Anyone who thinks Benidorm is just skyscrapers, beaches and nightlife has not yet strolled through the lively aisles of its markets. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the stalls, the comings and goings of tourists and locals, and the aromas wafting from fabrics, fruit and leather, another side of the city is revealed: the human connection. Benidorm’s markets are more than just mere places to shop: they are small republics of bartering, friendly haggling and unexpected discoveries. Here, a parasol can tell a story, and an improvised meat counter can transport visitors to the heart of Castile or Murcia. Some are large and bustling, others discreet and open at night, but they all retain that atmosphere of a daily fair which is almost a breath of fresh air in such a fast-paced city.
- Hotel Pueblo Market: the early morning market in Rincón de Loix
- Foietes Market: the market for lifelong Benidorm locals
- Benidorm Rastro (Flea Market): nostalgia among vinyl records and bric-a-brac
- Elche Park Market, perfect for a stroll by the sea at sunset
- Nits del Castell Market: crafts and magic under the lights of the Balcón del Mediterràni
Hotel Pueblo Market: the early morning market in Rincón de Loix
The Hotel Pueblo Market, also known simply as the Rincón Market, is one of the most iconic and popular markets in Benidorm. It is held twice a week, on Wednesday and Sunday mornings, on a large esplanade next to the Hotel Pueblo, very close to Avenida del Mediterráneo. Its location, in the heart of the hotel zone and a short distance from Levante Beach, makes it an almost obligatory stop for the British and Dutch tourists who fill the city throughout the year.
With over 300 stalls, the market offers a wide variety of goods: summer clothing, bags, shoes, household items, toys, sunglasses, jewellery and souvenirs of Benidorm at prices that tempt you to treat yourself. There are also stalls selling pickles, fruit, sweets and nuts. But what really brings the place to life is the atmosphere: a mixture of languages, generations, gestures and accents that converge under the awnings as if they all shared the same language of commerce.
Foietes Market: the market for lifelong Benidorm locals
While the Rincón de Loix market is geared towards visitors, the Foietes Market has retained a much more local feel. It’s held every Wednesday morning in the area around the municipal sports centre and Foietes Park, on the other side of the railway line. It’s easy to get to from the centre, although you have to walk a few minutes from the old town or the Poniente area.
This market is a favourite among many Benidorm locals. The stalls are lined up with a sense of simplicity, not as colourful as others, but with a practicality that makes it especially attractive for those looking for good prices on everyday products. Fruit and vegetables from nearby gardens, cold meats brought directly from the mountains, artisan bread, everyday clothing, plants and household items. Here, rather than haggling, people chat, and the sellers know many of their customers by name. The Foietes Market doesn’t look to shine, but it has earned its place through the value of tradition.
Benidorm Rastro (Flea Market): nostalgia among vinyl records and bric-a-brac
Very different from the previous markets is the Benidorm Flea Market, which is also held on Sundays but on the outskirts of the city, in the El Cisne area. Its atmosphere is more reminiscent of a rural market than an urban event; it is set up between low houses and dirt roads, next to an old farmhouse converted into a permanent market. There are no new products or shiny souvenirs here. What is sold is the past, memories, objects that were once essential in other homes and are now waiting for a second life.
The flea market is the place for treasure hunters. There are jazz and classic rock vinyl records, analogue cameras, restored furniture, tools, vintage clothing, books in various languages, toys from the 80s and 90s, old coins and even paintings and sculptures. The atmosphere is more relaxed, with live music at the weekends and a terrace where you can enjoy a beer or coffee under the trees. It is one of the most unique markets in the Marina Baixa, and its customers know it, as many come from Altea, La Nucía or Villajoyosa looking for something they won’t find in a shopping centre.
Elche Park Market, perfect for a stroll by the sea at sunset
At the southern end of Poniente Beach, next to Elche Park and the port, a small afternoon market appears in summer offering a very different experience. Here there are no dozens of stalls or morning hustle and bustle, it’s a discreet market that comes to life at sunset, perfect for people strolling along the seafront looking for something to round off their day.
The stalls are mainly aimed at families, offering crafts, costume jewellery, handmade bags, decorative items and toys. But its real attraction lies in its surroundings. A few metres from the sea, among palm trees and benches overlooking the horizon, this small market serves as a backdrop for conversations between tourists coming back from dinner and locals out for some fresh air. Not all visitors make it to this part of the city, but those who do find a quieter and often more authentic corner.
Nits del Castell Market: crafts and magic under the lights of the Balcón del Mediterràni
One of the most charming spots in Benidorm is transformed in summer thanks to a night market that combines crafts, atmosphere and spectacular views. The Nits del Castell Market is set up in the square surrounding the Balcón del Mediterràni, between the cobbled streets of the old town and the cliffs that separate the two large beaches. It is only open in the warmer months, in the evenings, with warm lighting and soft music playing in the background.
The stalls, many of them run by local artisans, offer natural soaps, illustrations, handmade jewellery, leather goods, ceramics and recycled art. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir of Benidorm, a far cry from the typical fridge magnets. What’s more, as it is located in one of the most beautiful spots in the city, a stroll through the market is also an aesthetically pleasing experience, with the sea lit by street lamps, alongside the white façades and the street musicians. Everything contributes to that feeling of being in a special place, where even shopping becomes a contemplative activity.
