Mercado Ntra. Señora de África — Attraction in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

"Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa" ​​in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, known as La Recova, exerts a great fascination on visitors not only for being a historic building, an example of a very versatile architecture, but for being the municipal market of the city. La Recova, built on the remains of the Recova Vieja, called the Royal Palace, is a neoclassical colonial-style building, the work of the architect José Enrique Marrero, the same who built the basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, patron saint of the island. After the entrance arch, you enter three large courtyards, a central one in classic Spanish style and two lateral ones dominated by the "Mudejar" style tower (a continuation of the Moorish style). Entering the arcades, the attraction is great for the riot of colors of the flower stalls and even more so for those of tropical and other vegetables and fruit. And again: meats and fish, cheeses, all kinds of breads, fresh pasta, desserts, ice creams, herbalists, artisan products. Always crowded cafes...

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...

A Taste of Tradition at Mercado Ntra. Señora de África

Discover the heart of Tenerife at Mercado Nuestra Señora de África, a vibrant hub where locals and travelers alike bask in authentic Canarian culture. Its striking architecture beckons you into a world brimming with fresh, local produce and the day's best catch, straight from the Atlantic.

Amidst the lively banter of friendly vendors, you'll find an array of stalls offering everything from exotic fruits to artisanal cheeses. Don't miss the chance to savor traditional tapas at one of the quaint bars nestled within the market, providing a perfect pause to your bustling market adventure.

This market isn't just a feast for the senses; it's a warm, communal experience that embodies the spirit of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. A visit here promises not only a taste of the island's finest offerings but also a genuine connection to the soul of the...