Hitting the street markets in Cádiz province means enjoying an almost festive atmosphere. Sellers set up stalls with the best products from the area and visitors wander around, chat and take home everything that catches their eye. There’s no better way to learn about the customs and typical products of Cádiz than walking past its street stalls in search of cheap and cheerful bargains.
Street markets in Cádiz province, a real experience
Cádiz markets have something for everyone, from food to second-hand goods, handicrafts, antiques and stands dedicated to culinary specialities. And best of all, you don’t have to wait until the weekend to pay them a visit. A typical weekly market—also known as piojito [little louse]—is held all year round in Cádiz. It sells everything from textiles to pickles, sweets and nuts. Plenty more street markets are held around the province depending on the town or city you visit, so make a note of the liveliest and best markets for a shopping trip during your holiday.
Cádiz food market
This historic market located in Plaza de la Libertad first opened in 1838 in an area that was previously the kitchen garden of the Convento de los Descalzos. In 2009, after heavy refurbishment work, the Central Market reopened its doors with 57 fruit and vegetable stands, 54 fish and seafood stands, 44 meat stands, 7 corner shops, 4 bread and baked goods stands, 1 olive stand and a café on the first floor. If you’re looking for the freshest produce and the chance to chat with the friendliest residents of Cádiz, this is the place for you. In addition, the rincón gastronómico [gourmet corner] is a section with 10 specialist stalls where you can sample locally grown produce every day of the week.
Conil street market
Conil de la Frontera has a central food market selling wonderful fresh produce and you can also take a stroll through its travelling markets that open all year round. The most famous flea market is held on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Also known as the piojito, it has 150 stalls and is held in Avenida de la Música.
In summer you can enjoy craft markets in Plaza de Santa Catalina and on the seafront promenade. They sell goods made from leather, stone and fabric, as well as bags, art and costume jewellery, among other items.
Chiclana street market
The best day of the week to go shopping in Chiclana is on Tuesday. Make sure you set this day aside, because Chiclana street market is a big event. It is held in the fairground from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There are 180 stalls and you’ll find hand-crafted goods, antiques, clothes, shoes, etc.
In summer, La Barrosa beach transforms into a craft market specialising in costume jewellery and household goods. It’s usually buzzing in the afternoon and into the night.
And if you’re looking for something different, between October and November a medieval market is set up in Plaza de la Bodegas that is definitely worth visiting.
Chipiona street market
The week kicks off in Chipiona with a lively street market held every Monday. It takes place in an open-air area in Poeta Miguel Hernández park. Open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the market sells fresh produce (fruit, vegetables and all kinds of food), clothes, shoes, handicrafts, accessories and flowers. Chipiona also has a food market with fantastic fish and seafood that are auctioned at the port first thing in the morning. The fresh, local produce is all of the highest quality.
Tarifa street market
Tarifa has its own food market, like almost all towns in Cádiz province. Shopping for food in the market is very popular because only here will you find fresh, locally grown produce that is far better quality than the large supermarket chains. If you want the freshest fish, drop in on the market on Tuesday or Saturday when new stock arrives. Don’t forget to get there early before everything is sold out! Tarifa’s weekly street market is held on Tuesdays in Huerta del Rey from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It has around 50 stalls selling food, clothes, plants and pretty much anything you could need. This street market is also famous because it’s considerably cheaper than traditional shops and haggling is welcome.
Barbate street market
Make sure you’re free on Thursday morning from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM so you can walk along Avenida de Nuestra Señora del Carmen where you’ll find Barbate’s street market. It has around 75 stalls and all kinds of products, from clothing and footwear to hand-crafted goods and plants. Sellers from all over the province set up stalls here, and some even sell in other weekly markets.
The town food market is located in Avenida de Andalucía where you can buy fresh produce and necessity goods. It opens from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and attracts a large number of buyers and sellers from other nearby towns thanks to its large size. Fish and seafood are the stars of the show (especially local red tuna)—in Barbate fishing is considered to be an art form. This market also supplies tourists, foodies and local restaurants in the area.
El Puerto de Santa María street market
The best moment to go shopping in El Puerto de Santa María is on Tuesday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM on Paseo José Luis Tejada. If you don’t find what you’re looking for at one of the 190 stalls in this vast street market, you may as well give up. You can choose from a wide array of options: clothes, fabric, costume jewellery, bags, nuts, sweets, olives, ceramics and even sewing machines. It makes a lovely walk even if you’re not planning to spend any money, although something inevitably ends up coming home with you!
Rota street market
Calle Zoilo Ruiz Mateos in Rota holds a street market in an open-air area every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and you’ll find around 100 stalls that sell a little of everything: home decorations, plants, clothes, food, etc. There is also a second-hand market on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM next to the Manuel Villalba sports pavilion and on the El Chorrillo seafront promenade.
