Markets on the Costa Blanca

Markets on the Costa Blanca: Where and When?

If you live on the Costa Blanca or are vacationing there, you never really have to look far to find a market. Almost every day of the week, there’s a mercadillo somewhere.

From fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing, shoes, household items, plants, Spanish delicacies, and souvenirs: markets are still an important part of daily life in Spain.

For people who are moving to Spain permanently, they're also a fun way to get to know the area better.

In this guide, we list a number of well-known markets on the Costa Blanca, and further on you’ll find an overview by day of the week.

Please note: Market days, locations, and hours of operation may vary depending on the municipality, season, holidays, or weather conditions. Therefore, always check the most up-to-date information from the relevant municipality before you leave.

Would you rather spend a day shopping at a mall? Then be sure to check out our guide to shopping on the Costa Blanca.

What can you find at a Spanish weekly market?

The selection varies by location, but at larger markets you'll often find a combination of:

fresh fruits and vegetables;
olives, nuts, and herbs;
meat products and cheese;
bread and sweets;
clothing;
shoes;
bags;
bedding;
household items;
plants and flowers;
jewelry;
leather goods;
and tourist items.

When it comes to fresh produce, weekly markets can be surprisingly affordable, especially when you buy local and seasonal items.

Torrevieja Friday Market

The Friday market in Torrevieja is one of the best-known markets on the southern Costa Blanca.

The market is held at Parque Antonio Soria on Avenida Delfina Viudes and normally takes place every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.. The city of Torrevieja currently lists approximately 500 vendor stalls.

Among other things, you'll find:

fruits and vegetables;
clothing;
shoes;
accessories;
household items;
plants;
and all kinds of other market products.

The location has parking and is situated on the northwest side of the city.

In addition, since April 2026, an ambulance has been on site on Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. due to the large number of visitors to the market.

La Mata Market

La Mata, which is part of the municipality of Torrevieja, also has a weekly market.

According to Torrevieja’s official tourist information, this event will be held on Wednesday on Avenida de Francia.

The selection includes, among other things, fresh produce, clothing, accessories, and household items.

A visit here can easily be combined with a walk through La Mata or an afternoon on the long sandy beach.

El Zoco Flea Market

Mercadillo El Zoco is a well-known Sunday market in the area around Algorfa and Ciudad Quesada.

This market has a completely different character than a small village market.

You'll find hundreds of stalls offering, among other things:

fruits and vegetables;
notes;
clothing;
shoes;
furniture;
books;
household items;
gifts;
and international products.

For many residents of Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, and the surrounding neighborhoods, this is a regular Sunday outing.

Lemon Tree Market near Guardamar

The Lemon Tree Market, also known as the Mercado del Campo de Guardamar, is located in the countryside between Guardamar del Segura and the El Raso residential development.

This Sunday market is popular with both Spanish and international residents.

You'll usually find:

fruits and vegetables;
clothing;
shoes;
jewelry;
plants;
household items;
and tourism products.

In addition, there are various food and beverage stands and snack stalls.

It’s precisely that combination that makes this more than just a trip to the grocery store for many people. You can relax there with a cup of coffee, enjoy some churros, and then continue strolling through the market.

Market in Guardamar del Segura

Guardamar del Segura also has a regular weekly market.

The traditional market is held on Wednesday.

For residents of Guardamar, this is a convenient place to shop for fresh produce, clothing, and everyday items.

Anyone considering living in Guardamar will quickly realize that the weekly market is truly part of the local rhythm of life.

Summer Market in Guardamar

In the summer, Guardamar takes on a different atmosphere in the evenings.

In and around the Parque Reina Sofía and the coastal area, stalls and evening activities are regularly organized during the high season.

There you'll find mainly:

jewelry;
handmade products;
memories;
clothing;
and gifts.

A visit can easily be combined with a trip to Reina Sofía Park, the promenade, and an ice cream by the sea.

Since summer programs are subject to change each year, we recommend checking the latest information from the municipality of Guardamar in advance.

Market in Playa Flamenca

On Saturday mornings, there is a large market in Playa Flamenca, part of Orihuela Costa.

The market is known for its wide selection of:

clothing;
shoes;
bags;
leather goods;
linens;
household products;
fruits and vegetables;
meat products;
and ready-to-eat foods.

For residents of Playa Flamenca, La Zenia, Villamartín, and the surrounding area, this is one of the better-known Saturday markets.

Market in Rojales

Rojales also has a weekly market.

It traditionally takes place on Thursday.

For people who live in Rojales or Ciudad Quesada, this is a smaller and more locally oriented option than, for example, the large markets in Torrevieja or El Zoco.

You can also combine a visit to the market with a tour of the historic center of Rojales or the Cuevas del Rodeo.

Market in Benijófar

The nearby town of Benijófar also has its own weekly market.

It is usually held on Tuesday.

It is a relatively compact market and convenient for residents of Benijófar, Ciudad Quesada, and Formentera del Segura.

Smaller local markets, in particular, can be a pleasant option if you mainly want to buy fresh produce and don't need hundreds of stalls.

Market in Los Montesinos

Los Montesinos traditionally holds a local market on Friday.

This one is much smaller than the Friday market in Torrevieja.

That can actually be an advantage if you live in a quieter village and just want to buy fruits, vegetables, and everyday items.

Market in San Miguel de Salinas

San Miguel de Salinas also has a weekly market.

It is usually held on Wednesday.

The market fits in well with San Miguel's more traditional village character and is mainly frequented by residents of the municipality and surrounding neighborhoods.

Market in San Fulgencio

In San Fulgencio, the weekly market is usually held on Tuesday.

For residents of San Fulgencio and the surrounding neighborhoods, this is a convenient local market.

La Marina is also nearby, meaning there are several markets in a small area, each open on different days.

Market in Santa Pola

Santa Pola has a large market where you can find fresh produce, fruit, clothing, and household items, among other things.

In your current schedule, Santa Pola is listed for both Monday and Saturday.

Since market schedules are subject to change and there may be various market activities, I would include only current, municipally confirmed dates in the final table and not simply leave old lists as they are.

Santa Pola is a great place to visit the market anyway, since you can combine your visit with a trip to the harbor, the promenade, and the seafood restaurants.

Markets in Alicante

Alicante also has several markets and mercadillos.

According to Alicante's official tourism website, the following markets, among others, are held:

Carolinas Flea Market: Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.;
Mercadillo Babel: Thursdays and Saturdays, approximately 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.;
Benalúa Flea Market: Thursdays and Saturdays, approximately 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.;
Teulada Flea Market: Thursdays and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

I would like to remove your old entry for Alicante on Sundays on Calle Doctor Nieto. The current municipal information lists Carolinas there on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Market in Elche

Elche also has several local markets and permanent market halls.

Because Elche is a much larger city than, for example, Rojales or Benijófar, the market selection is more extensive and spread across various neighborhoods.

If you enjoy markets, you can combine a visit with a tour of the historic center, the palm garden, and the city's shops.

Market in Almoradí

Almoradí is known throughout the Vega Baja region for its Saturday market.

This market is traditionally held near the town center and attracts visitors from various surrounding villages.

As a result, Almoradí is a popular Saturday destination for residents of Rojales, Dolores, Catral, and Ciudad Quesada.

Market in Catral

Catral also has a local market on Saturday.

This one is smaller and more local than the markets in larger coastal towns.

For those who live inland, a village market like this can actually be much more convenient than driving to Torrevieja or Alicante every week.

Market in Pinoso

Pinoso also has a traditional market.

This area is located much further inland and has a completely different character than the coast.

On market days, you'll mainly meet local residents and producers from the surrounding area here.

That's what makes a market like this so interesting for people who want to explore the more traditional Spanish countryside.

Market in Dénia

On the northern Costa Blanca, Dénia has several markets.

In addition to regular markets, there are also activities centered around local products and agriculture.

Those who enjoy buying fresh produce can also visit the permanent municipal market in Dénia.

Dénia has strong ties to gastronomy anyway, so a visit to the market can easily be combined with lunch in the city center.

Market in Jávea

Jávea traditionally holds a weekly market on Thursdays around Plaza de la Constitución.

The selection includes fresh produce, clothing, and all kinds of everyday market items.

In addition, Jávea also has a permanent covered market in the historic center.

For permanent residents, both are important amenities.

Market in Moraira

In Moraira, there is traditionally a market on Fridays.

It attracts both residents and vacationers from the surrounding coastal towns.

Its location near the city center makes it easy to combine a visit to the market, shopping, the harbor, and dining out.

Market in Calpe

Calpe has a popular market on Saturdays.

In addition to fresh produce, you'll find clothing, accessories, and other items.

Residents of Calpe can also take advantage of the many brick-and-mortar stores and supermarkets in the city.

Market in Altea

Altea traditionally holds its market on Tuesdays.

A visit to the market is easy to combine with a trip to the old town, the boulevard, or restaurants.

Thanks to its many artists and craft shops, Altea also has a different shopping atmosphere than many larger coastal towns.

Market in Benidorm

Benidorm has several markets.

Since there are multiple markets and market locations, I wouldn't apply a single general rule here without verifying the current situation.

Furthermore, due to its size, Benidorm has a very wide selection of permanent retail stores.

For those who want to combine markets, shops, and restaurants, it’s therefore an easy day trip destination.

Market in Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa traditionally has a market on Thursdays.

You can combine a visit to the market with a tour of the colorful old town and the boulevard.

Villajoyosa is also a good place to shop for groceries because of its established local stores and market facilities.

Market in Jalón

Jalón is best known for its large rastro on Saturdays.

This is more of a flea market and antique market than a regular produce market.

Among other things, you'll find:

antiques;
secondhand items;
books;
furniture;
decoration;
collectibles;
That's interesting.

For flea market enthusiasts, Jalón is therefore one of the better-known options in the region.

Weekly market or rastro: what's the difference?

In Spain, various terms are used.

A mercadillo is usually a regular weekly market selling new goods and food.

A rastro typically focuses on:

secondhand items;
antiques;
collectibles;
furniture;
books;
That's interesting.

In addition, there are artisan markets, medieval markets, and summer evening markets.

So not everything that is simply called a “market” in the Netherlands is the same.

Which market is the most fun?

That depends entirely on what you're looking for.

Torrevieja is a good option for a large general market.

For a pleasant Sunday morning, El Zoco and the Lemon Tree Market are popular choices.

For a more authentic local Spanish experience, head to the smaller markets in Rojales, Benijófar, Los Montesinos, or Almoradí.

Jalón is a better place to find antiques and secondhand items.

And if you'd like to combine a visit to the market with a trip to the beach, Guardamar, La Mata, Moraira, or Calpe are good options.

Visiting the Market During the Summer

In July and August, it can get quite hot even early in the day.

Therefore, it's best to go in the morning.

That has another advantage: fresh produce is often more readily available, and it's easier to find parking.

Bring water with you in the summer, and keep in mind that there is limited shade in open market areas.

Markets During Holidays

Does a regular market day coincide with a national, regional, or local holiday?

In that case, a market can:

continue;
are moved;
take place one day earlier;
or be canceled entirely.

Therefore, always check the municipal information around holidays.

You can read more about this in our guide to holidays in Spain.

Bad weather can affect the market

Extreme weather can also have consequences.

For example, Torrevieja's Friday market was officially canceled in October 2025 due to a red weather warning.

This is especially important during heavy rain, wind, or heat.

A scheduled market day does not mean, therefore, that the market will take place under all circumstances.

Living Near a Market

If you live permanently on the Costa Blanca, a local weekly market often becomes part of your routine.

For some people looking for a place to live, it's actually nice to have a market within walking distance.

This applies, for example, in:

Rojales;
Benijófar;
Guardamar;
Old Tower
Almoradis;
Jávea;
Calpe;
in Denia

Those who prefer to live in a villa community will usually drive to the market.

Markets and Housing in Ciudad Quesada

Ciudad Quesada itself does not have the same traditional weekly market as an old Spanish village.

But when it comes to Quesada, you actually have a particularly wide selection.

Within a short drive, you'll find, among other things:

the Thursday market in Rojales;
the Tuesday market in Benijófar;
the Friday market in Torrevieja;
the Wednesday market in Guardamar;
El Zoco on Sunday;
and Lemon Tree Market on Sundays.

So for market enthusiasts, this is a remarkably central location.

Markets and Daily Life in Spain

If you're traveling alone, you might see a market mainly as a fun outing.

If you live here permanently, it becomes much more of a practical convenience.

You'll discover which produce stand you like best, where to find the best olives, and which vendor you'll keep coming back to every week.

That's also part of living in Spain that's hard to appreciate during a short house-hunting trip.

Daily Market Overview

I would definitely keep your current long overview here, because that's exactly what people are likely searching for on Google.

I would just make sure to state very clearly above the table:

Please note: The overview below is intended as a practical guide. Market days, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check the most up-to-date information from the relevant municipality before you leave.

And I would first update the table line by line. There are clearly a few outdated entries in there now—including Alicante—and there are probably more locations and times that have changed since the original article was published. For example, the official information from Torrevieja confirms Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 500 spots, while your old introduction still lists 700.

So I wouldn't just paste the current list below this new text without first checking the approximately 100 entries.

If you'd like, in the next step I can also update and correct the entire list for Monday through Sunday right away, so you'll have a single final version that you can post directly on the website.