Farmers markets are extremely popular in all major towns and cities from Benidorm, Calpe, Denia, down to Altea, Alicante, Santa Pola and Torrevieja. In an age where organic is seen as a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to eat, more and more people are heading to their market at the weekends, rather than taking a trip down to the local supermarket. In Spain markets have always been popular way to shop for produce and other local goods, however they are not called farmers markets as such because of the different range of items that are sold there.
Three different Types of Farmer Market
There are 3 types of markets held throughout the Costa Blanca. They are all open air and the most popular ones sells fruit, vegetable and flowers. These are the ones most similar to British farmers market and the markets listed below all fall into this category.
Flea markets are also popular but there are not as many in the Costa Blanca. They are known as Rastros and sell trinkets and antiques. Calpe holds one on a Wednesday, and Denia and Jalon have one on Saturday. Teulada, Villajoyosa, La Nucia, Alicante and Benidorm all have one on a Sunday. Some towns also have art markets in the summer. Make sure you arrive in good time to the markets to ensure you get the best produce and can find a parking place!
Alicante and Benidorm unsurprisingly have the largest number of markets. Alicante holds one every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and Benidorm has them on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Sundays.
The market at Torrevieja on a Friday is worth mentioning in particular as this is one of the largest markets held in the region with over 1200 stalls to be found. It is held in the New Torrevieja Urban area. There is also a craft market in Torrevieja that takes place at the weekend in the Paseo Maritimo de la Libertad. It is a slightly smaller market with around 300 stalls. Definitely worth a trip if you love hunting for bargains and bartering of course for them!
In Altea there is a market on Tuesdays that sells everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes and furniture. It is possible to still find lovely antique bargains generally at the markets in Spain, but you will need to be prepared for haggling and bartering your heart out to get the best possible price.
The weekend is a popular time to go market shopping and consequently there are markets on Saturdays on Benissa, Elche, Gandia, Santa Pola and Calpe, and on Sunday in Campo de Guardamar there is a colourful street market held in Montesinos Road. There are around 100 stalls at this one.
Monday sees a market in Denia, Santa Pola and Elche. On Tuesday there is a delightful street market in Orihuela, and Thursday there is one in Gandia, Villajoyosa and Javea, and Friday in Moraira and Oliva.
There are some very useful resources online with plenty of information about the numerous craft markets, street fairs and flea markets that exist throughout Costa Blanca.