Revitalisation of Arrecife’s Central Market and Fish Market
The Arrecife City Council is moving ahead with the refurbishment of public buildings in the historic centre of Lanzarote’s capital. Under the leadership of Mayor Yonathan de León, plans are in motion to rejuvenate La Recova Municipal and the Municipal Fish Market, aiming to restore their past commercial vibrancy.
Since 1 July, the Public Sector Contracting Platform has announced a call for tenders for the renovation and modernisation of the former Fish Market. This project will complement La Recova as a Municipal Market, which will include a food area both in its existing premises and on the covered terrace. Interested companies have until 22 July 2026 to submit their proposals.
Mayor De León noted that support for the project comes from the Canary Islands’ Tourism Department, led by popular councillor Jéssica de León. The official bidding process is being managed by Gestión de Proyectos y Estudios Turísticos en Canarias S.A.U., part of the Tourism Department.
De León stressed that the Fish Market will work alongside La Recova and the recent transformation of Plaza de Las Palmas as part of efforts to enhance this historic area of Arrecife.
The technical project, developed by the City Council’s Trade and Tourism Department, has been approved by the Heritage Unit of the Cabildo due to its proximity to the historic centre and landmarks like the San Ginés Church and La Recova.
Eli Merino, the councillor for Trade and Tourism, highlighted that the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Fish Market will modernise its offerings, focusing on seafood marketing and culinary experiences. This initiative will align with La Recova, which will see its own refurbishment tender announced this summer.
Merino emphasized that both projects have received the necessary heritage approvals, and the council has been methodically preparing for these tenders to restore these locations to their original purpose: selling agricultural and fishery products from Lanzarote and La Graciosa. The revamped designs aim to invigorate these sites for the commercialisation and tasting of local produce, thus benefitting local businesses.
With the renovation of Plaza de Las Palmas completed last autumn, the external facades of the parish hall and library are now being improved. This summer, tenders will also be released for La Recova and the comprehensive refurbishment of Parque José Ramírez Cerdá, with an estimated investment of nearly two million euros.
In addition to these significant projects, the council continues its work to transform Arrecife’s Open Commercial Area, with further details to be shared by the mayor and the councillor for Trade and Tourism soon.
The Open Commercial Area, near Plaza de Las Palmas, La Recova, and the Fish Market, is a central hub close to Charco de San Ginés, known for its solid culinary offerings. It is one of the most visited spots by both locals and tourists, including around 700,000 cruise passengers that Arrecife port welcomes from September to April, coinciding with the autumn and winter season.
The influx of tourists combined with the local population provides a substantial customer base for shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants in Arrecife.
