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Recommended weekly street markets in the Orihuela Costa

Whether you’re keen to bag a bargain or soak up the atmosphere, a trip to one of the Orihuela Costa street markets is not to be missed

No holiday to the Orihuela Costa is complete without a trip to a traditional street market, where visitors mingle with the locals in a unique, fun and relaxed environment. Most towns and villages hold their own weekly outdoor markets which offer a true feast for all the senses year round.

The Orihuela Costa’s markets are rich with a huge variety of fresh fruit and veg, meats and cheeses and every fashion and household ware imaginable. Those looking to bag a bargain can pick up leather goods and handmade crafts at exceptionally low prices but the markets are also perfect for an early morning meander or a leisurely coffee at one of the laid-back bars set up for the occasion.

Most of the street markets set up at around 8am and run until after lunch time, but you might also find the odd evening market, particularly in the summer months.

What to buy at the markets:

Fresh produce: The fruit and vegetables available at the markets are supplied directly by local farmers, so you know you’re buying the freshest ingredients. Seasoned shoppers know that in-season produce can often be purchased far cheaper than in the supermarkets, and you’re likely to see many café and restaurant owners scouring the stalls.

Leather goods: Spain is the place to buy all things leather and the weekly markets will have at least a couple of stalls selling high-quality belts, handbags and footwear.

Books: If you’re looking for a good read to while away your days on the beach, the local market is the place to go. Usually run by expats, you’re bound to find a stall selling a huge variety of English-language books for as little as 50 cents or a euro.

Souvenirs: Whether it’s a mug from Mil Palmeras or a coaster from Cabo Roig, Orihuela Costa’s markets have everything you could want as a keepsake of your trip or a bespoke gift for someone back home.

Lace products: The area is particularly famous for its lace and all of the local markets are bursting at the seams with stalls containing everything from delicate baby clothes to tablecloths and shawls.

The main suburbs of Orihuela Costa are Mil Palmeras, Campoamor, La Regia, Aguamarina, Cabo Roig, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca and Punta Prima, but the area is surrounded by dozens of interesting towns and villages that also hold their own markets. Here we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites:

1. Playa Flamenca

Situated right behind Zenia Boulevard, the Playa Flamenca market is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike and is run every Saturday morning. The enticing smell of deep-fried churros (Spanish donuts) permeates the long street which is also dotted with plenty of bars and restaurants.

2. Cabo Roig / Campoamor

Every Thursday, the Cabo Roig market is held right on the sea front near the Rambla de la Glea and is perfect if you fancy a picturesque stroll after shopping.

3. Torrevieja

If you’re after more of a city vibe, Torrevieja is only a ten minute drive away and hosts an enormous market every Friday morning. Give yourself plenty time to explore, as the more than 1,000 stalls span five streets.

4. Guardamar

Another favourite with locals and visitors, the beach-side resort of Guardamar del Segura is just 20 minutes from the heart of the Orihuela Costa, but its Sunday market is well worth the trip. Known as the ‘Lemon Tree Market’ by residents because of the winding, fruit-lined roads, the abundant cafes and eateries remain open well into the afternoon, so why not make a day of it?

5. San Miguel de Salinas

Just a stone’s throw away, the village of San Miguel puts on a traditional street market every Wednesday. Aside from the dozens of stalls, the vista offers glorious views of the surrounding countryside and Torrevieja’s famous salt lakes.

Images: Archive

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