is There Anything Original in South Tenerife’s Markets?

I love to browse markets, especially on vacation. I  like bringing back unique souvenirs, things I can’t buy elsewhere.  A recent visit to Camden Market  made me realize how similar many goods were to those in Tenerife’s markets; the same cottons from India, leather from Morocco, or key chains/fridge magnets/mugs from China (although emblazoned ‘A present from London’ of course and not ‘A present from Canary Islands.’) all great value, but not original.

This set me wondering whether there is anything distinctive in the markets here? So I went to find out, and this is what I came up with.

1. The Sunday market in Los Cristianos, held next to the Arona Gran Hotel, is where I found Sue of Sue ‘n’ Sew, an English ex-pat who designs and makes children’s clothes and toys in traditional ginghams and flower prints, which made me feel very nostalgic.

2. El Médano’s market is in the town’s main square, right next to the beach, and that’s where to  find  a very original way of looking at my home town through the stunning photographs of  Fabrica del Viento. This photographer’s work  is very popular locally and can be found on the walls of several local bars and cafés.

3. It’s great to meet artists, and another displaying her work in El Médano was Claudia of Arte de Cristal. I fell in love with the colorful, glass bowls, ornaments and wall hangings displayed but the thing I remember is the passion with which she talked about her work. You truly could call them labours of love!

4. Nearby, Objectos Creativos showed me stunning designs from key rings to a catalogue of  sculptures which can be seen at their workshop in San Miguel de Abona. They work with natural, Canarian woods and metals to produce beautiful things, for home or garden, and some very original lines in bags and hats.

5. In El Médano, again, Colga2, a team of very friendly young women who have banded together to make and sell earrings in an effort to fight the recession. Prices are so reasonable I bought two pairs!

6. Close by, colours swaying in the breeze drew my eye to Makanuda, whose jazzy fascinators are gorgeous. If I had an event to which to go I’d be down to buy one in a heartbeat! She also makes bright straw bags and hats.

7. And a quick round up of the rest: in Los Cristianos  I discovered two artists who both produce greetings cards, although quite different syles. A charming, young lady named Susanne sells hand-made cards to which she can add someone’s name, or other personal touch. A bit further along I found very unusual pop-up cards – inside of each one a clever cutout of the football stadium of your favorite team. I also found pastel-pretty creams and bath products, and a craftsman making wall plaques from local materials.

Some of these stalls can also be found on the Thursday or Saturday markets in Fañabe in Costa Adeje, or the smaller night market in Los Abrigos, and it’s true that in the busier ones you have to weave and wander to find that something special, but when you do, it turns out to be something really original.