Every Spanish town holds a colourful open-air street market, which usually takes place at least once a week. One of the great things about traditional Spanish markets is the lively atmosphere that surrounds them. Here is a list of our top must-visit markets taking place in and around the Marbella area throughout the week.
Sunday Market
Set in the beautiful countryside above Marbella, el Rastro de Benahavís is a market with a difference. It is a fun place for all the family where kids can enjoy the children’s entertainment while the adults browse stalls filled with antiques, handicrafts and second-hand wares. The pretty white village of Benahavís is just a short drive from Marbella centre and Puerto Banús.
Monday Market
Held at Marbella’s fairground, this market is a culinary delight, offering a large selection of fresh and local fruit and a range of herbs and spices at very reasonable prices. Other goods found here include everything from sunscreen to makeup, bed linen, cushions, clothing, shoes and handbags.
Tuesday Market
Fuengirola’s street market is one of the largest of its kind on the Costa del Sol, selling everything from souvenirs to second-hand furniture. It’s best to explore it in the morning, as by lunchtime it tends to become very busy as locals and tourists alike throng the stalls in their hunt for a bargain.
Wednesday Market
The La Cala de Mijas market takes place at the picturesque seaside village’s fairground. With around 115 stalls selling a selection of delicious homemade jams, cakes and sweets, as well as clothing toys, shoes and jewellery.
Thursday Market
The San Pedro Alcántara market offers fresh fruit and vegetables in a setting where you can sample the delicious, juicy offerings before you buy. Just around the corner is the town centre – just the place for a post-market coffee or snack.
Friday Market
Ambrosia is Marbella’s first gourmet food market. Located in Puerto Banús, this elegant version of a traditional food market is open seven days a week. It’s is a great place to spend a Friday afternoon sampling the gourmet delights on offer ranging from traditional tapas to succulent meats before lunch on the terrace and a few glasses of bubbly at the champagne bar.
Saturday Market
The Puerto Banús market – one of the most popular of all – begins at Centro Plaza (near the bull ring) and runs down the street towards the centre. This is the largest market on the Costa del Sol, offering everything you can imagine except fruit and vegetables.
Every first Saturday of the Month
Elviria is home to Marbella’s only ecological market (Guadalhorce), every first Saturday of the month directly behind our office, selling a large selection of fresh fruit, nuts, olive oils and vinegars, as well as bread and bakery products. Here you can buy foodstuffs that are difficult to source elsewhere, such as white grapefruit and purple carrots.
Whichever you choose, all these markets offer a diverting morning out and the chance to pick up a bargain.