Mercadillos ( markets )
Almost every village and most certainly every town, holds a “mercadillo” once a week. Benidorm has one twice a week. This itinerant market which goes from town to town, is a tradition which dates back to medieval times. You should take the opportunity to visit a street market or a rastro market. Most of the markets are open before noon from 9 to 13.
You’ll find wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables, carefully laid out to tempt you. The tastes and the unique atmosphere of the Spanish market will surprise you. Take time to watch the Spanish people do their market shopping with their ever-present trusty trolley. Beware of these trolleys, as they fill up with tomatoes, potatoes, pineapples, cabbages, cheese, ham, nisperos, and oranges. They seem to have a life of their own – so watch your ankles! ?
Apart from fruit and vegetables you’ll find a wide range of goods. From old vinyl records, clothing, footwear, handbags, watches, curtains, carpets, kitchen utensils and many more too numerous to mention.
Even though we never saw or heard about pick-pockets in our markets it is better to be careful and keep an eye on your personal items.
Moraira market is held every Friday at the central parking place, next to the amusement park.
On Sundays there is a market in the most picturesque inland village of La Nucia. Just some kilometers away, also on Sundays, there is another market, “Rastro de Polop”. This is a huge market, rapidly gaining in popularity with the locals. Some serious bargains are to be bagged here. Along with the usual market paraphernalia, here you will find some Box Brownie cameras, singer sewing machines, old fashioned typewriters and some curious ancient farming implements. If you need refreshments, there are plenty of places where you can stop to rest your weary feet, get a cup of coffee or a class of wine. To find this market, make your way to the southern end of La Nucia and at “Rotunda 1” (roundabout number 1) follow the roadsigns for Guadalest. The market is approximately 1 mile from the roundabout on the right hand side.
| MONDAY | Denia, Elche, Parcent, Callosa d’en Sarria |
| Denia – a a busy town market close to the railway station. | |
| TUESDAY | Altea, Xalo, Els Poblets,Villajoyosa ( la cala ), Alicante |
| Altea – the largest market in the area, on the seafront. | |
| WEDNESDAY | Teuada, Benitatxell, Benidorm, El Campello, Ondara |
| Teulada – a more Spanish market, mainly fruit and vegetables, Benidorm – a large and busy market catering more for tourists. | |
| THURSDAY | Javea (Xavia), Benidoleig, Rojales, Villajoyosa, Alicante, |
| Javea (Xavia) – in the Old Town. Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish. | |
| FRIDAY | Moraira, Senija, Alfaz del Pi, Gata de Gorgos |
| Moraira – small and busy. Local fruit and vegetables, gifts, clothing. | |
| SATURDAY | Benissa, Calpe, Jalon (Xalo), Gandia, Alcoy, Alicante, |
| Benissa – Small, Spanish.market in the old town | |
| SUNDAY | Benidorm, La Nucia, Teulada |
| Teulada – A car-boot sale or “rastro”. Practically anything sold including good secondhand furniture and antiques. |
Whichever market you choose to visit, enjoy the experience and happy shopping!
Shops and shopping centers
In Moraira town there are lot of small and interesting shops, where it is nice to step in when you are going to dinner or after having your morning coffee. The shops are usually open from 10 am to 2 pm and 4.30 pm to 7/8 pm
If you prefer big shopping centers then there are La Marina shopping centers in Denia and Finestrat ( Benidorm ), both 30 km from our house. These are open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am until 10 pm and in summer time on Sundays from 12 pm to 10 pm. Of course there are also big shopping centers in Valencia ( like El Saler, Aqua, Bonaire ) and Alicante ( Plaza Mar2, Gran Via ). For outlet fans the bigger outlets are in Alicante and Valencia.Whatever you are looking for you will find it from Merca China shops.
Still, we recommend you to vist small shops in the small towns 🙂 You will have a lovely and much more authentic shopping experience!
Grocery stores
There are lots of grocery stores in Moraira and around it. Usually open from 9 am to 9.30 pm ( on Sundays only in summer time )
- Pepe la Sal – very good quality, a little bit higher prices. (google maps link)
- Mercadona – good for fresh fish and sea food. ( Carretera de Moraira-teulada S/N03726 Poble Nou de Benitatxell, Avda. País Valencià, 1403720 Benissa)
- Mas y mas – google maps link
- Carrefour and Lidl
- Supercor Express is the small market in town, open from 6 am to 12 am
