Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a mercado and a mercadillo?

A mercado is usually a permanent covered market hall, open most weekdays, with fixed stalls selling fresh food. A mercadillo is an open-air street market that sets up on set days, often one morning a week, and packs away the same day. This site covers both, labelled municipal and street respectively.

What time do Spanish street markets open?

Most street markets run in the morning, commonly from around 8am or 9am until about 2pm, and stallholders start packing up before the advertised closing time. Covered municipal halls generally trade longer through the week. Each market page shows the hours held for that specific market.

How do I find a market that is open today?

The markets open today page lists every market trading on the current day across the whole directory. There is also a page for markets on this weekend, and each town page carries a weekly timetable showing which markets run on which day.

Are the opening times guaranteed?

No. Market days move for public holidays, weather and local events, and some markets run on irregular schedules. Where a trading day is not confirmed, the page says so rather than guessing. For a market you are travelling specifically to see, it is worth checking the organiser or town hall first.

Can I pay by card at a Spanish street market?

Often not. Many street stalls remain cash-only, and cash is the safer assumption at smaller and rural markets. Covered municipal halls are more likely to take cards.

How do I report a market that has closed or changed?

Use the suggest a market form, or email info@marketsinspain.com. Corrections are checked by hand before anything is changed.