Street Markets in Santa Pola

Fish and seafood is the category Santa Pola sells better than most towns its size, which is what you would expect of a working fishing port. Beyond the fish counters, the stalls across the seven markets carry clothing and textiles, footwear and leather, flowers and plants, handicrafts, books and magazines, and prepared food to eat as you walk. Santa Pola Central Street Market is the largest of the seven at 40 stalls, so it is the one to head for if you want the full spread in a single stop rather than a specialist few.

Come before 11am. With a 2pm close, the last hour is stallholders folding tables rather than selling, and the fish goes first. Bring cash, since smaller stalls do not always take cards. If Saturday does not suit, Monday is the closest thing to a full day, and Sunday is the one to avoid if you want choice.

Stay in the Town Centre if the markets are the point of the trip. It puts you within walking distance of the seafront and the main shopping streets, which is where the stalls set up, and it means you can be out at 9am without driving. Gran Playa is the alternative if you would rather be on the beach, and it is still close enough to reach the town centre markets on foot. A car is useful for reaching the outlying markets but is not needed for the central ones.