Marbella Market

Marbella market is held every Monday of the year, from 9:00 to 14:00, at the Las Albarizas fairground, with around 360 stalls. Locals call it el baratillo, and it is one of the largest on the Costa del Sol: a weekly meeting point for residents and visitors alike, from fresh produce to clothing and accessories.

It is only suspended when the weather makes setting up impossible, and the council has the final word.

What is sold. Food: fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, spices and local produce. Fashion and accessories: clothing for the whole family, footwear, bags, costume jewellery — some stalls with new goods and some with second-hand clothing. Also household items, flowers and plants. Quality varies from stall to stall, particularly with fruit and vegetables: pick the produce yourself rather than letting the trader choose for you.

Getting there. On foot it is about 10 minutes from the centre of Marbella along Avenida José Manuel Vallés, which is what regulars recommend. Bus lines L-2, L-3, L-6 and L-7 pass close to the fairground. By car, parking in the area is limited and awkward, especially by mid-morning; the public car parks in the centre, at the municipal market or Plaza de la Constitución, are a 10 to 15 minute walk away.

Going. Bring cash, as not every trader takes cards. The market fills up by mid-morning, so arriving early means a calmer walk between the stalls.

Marbella also has markets on Thursdays in San Pedro de Alcántara, Saturdays in Puerto Banús and Fridays in Las Chapas.