Named "flowers' city" is situated 14 Km north of Granada and 17 km south from Managua, the town of Masaya rises on the banks of the lake that has the same name.
Masaya, once called Villa fiel de San Fernando, is famous for its coffee plantations and handicraft local markets. The latter are amongst one of the biggest of Central America. In the two handcraft markets of Masaya, it's possible to find at a good price, food-stuffs and well made handicraft, especially pottery, articles in wood, leather, ceramics, hard stones and fabrics.
The markets are open all days of the week from the dawn to the sunset but in the morning the activity is more frenetic. Inside the chief market, you can find informal restaurants where you can taste typical courses at a very cheap price.