Andalusian markets & moroccan souks
LOCAL MARKETS
During your stay on the Costa del Sol why not visit one of the local outdoor markets where you can sample fresh local produce or purchase gifts, clothing and accessories in traditional Spanish style. If it’s a bargain you’re after, this is where you’ll find it:
MONDAYS
- Marbella weekly market [Fairgrounds]
- Álora weekly market [Village Centre]
TUESDAYS
- Fuengirola weekly market [Fairground near los Boliches]
- Nerja weekly market [Chaparil]
WEDNESDAYS
- Calahonda twice weekly market [Calypso Centre]
- Estepona weekly market [Avda. Juan Carlos]
- Benalmádena weekly market [Paloma Park]
THURSDAYS
- Alhaurín el Grande weekly market [La Fama]
- San Pedro de Alcántara weekly market [Recinto Ferial]
- Torre del Mar weekly market [Town Centre]
- Torremolinos weekly market [EI Calvarío]
FRIDAYS
- Alhaurín el Grande [Aguamania Restaurant]
- Almuñecar weekly market [Next to the Bus Station]
- Arroyo de la Miel weekly market (Tivoli World]
- Calahonda twice weekly market [Calypso Centre]
- Elviria weekly market [Banco Atlántico]
SATURDAYS
- Fuengirola fantastic fIea market [Fair grounds los Boliches]
- Nueva Andalucía antique & weekly market [Bull ring]
- Ojén [Main Square)
- Mabella Old Town-10:00-15:00; local & national holidays 10:00 - 20.00. Imports from around the world! [Parque de Ia Alameda near Cafeteria Marbella]
- Coín [Fairgrounds on Málaga Road]
SUNDAYS
- Arroyo de la Miel car boot sale [closed Easter - September]
- Coín at the Trocha Shopping Centre
- Puerto Estepona [Marina]
- Fuengirola second weekly smaller market [in the Marina]
- Málaga flea market [near the Football Stadium]
- Nerja car boot sale
- Sotogrande antique market [Marina]
- Sabinillas flea market [Town Centre off Ctra. N-340]
Málaga city hosts local markets every day in each district.
Every evening during the summer an artisan market is held on the Balcón de Europa in Nerja.
THE MARKETS & SOUKS OF MOROCCO
If you love bright colours; bustling markets and bartering for products - head straight for Morocco. It pays to shop around first to get an idea of quality and prices. Some merchants start with reasonable prices and won’t give big discounts; some start with outlandish prices and you have to bargain a lot. Be aware that if you go alone you will usually pay less than with a guide or local friend - the shop owners assume they will have to pay a commission.
CHEFCHAOUEN
Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains is a one hour drive from Tangiers and is an easy option for those in search of a Moroccan open air market. The AI Makhzen market, located in the old part of Chaouen is a curious combination of tourist rip-off, and traditional market. Don’t let, that put you off because although the prices may be slightly higher, the selection of goods is quite impressive as they are brought in from all over the country. The old town is a rich display of houses white washed in a tinged blue hue. Best of all, it is a totally safe town where you can wander the streets at night with a carefree attitude.
THE FES MEDINA
The Fes medina is simply a marvel. Dating back to the Middle Ages this market is a maze of narrow streets, jammed with pedestrians trying not to collide with heavily burdened donkeys plodding up and down the narrow alleyways. It is a riot of sound and colour and every stall is an experience. From eyeliner to Berber medicine to hand made purses and bags, ceramics, dried flowers, ornate lamps... It is all there and ready to be bartered for. The Medina is for day visits only, once dark it is not a, good idea to get lost in the labyrinth!
MARRAKECH
Marrakech is fascinating with its history of desert caravans and pirates; its low red buildings are framed by the snow covered High Atlas Mountains. The city is centred around the Djemaa el-Fna square. It is simply a shopper’s nirvana with thousands of stalls and enough cultural chaos to amuse even the worst cynic. Snake charmers enchant adders and cobras; monkey trainers attract audiences while pick pockets look for spaced out tourists... Love it, enjoy it, sip sugary mint tea while bartering but in the crowded market keep your money hidden away.
