Torrevieja Market

Torrevieja market is one of the largest and liveliest in the province of Alicante. It is held every Friday from 8:00 to 14:00 at Parque Antonio Soria, an open site north of the town, with around 500 stalls along wide aisles.

What makes it distinctive is the meeting of two currents: the local farming families who bring fruit, vegetables and home-made produce straight from the fields, and a clothing and accessories trade aimed at residents and visitors alike. That mix, and the number of languages you hear between the stalls, give it a Mediterranean, cosmopolitan feel.

What is sold. Seasonal fruit and vegetables from the market gardens of the district, olives and pickles from specialist stalls, farmhouse cheeses, cured meats, sweets, dried fish and fresh bread. In clothing, garments for the whole family at low prices, footwear from Elche, Spanish leather bags and accessories; prices are negotiable and traders will usually come down for a decided buyer. Add to that household goods, flowers, plants and toys. To eat on the spot there are churro stalls, roast chicken and food trucks, with seating areas.

Going. The market runs every Friday of the year, public holidays included, unless the site is taken: in July it is usually suspended on one or two Fridays because of concerts. The crowds build from 9:30, when in summer the heat is already up and the best fresh produce is running out; arriving between 8:00 and 9:00 lets you walk the food section in peace. Parking is plentiful and free, with easy access from the N-332, but it fills up early in high season; from the centre it is a walk of 20 to 25 minutes. Most traders take cash only, so bring small notes. With crowds like these it makes sense to watch your belongings. There are free public toilets at both ends of the site.

Torrevieja also has La Mata market on Wednesdays and the hippie market, now moved to the Vía Verde by Avenida de la Estación. The Salinas nature reserve is close by.