Villajoyosa Central Market

Villajoyosa Central Market (Mercado Central Villajoyosa) is the indoor municipal market of La Vila Joiosa, on Carrer Canalejas in the old town, a few streets back from the Costa Blanca seafront. Its 25 stalls open Monday to Saturday from 7:30am to 2pm, covering fish and seafood, meat and poultry, fruit and vegetables and bread, so a single visit covers the sort of grocery shop most people would otherwise split between a supermarket and a corner store. For everything else trading locally, see all markets in Villajoyosa and the town's other municipal markets.

What to buy at Villajoyosa Central Market

The ground floor is where you'll find fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, cheeses, salazones and olives. Upstairs focuses on meat, cured hams and embutidos. The fish stalls sell locally caught seafood branded as "Peix de La Vila", reflecting Villajoyosa's status as one of the Costa Blanca's main fishing towns. You can also pick up local charcuterie including longaniza blanca and blanquet, and bread from the bakery counters. La Cantina el Gallina, inside the market, will grill your fresh purchases on the spot so you can eat red prawns, razor clams or sardines straight from the stall.

How to get to Villajoyosa Central Market

The market is at Carrer Canalejas, s/n, in Villajoyosa's old town, close to the Town Hall and the main shopping street Calle Colón. The nearest tram stop is Creueta, on the TRAM Metropolità d'Alacant line connecting Alicante and Benidorm. On foot from the beach, it's a short walk through the historic quarter with its colourful painted houses. Street parking is available in the surrounding roads.

Where to stay in Villajoyosa

Staying in the Town Centre puts you within easy walking distance of the Central Market and the colourful seafront houses the town is known for. It's a compact place, so you won't need to travel far for anything.

If you'd prefer somewhere right on the coast, the Beachfront has several small hotels and apartments where you can combine a market visit with some beach time. Either base works well for a relaxed day out.

What time does Villajoyosa Central Market open?

Villajoyosa Central Market opens at 7:30am Monday to Saturday and closes at 2pm, with no Sunday trading. The hours are identical on all six trading days, so there is no late closing and no afternoon session. Arrive before noon, and earlier still if you want first pick of the fish counters.

Can you eat at Villajoyosa Central Market?

Yes, Villajoyosa Central Market has a counter inside it, La Cantina el Gallina, which grills the fish and shellfish you have just bought from the stalls. Red prawns, razor clams and sardines all come back cooked, and seasonal vegetables go on the same grill. It is a sit-down option rather than a snack stop.

What is Villajoyosa Central Market known for?

Villajoyosa Central Market is best known for its fresh locally caught fish, sold under the "Peix de La Vila" label, from a town with one of the largest trawler fishing fleets on the Costa Blanca. The two-floor layout and the distinctive pine trunk facade also make it stand out from most market buildings in the region.

Can you do a grocery shop at Villajoyosa Central Market?

Yes, Villajoyosa Central Market covers a full grocery list across its 25 stalls: fish and seafood, meat and poultry, fruit and vegetables, and bread and bakery. Stallholders take cash, credit and debit cards, contactless and mobile payment, so you do not need to bring euros with you. The hall is wheelchair accessible throughout.