Antiguo Mercado, Santa Cruz De Tenerife

Antiguo Mercado La Recova Santa Cruz de Tenerife: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the Antiguo Mercado—officially known as Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África and affectionately called “La Recova”—is a vibrant testament to the city’s heritage, community, and evolving culture. Since its origins in the mid-19th century, La Recova has grown from a pioneering food market into a dynamic center for commerce, gastronomy, and cultural life. With its neocolonial architecture, iconic clock tower, and bustling courtyards, it remains a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic connection to Tenerife’s traditions and contemporary vibrancy.

This in-depth guide covers La Recova’s historical evolution, architectural legacy, cultural significance, visiting hours, ticket information, accessibility, and insider tips for an enriching experience. For further details, see gotenerife.net, eldia.es, and la-recova.com.

Historical Overview

Origins and Construction

Antiguo Mercado traces its roots to the early 1940s, a period marked by urban modernization in Santa Cruz. The city sought a centralized, hygienic market to replace improvised and unsanitary food stalls. Construction began in 1942 in the Cuatro Torres neighborhood and was completed in 1944. Funded by the Mando Económico de Canarias, the project was a symbol of civic pride and progress (eldia.es). The inauguration of La Recova marked the beginning of its enduring role as the city’s main market (gotenerife.net).

Architectural Evolution

La Recova is celebrated for its neocolonial and neoclassical architectural style, featuring a monumental archway, open courtyards, and the Torre del Reloj clock tower. The market’s design maximizes natural light and ventilation, ideal for the local climate. Renovations have preserved its historic character while introducing modern amenities such as refrigerated lockers, online shopping, and expanded opening hours, all managed cooperatively by local merchants (la-recova.com).

Since its inception, La Recova has been a focal point for social and economic life. It provided a regulated, clean environment for food distribution and became a daily meeting place for people from all walks of life. The market also embodies Santa Cruz’s multicultural spirit, offering products from across the Canary Islands and beyond (facts.net). The weekly Sunday Rastro, held in the surrounding streets, is a popular flea market that strengthens community bonds and fosters cross-cultural exchange (elcorazondetenerife.com).

Economic and Gastronomic Importance

La Recova has supported small-scale farmers, fishermen, and artisans for generations. It remains a cornerstone for local food traditions, featuring stalls with fresh produce, meats, fish, cheeses, and Canarian specialties like gofio, mojo sauces, and regional wines. Culinary workshops, tastings, and artisan fairs celebrate and preserve Tenerife’s gastronomic heritage (piccavey.com).

Transformation into a Cultural Center

In recent decades, the market has expanded its role beyond commerce. The Centro de Arte La Recova, located within the market’s original structure, hosts art exhibitions, performances, and community events, blending historical ambiance with creative expression (cromacultura.com). This adaptive reuse ensures La Recova’s continued relevance as both a heritage site and a modern cultural venue.

Symbolism and Identity

La Recova is a symbol of Santa Cruz’s identity, resilience, and capacity for adaptation. Public art installations, such as “La Lechera” (the Milkmaid), pay homage to local traditions and honor the contributions of past generations (heatheronhertravels.com).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 6:00 AM – 2:00/2:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Rastro market operates in the surrounding streets)
Cultural Events: Centro de Arte La Recova may have extended hours during exhibitions.

Tickets and Entry

General market entry is free.
Special exhibitions or guided tours may require tickets or donations—consult la-recova.com for current details.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible, with ramps and wide pathways.
Centrally located in Plaza Isla de la Madera, within walking distance of key landmarks like Plaza de España and Calle del Castillo.
Easily reached by public transport, taxi, or on foot. Parking is limited during busy events.

Amenities

Assistance services available for visitors with disabilities.
Restrooms and ATMs on-site.
Many vendors accept card payments, especially in the Rambla Azul section.

Market Layout and What to Expect

La Recova is organized around spacious courtyards and arcaded galleries, providing a lively, open-air atmosphere. Visitors can explore over 200 stalls offering:

Fresh Produce: Bananas, papayas, avocados, citrus, and vegetables from Tenerife’s volcanic soil.
Fish and Seafood: Daily catches including vieja and cherne.
Meats & Cheeses: Canarian goat cheese, sausages, and charcuterie.
Artisan Products: Mojo sauces, gofio, honey, desserts, and local wines.
Flowers & Crafts: Handmade gifts and souvenirs reflecting Canarian artistry.

Year-Round Events and Weekly Activities

Daily Market Life: Lively vendor stalls from early morning, best experienced between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Sunday Rastro: Largest street market in Santa Cruz, offering antiques, crafts, and vintage items.
Seasonal Events: Carnival (February/March), Fiestas de Mayo (May), Canary Islands Day (May 30), San Juan Bonfires (June), Christmas fairs (December).
Gastronomy and Culture: Food tastings, cooking workshops, art exhibitions, live music, and artisan fairs are held throughout the year.

Tips for Visiting

Best Time: Arrive early for the freshest products and vibrant atmosphere.
Payment: Cash is common, but cards are increasingly accepted.
Language: Spanish is primary, but English is spoken by many vendors.
Etiquette: Sampling is welcomed; be respectful and patient during busy periods.

Nearby Attractions

Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA)
Plaza de España
Calle del Castillo
Lechera Statue at entrance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM–2:00/2:30 PM; Sunday, 7:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Entry is free; special exhibitions may require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, contact local tourism offices or check the official website.

Q: Is the market accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps and wide aisles.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Walk, public transport, taxi; limited parking during large events.

Visuals and Media

Photo of Antiguo Mercado entrance with Lechera Statue (alt=“Antiguo Mercado Santa Cruz de Tenerife entrance with Lechera Statue”)
Market interior showing stalls and patios (alt=“Inside Antiguo Mercado with fresh produce stalls”)
Carnival celebrations at the market (alt=“Carnival festivities at Antiguo Mercado”)
Sunday Rastro street market activity (alt=“Sunday Rastro street market near Antiguo Mercado”)

Images are optimized with descriptive alt tags for better SEO and accessibility.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Antiguo Mercado La Recova stands as a living symbol of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s enduring spirit—blending history, community, and innovation. Its architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant calendar of events offer both locals and visitors a unique window into the island’s identity. Whether you’re seeking fresh produce, artisan crafts, local cuisine, or cultural celebrations, La Recova is a dynamic hub where tradition and modernity converge.

Plan your visit by checking current hours and upcoming events on the official website or local tourism portals. Download the Audiala app for guided tours and updates, and follow our social media channels for the latest news and inspiration.