Several new markets have appeared in the city over the last couple of weeks. Joining the gourmet market near Plaza de la Merced is a monthly art and artisan market in the Soho District plus a 3-day homemade market. At this rate, we’re going to find it difficult to recommend just 5 best markets in Malaga!
Buy and Try
The biggest new market in Malaga and the one creating the most expectation is the so-called gourmet venue on the northwest side of Plaza de la Merced. Located just a stone’s throw from Picasso’s birthplace, the Mercado de la Merced has received over €1.3 million in investment and had a major refurb and revamp.
The opening date has been delayed for months – the original opening was posted for Easter and then for the Malaga Fair – but the market doors finally opened to the public last week.
Managed by the same company who runs the successful gourmet market Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, the new Mercado de la Merced combines the fresh food stalls that characterise markets in Spain with around 25 eateries. These offer a range of gastronomic options ranging from simple olives and gherkins to the very best Iberian ham.
Among the 25 eateries, some well-known Malaga faces are joined by some newbies on the Malaga culinary scene. One of the best known is Antigua Casa de Guardia whose stall takes the same style as its much older sister on the Alameda Principal (this venue has been open for 175 years and ranks as the oldest bar in Malaga). Joining this traditional favourite is Pub Lemon, a classic club-style bar from the 80s nightclub scene in Malaga.
New to Malaga is Arequipa stall, owned by Diego Gallegos, winner of Madrid Fusion 2015 and the chef at the acclaimed Sollo Restaurante in Benalmadena (this is 1 of the best treat-yourself venues in our guide). At the new Mercado de la Merced, Arequipa fuses Latin and Asian food with the accent on freshwater fish.
Along side Arequipa are La Finca selling gourmet burgers (we liked the look of these), Beher whose Iberian ham attracts long queues and La Croquetería with a range of croquettes. There are also wine stalls, craft beer bars and cheese stands.
One side of the market has been opened up for maximum natural light and there are several attractive interior patios for dining. The market offers live entertainment (usually music) at the weekends.
Opening times: fresh food stalls – Mon-Sat 9am-2pm; gourmet stalls – daily 11am-midnight
Art & Artisan Market
‘Made in Soho’ is another new arrival on the markets in Malaga scene. Held on the first Saturday of the month, the first edition was last Saturday and was a resounding success. Stalls are set up along Calle Tomás Heredia – the pedestrian street perpendicular to the Alameda Principal (and home to Obey’s Mujer Fatal mural) – and sell art, crafts and homemade cakes and clothes.
The next Made in Soho market will be held on Saturday 7 November from 10am to 3pm.
Homemade Bonanza
If you’re in Malaga in mid-October and like arts and crafts, then the Homemade Fair is a must for you. Held on 16, 17 and 18 October at the Malaga Car Museum, this event is a celebration of everything homemade. Expect stalls selling homemade cakes and goodies, patchwork and quilting, homemade accessories, art work and fashion.
Entrance is €5.50 (€3 if you buy in advance from the website). 16-18 October, 10am-7pm
Malaga Car Museum in La Tabacalera – take the 16 bus from the Alameda Principal.
Second-hand & Antique Books
Plaza de la Merced, one of the most historic squares in the city, seems an appropriate setting for another of the new markets in Malaga – stalls selling second-hand and antique books. Open until 18 October, this book fair promises a treasure trove of reading plus some real collector’s gems.
Open Mon-Fri 10am-2pm & 5-9pm, Sat 10.30am-2.30pm
