10 Must-Visit Spanish Flea Markets For The Deals (& For The Shopping Thrills)

In a world dominated by large corporations whose products circulate across shops on all continents, finding something unique is difficult. Handmade and local products are the new shopping trend. Precisely this is what one can find in a flea market. Going to such a market is never simply going shopping, but it is going on an adventure. One can never know what one will encounter in this type of market. There is always room for surprise, not just about the items found but also for the good deals. For the fans of the handmade, the local, and the unique, here are 10 must-visit flea markets in Spain.

10 El Rastro, Madrid

One of the largest flea markets in Spain (with over 700 booths), el Rastro spreads over a number of streets and has almost anything one can think of. Antiques, handmade bags, tapestries, clothes, bracelets and jewelry, scented sticks, and electronics … el Rastro in Madrid has it all. The flea market is located very close to the center and to the metro stop La Latina, making it very easy to reach.

Location: Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores
Time: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tourists should be careful about pickpocketing there since it is one of the most crowded flea markets in Spain.

9 El Rastro, Fuengirola

El Rastro in Fuengirola is a large flea market (with over 300 boots) that should become part of everyone's Andalusian trip. It is the biggest flea market in Costa del Sol, and there one can find old vinyl, clothes, antiques, rare books, and many other things. This flea market has also vendors that come from North Africa, so the products offered are quite international.

Location: Calle Recinto Ferial
Time: Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors should make sure to get a hat and sunscreen before going because the market does not have a cover.

8 Els Encants, Barcelona

This is one of the oldest flea markets in Europe, dating back to the 14th century. It is impressive not only with what is sold there but also with its golden “roof” canopy, which acts like a mirror of the activity on the ground. Going to els Encants is an experience in itself.

Location: C. de los Castillejos, 158,
Time: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Arriving earlier always saves from big crowds.

7 Mercadillo Del Jueves, Sevilla

Another flea market that has been taking place for centuries, Mercadillo del Jueves in Seville, dates back to approximately the same time as els Encants in Barcelona. Even though the exact century is unknown, what is known is that this flea market has become a tradition for the Sevillian locals. It is officially known as an antique market, but one can find there many other things besides antiques. Tourists who are visiting during the weekdays and are in search of cheap and unique souvenirs should definitely take a look at this market.

It is a very large and colorful market, so visitors should be prepared to spend more time than expected there.

Location: Calle Feria de Sevilla,
Time: Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

6 El Rastro, Valencia

Who thought that there are more Rastros than the one in Madrid? Valencia, just like Fuengirola, takes pride in its own el Rastro, and it has a reason to do it. Another flea market that is centuries years old, Rastro de Mestalla, as it is also called, is a colorful, full-of-surprises market that gathers people as much for the shopping thrills as for the socialization. Gathering more than 500 boots, el Rastro in Valencia gets packed, so visitors should always look after their belongings when there.

Tip: Arriving earlier saves from crowds and provides better deals since those finish quickly

Location: The car park of the Mestalla Stadium
Time: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

5 El Rastro, Navacerrada

Continuing with the amazing Rastros in Spain, the next one is in Navacerrada - a small town in the region of Madrid. Navacerrada gathers many snow sports lovers during the winter due to its amazing ski center. During the summer, it is the perfect starting point for mountain hikes. All year round, however, it hosts the Rastro of Navacerrada, also called Mercadillo de Antigüedades de Navacerrada. Similar to other flea markets, it is officially known as an antique market. One would wonder why going to Navacerrada and not to el Rastro in Madrid. El Rastro of Navacerrada has antiques and vintage clothes that are rare and unique, and that makes this market very special. Also, it is less popular, so finding something amazing there before other tourists is more likely than in el Rastro in Madrid.

Location: Av. de Madrid, 15
Time: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

When in Navacerrada Rastro, visitors should be prepared to listen a lot about the story of the items sold since their owners are very friendly and tend to like to share their knowledge

4 The Artisan Fair Of La Mola, Formentera

Located just below Ibiza, Formentera is part of the Balearic Islands. The artisan fair that happens in the south of the island from June to October is one of the many amazing things one can witness on this not so famous among tourists piece of land. The craft fair of La Mola is full of the bohemian, tranquil energy of the descents of hippies that landed on the island in the 1960s and never left. The summer event includes workshops where artisans show how they craft their handmade items. Displayed are stands with jewelry, accessories, fashion creations, and many other things. Witnessing the whole craft process is indeed an amazing experience, and the best part is that visitors have the chance to buy those unique, handmade items.

Location: The town of El Pilar de la Mola
Time: Wednesday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (May through October)

Formentera is reachable by ferry from Ibiza

3 Artisan Ecological Market, Gijon

A small city on the coast of the region of Asturias, Gijon offers, among other things, one of the best open-air eco-markets in Spain. Besides a variety of organic and locally crafted commodities, there are a lot of stalls with traditional Asturian products to try. The artisan ecological market also offers workshops and different exhibitions.

Location: Plaza Mayor
Time: Second weekend of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Saturday) and 8:00 p.m. (Sunday).

When in Asturias, one should try their different types of cheeses

2 Sant Antoni Sunday Market, Barcelona

Barcelona, just like Madrid, has numerous flea markets taking place in the city on different days of the week. Sant Antoni Market is a book flea market dating back to the middle of the last century. More than 300 sellers come to exhibit their books every weekend, and thousands of book enthusiasts gather to enjoy them. As a result, Sant Antoni Market gets to be the largest antiquarian book market of such a kind in Europe.

Location: Carrer del Comte d'Urgell, 1
Time: Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This book flea market is called Sant Antoni Sunday Market in order not to be confused with the Sant Antoni Market, which is a popular food market in the same location. One can find fresh products and enjoy some nice tapas there.

1 La Cuesta De Moyano, Madrid

Another famous flea market, la Cuesta de Moyano in Madrid, dates back to 1925. Located in the city center, it offers both old and newly published books of all kinds and at excellent prices (compared to bookshops). A paradise found for every book enthusiast, la Cuesta de Moyano is the perfect flea market for book hunting, after which one can enjoy their newly found treasure in the nearby located Retiro park.