Blanes is a wonderful holiday destination on the Mediterranean at the southernmost tip of the Costa Brava,. There is also for families with children, as a group of friends and couples lots to do in Blanes and the surrounding area. So you can enjoy pearly white beaches, beautiful nature, a exciting nightlife and fun activities! One of the fun activities is visiting the traditional weekly market in Blanes. But did you know that Blanes not just a weekly market, but also has a daily market and a fish auction at the harbor ?! And that there are special events in Blanes, of which the market is also a part! In terms of the market in Blanes, the possibilities are great!
Are you a fan of visiting markets during your holiday, then read on! You will come to this blog to know everything about the markets in Blanes and the surrounding area!
Taste the Catalan culture: Visit a market in Blanes
Ever since the 10th century, markets take place in the region of Catalonia. During this time, the "Markets" however mainly for merchants to exchange goods among themselves. In the years and centuries that followed, however, the market as we know it today slowly emerged. By the centuries of history the market is still there a concept in Catalonia and it symbolizes the trading culture. It will therefore come as no surprise that the Costa Brava markets are in abundance, and this is no different in Blanes!
In Blanes you can in principle, if you want, go to a market almost every day. Only Sundays are an exception to this. A visit to a market in Blanes is a nice change from your daily activities and also gives you the chance to get acquainted with the typical Spanish customs and culture. Not only do you get to know the local delicacies, spices and fresh products at the market in Blanes, you also taste here the cosiness and warmth of the Spanish culture. If you are going on holiday to the Costa Brava, a visit to a local market is definitely recommended!
Would you like to know more about fun activities you can do during your holiday in Blanes? Then read our Top 20 activities in Blanes!
The 4 Markets in Blanes
During your holiday in Blanes you can indulge yourself if you are a fan of markets. Blanes has no fewer than four different markets. The most famous market among tourists is the large weekly market in Blanes that takes place on the boulevard. Tourists come from far and wide to visit this market. The other markets are less geared towards tourists, but certainly no less fun. Here you can taste, among the Catalans, the truly Catalan culture and traditions!
1. The weekly Market in Blanes
The weekly market in Blanes takes place on Monday morning between 08:00 and 14:00 and is one you definitely don't want to miss during your stay. The first stalls start at the large rock in the sea, which separates Platja de Blanes and Playa s'Abanell, and continue from there towards Los Pinos, the new part of the town. At this market you will find no less than 100 different stalls and you can go for the most diverse products. For example, you will also find the best gadgets and functional household appliances for clothing, accessories and jewelry.
Are you in Blanes with children then this need not be a reason to avoid the market. The market also has stalls with fun children's clothing, toys, gadgets for children but they can also do theirs here braiding hair or on a henna tattoo having placed. On this market, however, the range of fresh products and traditional spices is not very large, for this you better visit one of the other markets in Blanes. Of course there is one tasty snack or cool drink available on the market!
Opening hours:
Every Monday morning from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location:
On the boulevard at Passeig de la Marina, Blanes
2. The Fresh Market in Blanes
Every day, from Monday to Saturday, a nice fresh market takes place on the Passeig de Dintre (right behind the boulevard of the historic center of Blanes). This market is less geared towards tourists than here mainly vegetables, fruit and spices are sold. However, it is certainly worth taking a look at this market, if only to buy a tasty piece of fruit. The fresh Spanish fruit tastes a lot better than the fruit in our supermarkets at home. However, you stay in one holiday home or villa in or nabi, Blanes then it is definitely recommended to go shopping here for your healthy and fresh evening meal!
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
Location:
Directly behind the boulevard at Passeig de Dintre, Blanes
3. Covered Market in Blanes
Another nice market to visit is the covered market Mercat Municipal. In this fun market you can perfect for your daily purchases as fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh fruit & vegetables, spices, nuts, sweets and pastries! However, you will also find some nice clothing stalls, stalls with household appliances and a cozy coffee shop. With no less than 100 stalls and endless fresh products, you will undoubtedly pass one here tasteful BBQ in your holiday home!
4. Fish market in Blanes: Directly from the Fish Auction!
The port of Blanes is one of the few seaside resorts that still has one working fishing fleet and therefore partly belongs to one of the most important on the Costa Brava. It is therefore highly recommended to go to the at around 4 in the afternoon famous fish auction to go. It is an excellent opportunity to see the fishing boats come in and see the fish and seafood with your own eyes. After the boats have been unloaded, it is time for the fishmonger, where numerous visitors flock to score the best fish at the best price. Even if you are not a fan of fish, the whole entourage at the fish market alone is a great experience!
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday in the afternoon
Location:
The Port of Blanes
Special Market Festivities in Blanes
The market is a central concept in Catalonia, which can also be seen when you visit a festival. At many festivities there is also a market where you can buy fun festival-related products in addition to the usual merchandise. Below you'll find some festivities with market in Blanes which are well worth it!
Sant Tomás Market
In the busy and festive month of December, there are countless cozy Christmas-related events, with dance, music and performance, in Blanes. Almost every day in this month has a special or festive meaning. When it comes to markets then it is in front of the real market lovers December 21st the most important day. On December 21 in Spain, the Holy Day of Sant Tomàs, one of the 12 apostles according to the New Testament. For this reason take place annually from December 21 the so-called Christmas market of Sant Tomás place.
In this nice market, between the streets Ample, Muralla, Raval and Plaça Espanya, you can buy nice Christmas decorations and figurines. The market simply puts you in a cheerful Christmas mood. Other parts of Blanes are also beautifully decorated on this day in the sign of Tomás, they say performances, workshops and countless other fun activities place. If you are on the Costa Brava for Christmas, be sure to visit the Sant Tomás market in Blanes!
Sabors Catalans Fair
At this cozy multi-day market, the so-called Catalan flavor fair, which takes place in September, you can buy the most delicious Catalan products, but also products that are typically Blanes. During the event you can in addition to buying the tastiest dishes and traditional products also attend cooking workshops. As befits any good Spanish festival, you can also enjoy live music, performances and parades. Sabors Catalans Fair is without a doubt the "tastiest" market in Blanes!
The exact dates of some festivities may vary from year to year. More information about the exact dates of events in Blanes can be found on the official tourist information website from Blanes.
Nearby Markets
Have you not finished exploring and shopping in the markets of Blanes, or have you missed the weekly market in Blanes by mistake ?! Don't worry, even in the nearby places Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar you will find nice markets. Just like in Blanes, you can also enjoy shopping here for trendy (summer) clothing, delicious food, household goods and nice souvenirs for the home front.
The weekly market of Tossa de Mar takes place every Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at Carrer Víctor Català. The weekly market in Lloret takes place every Tuesday, from 08:00 to 14:00, at Avinguda del Rieral. D. Besides a weekly market, Lloret de Mar also has a large covered market hall where you can shop for all kinds of products.
More information about the shopping possibilities in Lloret de Mar take a look here: "Lloret de Mar Shopping - For the Best Shopping Experience!”
All Weekly Markets in the Costa Brava on a row:
Monday: Blanes, Cadaqués and Torroella de Montgrí
Tuesday : Lloret de Mar, Palamós, Pals, Castelló d'Empúries and Figueres
Wednesday: Llança Begur, St. Antonio de Calonge and Banyoles
Thursday: Tossa de Mar, L'Estartit, Figueres and Calonge
Friday: Port-Bou, Port de la Selva, La Bisbal and Platja d'Aro
Saturday: Girona, Calella, Figueres and Mont-Ras, Empuriabrava
Sunday: Rosas, Palafrugell, Tordera, L'Escala, San Feliú de Guixols,
Castello D'Empuries (flea market)
Would you like more tips on how to experience a top holiday in Blanes or one of the other seaside resorts on the Costa Brava! Then take a look at “21 Tips for a top holiday in Lloret and the surrounding area!”