Atlantic Treasures
Gran Canaria has a thousand-year fishing tradition. Canarian waters, where Atlantic currents meet, harbor an extraordinary variety of fish and seafood. The markets of Las Palmas are the best place to discover this marine wealth.
This guide helps you find quality fresh fish and learn about local species.
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Fish Markets
Port Market ⭐
The market closest to Las Canteras.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Santa Catalina Dock |
| Hours | Mon-Sat 7:00-14:00 |
| Type | Traditional market |
| Fish | Fresh daily catch |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 1 km |
#### What to Find
| Product | Availability |
|---------|--------------|
| Local fish | Daily |
| Seafood | Seasonal |
| Preparation | Cleaning included |
| Fruit/vegetables | Additional stalls |
Vegueta Market
Historic market with fish section.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Calle Mendizábal |
| Hours | Mon-Sat 7:00-14:00 |
| Type | Complete market |
| Fish section | Varied |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 3 km |
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Typical Canarian Fish
Local Species
| Fish | Description | Price/kg |
|------|-------------|----------|
| Vieja (parrotfish) | Canarian emblem, tasty | €15-25 |
| Cherne (wreckfish) | White, fine | €18-28 |
| Sama (red snapper) | Pink, highly prized | €12-20 |
| Bocinegro (blackspot seabream) | Similar to sama | €12-18 |
| Cabrilla (comber) | Economical, tasty | €8-12 |
| Salema (goldline) | Small, fried | €6-10 |
| Sardina (sardine) | Classic | €4-8 |
Vieja (Parrotfish) ⭐
The most emblematic fish of the Canaries.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Scientific name | Sparisoma cretense |
| Color | Red/green depending on age |
| Typical preparation | Boiled with mojo sauce |
| Season | Year-round |
| Price | €15-25/kg |
White Fish
| Species | Characteristic | Preparation |
|---------|---------------|-------------|
| Cherne | Very fine | Grilled, baked |
| Sama | Intense flavor | Baked, salt-crusted |
| Corvina (meagre) | Large, firm | Steaks |
Blue Fish
| Species | Characteristic | Preparation |
|---------|---------------|-------------|
| Atún (tuna) | Very fresh | Tataki, grilled |
| Bonito | Economical | Escabeche |
| Caballa (mackerel) | Popular | Fried, baked |
| Sardina | Traditional | Grilled, fried |
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Seafood
Available
| Seafood | Season | Price/kg |
|---------|--------|----------|
| Lapas (limpets) | Year-round | €15-25 |
| Burgados (whelks) | Year-round | €10-15 |
| Gambas (prawns) | Year-round | €20-35 |
| Pulpo (octopus) | Year-round | €12-20 |
| Calamar (squid) | Year-round | €10-18 |
| Langostinos (king prawns) | Imported | €25-40 |
Lapas (Limpets) ⭐
Typical Canarian seafood.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Type | Mollusk, shell |
| Preparation | Grilled with mojo |
| Where to try | Restaurants, guachinches |
| Price | €8-15/portion |
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The Fish Auction
Las Palmas Lonja
Where fish is auctioned.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Puerto de La Luz |
| Auction hours | Dawn (4:00-6:00) |
| Tourist visits | Not common |
| Direct purchase | Wholesalers only |
From Auction to Market
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Where to Buy
Recommended Fishmongers
| Fishmonger | Location | Note |
|------------|----------|------|
| Port Market | Port | Variety |
| Vegueta Market | Center | Traditional |
| Neighborhood fishmongers | Various | Local |
Supermarkets
| Chain | Fish Quality |
|-------|--------------|
| HiperDino | Good |
| Mercadona | Acceptable |
| Carrefour | Varied |
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Buying Tips
Identifying Fresh Fish
| Sign | Fresh | Not Fresh |
|------|-------|-----------|
| Eyes | Bright, protruding | Sunken, dull |
| Gills | Bright red | Brown, grey |
| Skin | Shiny, firm | Dull, soft |
| Smell | Sea-like, mild | Strong, ammonia |
| Flesh | Elastic | Soft |
How Much to Buy
| Type | Amount/Person |
|------|---------------|
| Whole fish | 300-400g |
| Fillet | 150-200g |
| Seafood | 200-300g |
Preparation
| Service | Available |
|---------|-----------|
| Cleaning | Yes, free |
| Filleting | Yes, free |
| Scaling | Yes, free |
| Ice bag | On request |
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Prices 2026
Local Fish
| Species | Price/kg |
|---------|----------|
| Small vieja | €15-20 |
| Large vieja | €20-28 |
| Cherne | €18-25 |
| Sama | €12-18 |
| Sardines | €5-8 |
| Fresh tuna | €15-25 |
Price Factors
| Factor | Effect |
|--------|--------|
| Season | Variable price |
| Size | Larger = more expensive |
| Demand | Holidays increase price |
| Day's catch | Fresher = better price |
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Typical Recipes
With Local Fish
| Recipe | Fish | Difficulty |
|--------|------|------------|
| Vieja sancochada | Vieja | Easy |
| Cherne al horno | Cherne | Medium |
| Sama a la sal | Sama | Medium |
| Sardinas asadas | Sardine | Easy |
| Caldo de pescado | Various | Easy |
Vieja Sancochada
| Ingredient | Amount |
|------------|--------|
| Vieja | 1 fish |
| Potatoes | 500g |
| Green mojo | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation: Boil fish and potatoes. Serve with green mojo.---
Fish Restaurants
Near Las Canteras
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price |
|------------|-----------|-------|
| La Marinera | Local fish | €€ |
| El Rincón del Puerto | Seafood | €€ |
| Casa Carmelo | Traditional | €€ |
Best for Fish
| Restaurant | Location | Why |
|------------|----------|-----|
| El Risco | Agaete | Exceptional quality |
| Restaurante Confital | Confital | Views + fish |
| Casa Montesdeoca | Vegueta | Tradition |
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Seasons
Best Time by Species
| Species | Best Season |
|---------|-------------|
| Vieja | Year-round |
| Tuna | Spring-summer |
| Sardine | Summer |
| Cherne | Autumn-winter |
| Octopus | Autumn |
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Transport and Storage
Taking Fish Home
| Time | Storage |
|------|---------|
| <2 hours | Normal bag |
| 2-4 hours | Cool bag |
| >4 hours | Ice/cooler |
At Your Apartment
| Tip | Note |
|-----|------|
| Refrigerate | Immediately |
| Consume | Same day ideal |
| Freeze | Possible (loses some quality) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best fish market?
The Port Market is closest to Las Canteras and has excellent fresh fish daily. Vegueta Market is more traditional and varied.
What typical fish should I try?
Vieja sancochada with green mojo is the most typical Canarian fish dish. Cherne and sama are also excellent options.When is fish freshest?
Early morning (8:00-10:00), just arrived from the auction. Fridays and Saturdays usually have more variety.Can I ask them to clean it?
Yes, at markets and fishmongers they clean, scale and fillet for free. Just ask.
Is Canarian fish expensive?
Moderately. Quality local fish (vieja, cherne) costs €15-25/kg. There are more affordable options like sardines or cabrilla.
How do I know if it's local fish?
Ask the fishmonger. Local fish is labeled "Local catch" or "From our coasts." Imported must indicate origin.
Is there good seafood in the Canaries?
Lapas (limpets) and burgados (whelks) are excellent typical seafood. Octopus is also very good. Large prawns and king prawns are usually imported.Can I eat raw fish (sushi)?
Fish for raw consumption must be previously deep-frozen (parasites). Sushi restaurants use treated fish. At home, freeze for minimum 5 days at -20°C.