Street Markets in Spain

Markets are an essential part of life in Spain and are invariably colourful, lively and entertaining. It's possible to find a market virtually every day of the week though Sunday markets tend to be only in the larger resorts with a higher proportion of foreign visitors. Many of the larger cities have a large, central market – often covered, while some of the small towns just have a weekly market where stalls are set up on the day. Markets sell just about everything, though some are much better than others – it’s really trial and error to find a good one that suits your needs. You can find flea markets selling antiques and bric-a-brac (often a good place to pick up second hand English books for a good price). Well worth seeking out are stalls selling locally produced handicrafts: ceramics, ironmongery, leather goods, linen, basketware etc. And the range of fresh local produce can be staggering: fruits, vegetables, bread, herbs and spices, wine, cheeses, meat and fish. Follow your nose for stalls selling freshly cooked local cuisine – you’ll never go hungry while walking round a Spanish market.

Opening hours vary considerably from market to market. Most start in the morning; some in the afternoon and a handful are open in the evening. Bear in mind that, this being Spain, nothing is cast in stone: a day of rare bad weather and the market may close early, or not open at all.