When I am on vacation, I
always like to visit the markets. You get a taste of what the farmers
grow and what the delicacies are in the region. Benidorm does have a
daily market hall, but it is not the same as the huge indoor market
of Alicante...
 |
| Main entrance Mercado Central |
You have to be early. The
market closes around 2 PM. The market hall does look spectacular. The
modernist building is build in 1912 on top of the 18th
century city walls. When you stand in front of it, it kinda looks
like a railroad station. Take a look inside and you will be convinced
you are at the market. It is a hustle and bustle; people talking,
market vendors try to get your attention, old Spanish ladies carrying
bags full of groceries...
The market is divided
over two floors. When you get in at the main entrance on the Av.
Alfonso el Sabio, you are standing on +1. Here you will find the
stands that sell meat and specialties. You can buy cheese, almond
nuts, pestos and olives, all harvested from the rich soil of the
region... Take a look around and don't be shy to ask a local if you
see a product you don't know. Some market vendors do not know (or
don't want to speak) English which is perfectly understandable since
this is an authentic market where they don't see a lot of tourist.
 |
| Fish stalls in Mercado Central |
Take the escalator
downstairs to visit the vegetable, fruit and fish market. Of course
the fish market is the most spectacular. You can see the catch of the
day lying on the ice. Huge fishes stare at the visitor... As a
tourist, buying fish is a little unpractical, but it is worth seeing
what beautiful fish can be caught in the Mediterranean Sea.
Outside, at the back of
the Market Hall, you can buy plants and flowers. I bought some palm
tree seeds here and took home a piece of Spain (my palmtrees are
still alive!).
 |
| Fruits and vegetables |
Take a rest at one of the
terraces surrounding the square behind the market. If you got hungry
walking past all the food, I suggest taking a look in the streets
around the market. Many bars and restaurants offer a cheap Menu del
Dia. Mostly this menu only counts until 1PM.
A visit to the market is
a genuine experience. Get a taste of the real Spain and marvel at the
delicious goods that come from this region.
Practical tips
The upstairs hall in Mercado Central The market is open from 7:30 AM to around 14 PM. Sundays closed.- You can find the Mercado Central at the Av. Alfonso El Sabio near the end of the Rambla. If you want to visit the market by tram from Benidorm, get of at the subway station “Mercado”.
- Some local specialties to buy are of course the sweet oranges, almonds, Valor Chocolate and “Turron d'Alicante” (kind of nougat).
READ MORE
 |
| When you get out of the metro station "Mercado", you can see the market hall a little further in the street. |
