Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s iconic Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, better known as La Recova, has achieved a significant international milestone by becoming the only traditional retail market in Spain to be accepted as a full member of the World Union of Markets.
The recognition places one of Tenerife’s most beloved landmarks at the heart of a global network dedicated to promoting innovation, sustainability and the future of traditional food markets.
A Landmark Achievement for Santa Cruz
La Recova’s admission to the World Union of Markets represents an important moment not only for the market itself but also for local commerce in Tenerife and the Canary Islands.
The organisation brings together markets from around the world to share knowledge, experiences and best practices in areas such as:
• Food distribution
• Sustainability
• Digital transformation
• Support for local producers
• Market modernisation
• Gastronomic tourism
Membership gives La Recova a voice in international discussions about the future of traditional markets and their role in modern cities.
The Only Traditional Market in Spain
With this recognition, La Recova becomes:
• The only traditional retail food market in Spain to hold full membership in the World Union of Markets
• The only retail market in the Canary Islands represented within the organisation
The achievement places the Santa Cruz market alongside major Spanish food distribution centres such as Mercamadrid and Mercabarna, while maintaining its unique identity as a traditional public market.
Recognition for Tradition and Innovation
The World Union of Markets highlighted several strengths that helped secure La Recova’s membership.
These included:
• Its commitment to supporting local businesses and producers
• The quality and variety of Canarian products
• Its ability to preserve tradition while embracing innovation
• Sustainable practices and modernisation initiatives
• Its growing role in gastronomic tourism
The organisation also recognised the market’s success in balancing its traditional purpose with the evolving expectations of residents and visitors.
More Than 80 Years at the Heart of the City
Since opening in 1943, La Recova has been one of Santa Cruz’s most recognisable landmarks.
Its distinctive architecture, vibrant atmosphere and wide selection of fresh produce have made it a favourite destination for generations of local residents.
Today, the market continues to evolve while maintaining the character and charm that have defined it for decades.
A Growing Destination for Food Tourism
Modern travellers increasingly seek authentic local experiences, and traditional markets have become an important part of that trend.
La Recova offers visitors the opportunity to experience:
• Fresh local produce
• Traditional Canarian gastronomy
• Artisan products
• Local culture and daily life
Its inclusion in the World Union of Markets is expected to further strengthen its reputation as one of the must-visit attractions in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
International Recognition Continues to Grow
This is not the first time La Recova has received international attention.
The market was previously included by The Guardian among the world’s best traditional markets, helping to raise its profile beyond the Canary Islands.
Its latest achievement reinforces that reputation and confirms its position as one of Spain’s leading traditional markets.
A Success for Traditional Commerce
The recognition demonstrates that traditional markets can continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive retail environment.
By combining heritage, local commerce, sustainability and innovation, La Recova has shown that traditional markets remain relevant and valuable in the modern world.
For Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the achievement strengthens the city’s reputation as a destination where culture, gastronomy and local commerce continue to play a central role.