Roquetas de Mar Medieval Market

The market is themed on a medieval fair, and the setting does most of the work: the stalls fill the open plaza in front of Castillo de Santa Ana, with no roof and no indoor hall. Because it opens at 6pm and closes at 10pm, it works as an evening out rather than a shopping errand, and it only appears in the five summer months, from May through to the end of September. Outside that window there is nothing set up in the plaza. All 100 stalls take cash only, so draw money out before you walk down.

Handicrafts and jewellery from local makers take up much of the plaza, alongside footwear and leather goods. Several stalls sell bread and bakery items, and others cook prepared foods you can eat as you walk, which is what most people do here given the hour. Prices are set stall by stall and there are no fixed price lists, so it pays to look along a row before buying.

Roquetas de Mar's medieval market draws visitors to the old town area, so staying close to Centro puts you within easy walking distance of the action. The Hotel Zoraida Park is a solid choice with good facilities, and the Hotel Playasol offers a comfortable base near the seafront if you want to combine the market with some time on the beach.

The address is Plaza Castillo de Santa Ana, 04740 Roquetas de Mar, in the old part of town by the castle. It is a flat walk from the seafront, so an evening on the beach and a browse through the stalls fit together easily. For daytime shopping, see the other street markets in Roquetas de Mar.