Marbella Markets – when and where

Every Spanish town has at least one market per week and in the Marbella vicinity we are spoiled with a large variety of diverse and wide-ranging rastos and local markets. Selling everything from fruit, vegetables, plants and freshly cut flowers to arts, crafts and the latest fashions, the local markets are a great place to pick up some super deals, original items and fresh produce. Spend a morning perusing for treasures and milling about in the sunshine, soaking up the vibrant Andalusian atmosphere, whilst scouring for a bargain or two. In this blog, we take a look at some of the most popular markets in Marbella, where they are, when to go and what you can find there!

The local market of Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucía is one of the biggest and busiest on the Costa del Sol. This vast, rambling market is situated by the Puerto Banús bullring and takes place every Saturday from 9am until 2pm. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, this is a market to suit all tastes, ages and budgets, as there truly is something for everyone. Holidaymakers stroll along, laden with carrier bags full of souvenirs as they haggle for castanets, flamenco dresses, panama hats and bikinis, while locals saunter past with baskets of fruit and spices, and market vendors cry out enthusiastically. The rastro sprawls out over Centro Plaza, a buzzing commercial centre, boasting bistros and cafés with chairs and tables dotted about on the forecourts, perfect for a coffee or brunch whilst watching the world go by.

On the first Saturday of every month the ecological market of Marbella opens in the central Parque de la Alameda, situated between the Old Town and the beaches of Marbella. This is the ideal place to find reasonably priced, environmentally friendly and locally grown produce whilst supporting local farmers at the same time. If you want to pick up fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, devoid of harmful chemicals and with zero air miles, this is the perfect spot to shop for all your eco-friendly groceries.

For those in search of unique handmade items there is an artisan market every Sunday afternoon in the old port of Marbella – Puerto Deportivo – where you can find anything from handcrafted jewellery and wooden toys to scented soaps and patchwork pincushions. It is a smallish market with only around 30 stalls that border the pretty marina, and you can take a leisurely wander up and down the pedestrian portside, stopping for a cool drink at any number of tapas bars that line the stretch. This is a delightful way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon whilst supporting artists, small businesses and skilled craftsmen, and picking up unusual gifts and interesting finds at the same time.

The El Zoco market, at the Plaza Antonio Banderas in the centre of Puerto Banús, is a great market to visit at night. Open until midnight every day, this lively and colourful summer market has a truly exotic Andalusian feel. With stalls selling Moroccan lanterns, silk scarves and silver jewellery as well as glass and ceramics, there is a certain romance to meandering around unhurriedly under the stars.

From a punnet of strawberries to an evening dress or glass lamp, the markets of Marbella offer something for everyone. Even if you don’t know what you’re after, pop along for a wander and you’re sure to spot something that catches your fancy!