Markets in Malaga

If you love markets, you’ll love those in Malaga, where a variety of markets showcase the area’s local produce, culture and craft talent. The food markets, in particular, highlight the abundance of fresh, local produce, allowing visitors to taste the flavours of Malaga province as and when it’s in season. From vibrant fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and cured meats, each fresh food market provides a unique shopping experience.

Craft markets often include food stalls too – think artisan liqueurs and roasted coffee – but they mostly focus on handmade objects such as jewellery, paintings, ceramics and bags. Vintage stalls are also common at this kind of market in Malaga. And the city also hosts general markets, where you’ll find anything from a kilo of oranges to a washing-up bowl via a classic vinyl, a pair of pjs or an inflatable beach toy.

Whether you’re looking for ingredients to cook with, souvenirs to take home or a fun browsing experience, local markets are well worth visiting. In this guide, we highlight the must-visit Malaga markets and what you can expect to find at each one.

We’ve also included a handy Google map at the bottom, so you can find these markets easily.

Think local
Malaga has 15 fresh food markets. f you are staying outside the old quarter, look for the “Mercado Municipal” sign in your specific district. These are truly local and rarely visited by tourists.

Indoor markets

There are four indoor markets in Malaga, all easily reached from the city centre. They all open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm.

Fresh food market ‘rules’

• Do remember that fresh food markets are not tourist attractions.
• Don’t help yourself to produce to try (this sounds obvious but every time we visit we see a tourist reach over and help themselves to an olive or two).
• Do ask to try before you buy, but do buy something as well.
• Don’t take photos or videos of stalls without asking permission.
• Don’t stand in the aisles, blocking them

Did you know?
Fresh fish and seafood stalls are closed on Mondays, because fishermen don’t go out on Sundays.

Atarazanas Market

Built as shipyards in Moorish Malaga and still conserving the 14^th century gateway to the port, this bustling market sits under a wrought-iron structure.

Don’t miss the huge stained-glass window at the back depicting the city’s main monuments.

It’s a big tourist attraction, but locals still flock here with their trolleys for their daily shopping. Tiny bars on the south side offer tapas and snacks – eat inside at the packed bar counters or perch at outdoor tables. Feast your senses (all five of them) on the laden stalls, most of which sell local produce.

Calle Atarazanas 10

Top tip
This is Malaga’s busiest market and – let’s be honest – sometimes the crowds are too much. Visit first thing in the morning (say before 9.30am) to browse without the tourists and just locals for company.

Salamanca Market

Slightly off the beaten track to the north of the city centre, the Mercado de Salamanca has a simply stunning façade built in the Neoclassical style. Built in 1922, it has a wrought-iron outside with lots of brightly coloured tiles.

This market had a full facelift recently and now sparkles in its former glory. While you’re there, take a tour of the outside and feast your eyes on the architectural details. We love the pineapples on the roof and wrought-iron railings inside and out.

There are just a handful of stalls inside but the atmosphere is truly authentic. Read more about Salamanca Market.

Calle San Bartolomé 1

See the area about this market in Malaga on our self-guided walking tour around the north of the old quarter.

El Carmen Market

The Mercado del Carmen is located in El Perchel district between the mainline train station and the city centre. This modern structure doesn’t offer much in the way of architecture but it’s a quieter way to see and sample local produce without the tourist crowds. The adjacent San Andrés Convent and church are well worth a peep inside too.

Calle La Serna 3

Did you know?
While all food markets have wallet-friendly prices, those outside the city centre tend to be cheaper than in Atarazanas.

El Palo Market

One of the more modern fresh food markets in town (it was built in 2006), this very local market has over 50 stalls, selling fresh produce. As you’d expect in this seaside location, freshly-caught fish and seafood are the stars of the show, but you can also buy lots of other produce.

Calle Alfonso Carrillo de Albornoz 5

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Street markets

Spain does street markets well and Malaga is no exception. Here’s a round-up of some of the flea markets in Malaga.

Fairground Market

A giant weekly market – there are over 300 stalls – sell everything from clothes and household linen to fruit and sweets via bric-a-brac and cheap toys. In the warmer months, go early to escape the heat.

Recinto Ferial. Take the 20 bus from Alameda (every 10-15 mins) and get off at the stop (2413, Recinto Ferial).

Sunday 8am-3pm

El Palo Market

Located just next to the bridge into El Palo, this small market has stalls selling bric-a-brac, clothes, fruit and vegetables, and flowers. Combine a visit with lunch at one of the great fish restaurants in El Palo. Read more about this part of Malaga.

Satuday 8am-3pm

Handicraft Markets

Some of the best artisans in the area sell their creations at handicraft markets in Malaga. Check out our monthly round-up of events in Malaga for specific details for each month of the following markets:

El Zoco

This arts and crafts market takes place on Sundays along the portside at Muelle Uno. Lots of homemade crafts, jewelry and clothes (new and second hand) as well as local artwork stands next to the Pompidou Centre. Great views of the city skyline and there’s often live entertainment too.

Sunday from 11am or noon to 6 or 7pm (opening times depend on the time of year)

Soho Market and La Merced Market

These are also arts and crafts markets that take place on one Sunday a month. Soho Market sets up its stalls in Calle Tomás Heredia, parallel to the Alameda Principal, and La Merced Market is in Plaza de la Merced. They usually take place from 11am to 7pm.

For details on exact dates, check out our what’s on post for the appropriate month.

Organic Markets

Stock up on treats for your picnic at these organic markets held twice a month where local food producers from the Guadalhorce Valley to the north of Malaga city sell their organic wares such as fruit and vegetables, cheeses, honey and conserves, and bread and cakes.

Paseo de Reding/ Cervantes – second Saturday of the month 10am – 2pm

Parque de Huelin – fourth Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm

Red Friday

Definitely a market in Malaga with a difference, this once a month event takes place at La Térmica cultural centre (check our What’s on in Malaga post for details on dates and how to get tickets).

Known as Red Friday, this market offers a feast of retro items – phones, clothes, vinyls and antiques – as well as collectables such as stamps, coins, comics and Playmobile characters.

There are food trucks, live music and performances. And while you’re browsing, take the stunning architecture (don’t miss the original coloured floor tiles) and the latest exhibitions.

Did you know?
La Térmica cultural centre was built as a hospital in the early 20^th century. It was later a children’s home.

Avda de los Guindos 48. Take the 7 bus from the Alameda Principal and get off at Santa Paula stop (1524). Or walk along the western seafront.

First Friday of the month 7pm to midnight, a few times a year (never January, July, August or September).

Christmas Markets

Christmas in Malaga wouldn’t be the same without the markets. They take place at various locations throughout December and early January including Muelle Uno and the Paseo del Parque. There are also one-off markets, usually at the Concepción Botanical Gardens and in Soho.

Read more about Christmas in Malaga.

Find these markets on a map

The map below locates all the above markets for you, so you can find them easily when you’re visiting the city.