Are you a real one lover of markets and go on vacation to the Costa Brava? Then you are without a doubt at the right destination! The Costa Brava has one abundance of market halls and lively weekly markets. There is therefore a market in almost all major cities and tourist resorts! With products such as fresh fruit & vegetables, spices, meat & fish, clothing, souvenirs and much more, there is something for everyone at the markets on the Costa Brava.
Do you want to know everything about the markets on the Costa Brava,? Then read on because in this blog you will find everything you need to know about the weekly markets on the Costa Brava. Everything so that you know exactly where to go for a wonderful day of strolling and shopping on the market!
How the market became a household name on the Costa Brava!
As far as we know, the origins of the markets on the Costa Brava go all the way back to the Middle Ages. In the 10th century AD the merchants in Catalonia started setting up stalls in the main streets of villages. These stalls were initially intended for mutual interaction exchanging and exchanging products between the merchants. In the centuries that followed, however, a turnaround took place. The merchants and traders started from their stalls selling and swapping products with citizens. The start of the markets on the Costa Bravaas we know it today was made.
The long history and tradition of the markets on the Costa Brava has meant that today the local and traditional weekly markets symbolize the culture and history of Catalonia. Numerous cities, villages and seaside resorts therefore adhere to this wonderful tradition of trading! Do you really want a piece Spanish culture during your holiday, be sure to visit one of the countless markets on the Costa Brava!
The market halls: enjoy the tastiest spices and fresh products!
Most major cities and seaside resorts on the Costa Brava have a large covered market hall, the so-called Mercado, which is open daily. Here you can buy fresh food such as fruit, vegetables, cheese, spices, fish and meat. These market halls are also the perfect place for buying typical Catalan delicacies. Something you should definitely taste is “Figues amb mel i mató”, a traditional cottage cheese (huttenkäse) served with honey and grilled almonds. But the Catalan cod is also a must when you are on the market! Of course the chorizo, olive oil, olives and peppers a recommend to taste or take home.
Ideal for all those delicious fresh products when you are in your holiday home want to enjoy one delicious home cooked fresh meal, or a cozy BBQ full of fresh ingredients. However, if you intend to take some products home with you, make sure you can keep them fresh. If you travel by plane, always read the drink and food regulations of your airline first. In addition to delicious fresh products, you can sometimes find in the large market halls also other nice stalls. There is often also a drugstore, bakery, florist and sometimes clothing.
Tip: As a market enthusiast, during a excursion to Barcelona certainly the Mercat La Boqueria should not be on your to-do list! This colorful market hall, with over 300 stalls and over 2,500 square meters full of Spanish delicacies, is located on the famous Ramblas and is also the largest fresh market in Spain!
More information about excursions to Barcelona? Then also read: Barcelona Day Trip - Top 10!
Weekly markets on the Costa Brava
Once a week, the market traders set up their stalls in many villages and towns on the Costa Brava. These weekly markets on the Costa Brava, the so-called Mercadillo, offer a very limited range of fresh products variety of clothes to buy. From T-shirts, (short) pants, (leather) jackets, sweaters, skirts, dresses, swimwear, towels, shoes, belts to bags. The good thing is that the quality of the products in the markets on the Costa Brava is also reasonably comparable to the quality in the boutiques and bazaars, but of course a lot cheaper!
In addition to buying well-priced clothing and accessories, you can click on the weekly markets on the Costa Brava also good for buying a souvenir for home, handicrafts or products, or a nice gadget. The children can have their hair braided or get a "tattoo" at various markets. So there is something for everyone in the markets on the Costa Brava.
Tip: Would you like a score a nice bargain on the markets on the Costa Brava, make sure you are there on time! Especially in high season, the weekly markets are well attended by other tourists who also want to score that bargain!
Nice markets every day on the Costa Brava!
There is a lively market in almost every (bathing) place on the Costa Brava. So if you accidentally missed the market at your holiday destination, there are plenty of other nice markets on the Costa Brava where you can go. However, take the time into account, because the weekly markets on the Costa Brava often start around 08: 00/09: 00 and end around 1:00 pm. Below you will find, per day, the best weekly markets on the Costa Brava!
Best Monday Market on the Costa Brava: Blanes
Every Monday morning in Blanes, on the boulevard at Passeig de la Marina, you can stroll around colorful market stalls from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this market you will find no less than 100 different stalls and you can go for the most diverse products. In addition to clothing, accessories and jewelry, you will also find the best gadgets and functional household appliances. Another nice fact is that Blanes too 2 daily markets and a fresh fish market at the fish auction at the harbor! If this weekly market in Blanes is not enough for you, you can continue to shop at these markets!
You can read more information about the markets in Blanes at: Market in Blanes: Discover all 4!
Best Tuesday Market on the Costa Brava: Lloret de Mar
Every Tuesday morning, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., find in Lloret de Mar at the Avinguda del Rieral the weekly market takes place. In this cozy market, with no less than 150 stalls, you will find a wide range of Catalan products, hip (summer) clothing and accompanying accessories to buy. Of course you can also indulge yourself at the market in Lloret de mar if you are looking for nice souvenirs for home or fun gadgets for young & old. Looking for the tastiest fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, fish or spices? Then go from the weekly market to the Mercat Municipal de Lloret de Mar. This daily covered fresh market has everything you need for a mouth-watering meal, and more!
More information about the markets in Lloret de Mar can be found at: Market in Lloret de Mar: Where, When and More
Best Wednesday Market on the Costa Brava: Sant Pere Pescador
A nice weekly market takes place every Wednesday between 08:00 and 14:00 Sant Pere Pescador. You can go to this cozy market, on the Carrer Hospital a variety of fun products. You can shop for a nice outfit, but also find useful household appliances and modern gadgets.
Tip: Combine your visit to the market with a trip to the national park “Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, one of the most beautiful natural areas in Spain! Would you like to know more about the beautiful surroundings of the Costa Brava? Then take a look at: Best 18 Costa Brava places and sights.
Best Thursday Market on the Costa Brava: Tossa de Mar
At this large market in Tossa de Mar, with no fewer than 100 stalls, you can go for a wide variety of products between 09:00 and 13:00. You will find a wide range here, on the Rambla Pau Casals and the surrounding streets typical Catalan spices and colorful flowers, but also fresh vegetable, meat and fish stalls. In addition to delicious fresh products, you will of course also find the market in Tossa de Mar. trendy summer clothes, leather jackets, bags, shoes, belts, necklaces, bracelets and nice gadgets for at home.
More information about the markets in Tossa de Mar can be found here: Market in Tossa de Mar: You can find the best information here
Best Friday Market on the Costa Brava: Platja d'Aro
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, salted fish, dried fruits and nuts, spices, cooked dishes, clothes, shoes, accessories, souvenirs and gadgets. You can not think of it as crazy or you can find it on the many stalls of the weekly Friday market in Platja d'Aro. The Platja d'Aro market, in the municipal car park of Masia Bas, is open from 08:00 to 13:00 and has been a very popular market with both locals and tourists!
Best Saturday Market on the Costa Brava: Empuriabrava
Located right on the beach, on Passeig Marítim, you will find on Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00 the nice weekly market of Empuriabrava. You can go here for delicious regional food as well as for clothing, souvenirs, household appliances and gadgets. In the summer months there is a summer market here every evening between 20:00 and 00:00! Combine your visit to the market of Empuriabrava with a visit to this beautiful city and find out why it is called the Venice of Spain for this summer!
Best Sunday Market on the Costa Brava: Roses
EEvery Saturday morning between 09:00 and 13:00 you can find at C. Doctor Jaume Ferran & C. Marià Benlliure the weekly market of Roses place. This large market offers locals and tourists the opportunity to clothing and various accessories at very reasonable prices as bags, jewelry and belts to buy. Of course you can also succeed in this market if you are looking for a nice souvenir for the home front or something fun for the children. Combine your market day in Roses with a wonderful afternoon on the beach and end your day in one of the cozy restaurants!
Special Market Festivities
As mentioned, the markets on the Costa Brava are a beautiful and centuries-old tradition. It will therefore come as no surprise that the market is also an important part of this at many special events on the Costa Brava. The nicest markets to attend are the Medieval “Medieval” markets. This takes place annually in Lloret de Mar and Tossa de Mar! These seaside resorts and its inhabitants are then completely transformed into medieval spheres. At this market you can taste and relive the culture of how it once was and buy the most beautiful artisanal and local products. Admire the beautiful hand-made sculptures or the home-made clothing or embroidery.
Also during the Festa Majors many markets take place. These festivities take place in all major cities and seaside resorts on the Costa Brava and are often dedicated to patron saints. On these days you can enjoy countless fun activities in the cities and villages, including dance, music, games and a fun theme market! In Lloret de Mar they even have a real one Shopping Night Lloret, where you you can shop at the shops and market stalls until 00:30 in the streets of Lloret de Mar.
Tip: Make sure to inquire at the local tourist information points whether there is a (local) one during your holiday on the Costa Brava holiday with market!
All Weekly Markets on the Costa Brava at a glance:
Most of the markets on the Costa Brava start around 8:00 am and end around 1:00 pm / 2:00 pm. Want to score the best bargains? Then make sure, especially in the high season, that you are there on time.
Monday: Blanes, Cadaqués, Olot, Santa Coloma de Farners, Torroella de Montgrí
Tuesday: Lloret de Mar, Besalu, Caldes de Malavella, Campdevanol, Hostalric, Palamós, Pals, Castelló d'Empúries, Verger and Figueres
Wednesday: Amer, Cassa de la Selva, Macanet de la Selva, Llança Begur, Salt, Sant Pere Pescador, St. Antonio de Calonge and Banyoles
Thursday: Tossa de Mar, Alp, Videres, L'Estartit, Figueres and Calonge
Friday: Port-Bou, Celra, Salt, Sils, Port de la Selva, La Bisbal and Platja d'Aro
Saturday: Girona, Castelló d'Empúries, Figueres, Villamalla, Ripoll, Mont-Ras and Empuriabrava,
Sunday: Roses, Castelló d'Empúries, Camprodon, La Jonquera, L'Escala, Palafrugell, Tordera, L'Escala, St. Feliú de Guixols
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Would you like to know more about how to have a great holiday on the Costa Brava? Then read on quickly at: Costa Brava Holidays: The best information can be found here! or take a look at: 21 Tips for a Top Holiday in Lloret de Mar!