Ferias in Torremolinos and Fuengirola. Colourful festivals on the Costa del Sol
One of the most distinctive features of this Spanish Costa del Sol are the ferias – the multicoloured fairs and festivals that take place…
Mercadillos are one of the most distinctive features of everyday life in Spain. At the markets along the Costa del Sol, you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, local produce, clothes, handicrafts, antiques and second-hand items. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting markets in Fuengirola, Marbella, Mijas, Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Estepona – complete with dates, times and locations.
What will you read about in this note?
Torremolinos Market
In this town, you’ll find a traditional market where, on Thursdays, you can buy food, as well as clothes, shoes and everyday items. You can get there by taking the T1 and M-125 bus routes, getting off at the Plaza España stop.
On Sundays, a second-hand market is held in exactly the same spot, where you can find unique second-hand items. Near the market is a green barbecue area, which many people choose as a spot for their daily walks.
Markets in Fuengirola
Recinto Ferial Square is one of the largest market venues in Andalusia, and on Tuesdays the markets held there feature over 470 stalls. As well as trading, the venue also hosts fairs and festivals, including the Feria del Rosario, which features equestrian displays and flamenco dancing. On Saturdays, there’s a regular second-hand market here with a wide range of goods. You’ll find not only clothes, household items and books, but also domestic appliances, car parts, furniture, sports equipment and much more.
Another flea market, also open on Sundays, where you can pick up some local gems, is Las Lagunas de Mijas. Next to it is a dog run and a large car park.
Markets in Benalmádena
The best-known market in Benalmádena is the Arroyo de la Miel, held on Fridays, where local craftspeople and artists set up stalls. As well as fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll find clothes, jewellery, ceramics, handicrafts, sweets and homeware here. Its ideal location – close to the commuter train station serving Málaga – and low prices encourage local residents to visit the market regularly. Despite the huge on-site car park, it’s worth travelling there by public transport due to heavy traffic and potential difficulties finding a parking space.
For lovers of antiques and second-hand goods, the municipality organises the Benalmádena flea market in Parque de la Paloma on Wednesdays, which complements the weekly Friday market in Arroyo de la Miel.
Markets in La Cala de Mijas
The La Cala de Mijas market is one of the most popular shopping destinations east of Marbella. As well as food products such as cheese, olives and local cured meats, you can also find handicrafts and items made by local artisans here. A major advantage is its proximity to Playa de la Cala beach and numerous restaurants and cafés, allowing you to combine shopping with meeting friends by the sea or a family stroll.
Furthermore, on the second and last Sunday of the month, an organic market is held in the same square, where local producers offer unprocessed, certified food.
Calypso Market in Calahonda stands out for its convenient location right next to the A-7 motorway and its wide selection of products – from fresh fruit and vegetables, through to clothing and ceramics, right up to household goods. Thanks to its proximity to the beach and a shopping centre with numerous eateries, it’s well worth choosing this spot for a family afternoon out. On Sundays, the market area transforms into a flea market where you’ll find interesting antiques to add a touch of character to your home.
Markets in Marbella
The Mercadillo de Marbella is one of the most famous markets on the Costa del Sol. Across several hundred stalls, you can find everything from fresh produce to clothing, ceramics and home accessories. It is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of local folklore and shop like a true Marbella resident. You can easily reach the market by Avanza city buses, which stop near Avenida Severo Ochoa and Marbella bus station, from where it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the market.
Marina Virgen del Carmen is a craft market held in the harbour, featuring mainly handmade items, jewellery, paintings, ceramics and local handicrafts. Thanks to its harbour location, a stroll through the market can be combined with buying original souvenirs and a visit to one of the local restaurants. The marina is easily accessible on foot from Marbella or by city and intercity buses, which stop on Avenida Ramón y Cajal and Avenida Severo Ochoa.
El Mercadillo de Puerto Banús (also known as the Mercadillo de Nueva Andalucía) is one of the most recognisable markets not only on the coast but throughout Spain. For over 30 years, it has attracted tourists and locals from all over the world. It stands out for its wide selection of products thanks to its extensive area, divided into three sections. Due to its prestigious location in Puerto Banús (the stalls are situated around the former bullring), prices are usually higher than at other markets. However, many people appreciate this place for the high quality and originality of its products. The easiest way to get there is by Avanza buses, which stop at the ‘Puerto Banús’ bus stop.
The market in Estepona
The Mercadillo del Puerto, situated on Avenida Virgen del Puerto – the harbour market – attracts visitors not only with its wide selection of clothing and fashion accessories, but also with its seaside atmosphere.
Among the stalls, you can find dresses, handbags, shoes, swimwear and hats. After shopping, it’s worth stopping off at one of the many cafés or restaurants in the area and combining a visit to the market with a stroll around the harbour.
Mercadillo Callejero is a traditional street market open on Wednesdays, featuring mainly local food products and handicrafts. Here you can buy not only fresh fruit and vegetables, but also homemade preserves, handmade ceramics, jewellery and clothing. It’s a good place to stock up on
| City | Market | Opening day | Type | Opening hours |
| Torremolinos | Recinto Ferial de Torremolinos, ul. Periodista Federico Alba | Thursdays and Sundays | Traditional; flea market on Sundays | 9:00-14:00 |
| Fuengirola | Recinto Ferial Fuengirola, ul. Av. Nuestro Padre Jesus Cautivo | Tuesdays, Saturdays | Traditional; flea market on Saturdays | 9:00-14:00 |
| Las Lagunas de Mijas, Ul. Maria Zambrano | Saturdays | Flea market | 9:00-13:00 | |
| Benalmadena | Arroyo de la Miel | Fridays | Traditional | 9:00-15:00 |
| La Paloma market grounds | Wednesdays | Second-hand market / flea market | 9:00-14:00 | |
| La Calla de Mijas | La Cala de Mijas market, between Av. de Mare Nostrum and Av. Abogados de Oficio | Wednesdays, Saturdays, and the second and last Sunday of the month | Traditional; organic market on Sundays | 9:00-14:00 |
| Calypso Market, by the Valdepinos shopping centre in Calahonda | Thursdays, Sundays | Traditional; flea market on Sundays | ||
| Marbella | Mercadillo de Marbella, ul. José Manuel Vallés | Mondays | Traditional | 9:00-14:00 |
| Marina Virgen del Carmen, port at ul. Muelle Hermanos Leon | Sundays and public holidays | Flea market and craft market | winter 11.00-18.00, summer 19.00-24.00 | |
| El mercadillo de Puerto Banús | Saturdays | Flea market, traditional market, craft market | 9:00-14:00 | |
| Estepona | Mercadillo del Puerto, Avenida Virgen del Puerto (port market) | Sundays | Craft market | |
| Mercadillo Callejero, at Calle Francia and Calle Alemania | Wednesdays | Traditional |
What should you bear in mind if you’re planning to visit the mercadillos?
When planning a visit to one of the markets on the Costa del Sol, it’s worth bearing a few practical tips in mind.
Vendors at most markets start trading in the morning and usually finish around 2.00 pm, before the heat of the day sets in. That’s why it’s best to go shopping first thing in the morning, when the choice of products is still at its best.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that, whilst an increasing number of places along the coast accept card payments, this may not be possible at smaller markets, so it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you.
Before you set off, you should check the current opening days and times for a particular market on the website of the local council or the town’s official website, as the schedule may change temporarily due to, for example, a public holiday or a festival taking place at the market, and sometimes even because of adverse weather conditions.
See also:
Mercadillos, rastros and municipal markets in Málaga: the perfect way to start the morning
Málaga is not only home to the famous La Manquita Cathedral, the Pablo Picasso Museum, beaches and tapas, but also to over a dozen…
FAQ
When is the best time to visit a mercadillo on the Costa del Sol?
Most markets on the Costa del Sol are open in the morning and close at around 2.00 pm. It’s best to go in the morning, when the choice of produce is at its best. Market days vary depending on the town – for example, in Marbella the market is held on Mondays, in Fuengirola on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and in Estepona on Wednesdays and Sundays.
What can you buy at the mercadillos on the Costa del Sol?
What’s on offer depends on the type of market. At traditional mercadillos, you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, local food products, clothing, footwear and household goods. Flea markets mainly offer second-hand items, antiques and books, whilst at craft markets you can buy jewellery, ceramics, decorations and local handicrafts.
