Quick Answer
Every town has a weekly street market (08:00–14:00). Biggest: Torrevieja Friday market. Best shopping centre: La Zenia Boulevard (150+ shops). Must-buy souvenirs: olive oil, turrón, local wine, ceramics. Bring cash for market stalls.
| Essential | Details |
|---|---|
| Torrevieja market | Friday mornings |
| Benidorm market | Wednesday & Sunday |
| Jávea market | Thursday mornings |
| La Zenia Boulevard | 150+ shops, open daily |
Key Takeaways
- ✓Torrevieja’s Friday market is one of the largest in Europe.
- ✓Markets run 08:00–14:00 — arrive early for the best selection.
- ✓Bring cash — card payments are uncommon at market stalls.
- ✓La Zenia Boulevard is the biggest shopping centre on the coast.
- ✓Local olive oil, turrón and wine make excellent souvenirs.
In this guide
1. Weekly Street Markets
Almost every town has a weekly open-air market, and they are one of the great Costa Blanca experiences. Torrevieja’s Friday market is one of the largest in Europe, stretching along the Paseo with hundreds of stalls selling everything from fruit to leather belts to ceramics.
Jávea’s Thursday market in the old town is popular for local produce, while Benidorm’s Wednesday market is great for clothes and souvenirs. Markets typically run from 08:00 to 14:00. Arrive early for the best selection and bring cash — card payments are uncommon.
2. Food Markets & Local Produce
Indoor municipal markets (mercados) in Alicante, Dénia and Torrevieja are the place to buy fresh fish, meat, fruit and local cheese. The Mercado Central in Alicante is an architectural gem with over 100 stalls.
For organic and artisan products, look out for "mercadillo ecológico" signs — these specialist markets appear in most towns at least once a month. Dénia’s market is particularly good for fresh seafood, including the prized gamba roja.
3. Shopping Centres
La Zenia Boulevard on the Orihuela Costa is one of the largest open-air shopping centres in the region, with over 150 shops and restaurants including Primark, Zara, H&M and a large Carrefour hypermarket. It’s open daily and has free parking.
In Benidorm, the La Marina shopping centre anchors the Levante area. Habaneras in Torrevieja has a good mix of Spanish and international brands plus a cinema. Gran Vía in Alicante city offers high-street brands and is well connected by TRAM.
4. What to Buy
Local olive oil from the Alicante region is excellent — look for cold-pressed extra virgin varieties. Turrón (almond nougat from Jijona) is the classic Costa Blanca souvenir, available in hard (Alicante style) and soft (Jijona style) varieties.
Other popular buys include esparto grass products, hand-made leather goods, Lladró-style ceramics and local wine from the Alicante DO. Try the sweet Moscatel from the Marina Alta — it makes an excellent gift. Herbs and spices from market stalls are also great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Co-Founder & Business Consultant· Based in Torrevieja since 2018
Maya co-founded OceanHome and oversees operations across 40+ properties on the Costa Blanca.
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