Best Markets in Málaga: Fish Market, Food Markets & Farmers Markets (2026)

Here's the truth: we almost always end up at Mercado de Atarazanas. Living in Málaga full-time, we've seen what's out there, and Atarazanas just has everything we need.

The one exception is Malaga's open-air market in Guadalhorce. It's packed with fresh fruit, local cheese, homemade jams, and other produce straight from nearby farms.

That said, we've explored them all.

Each market has something unique. Some offer cheaper fish. Others have a better cheese selection or focus more on local produce.

So if you're in town, don't head straight to Atarazanas without trying a few of these nearby options too.

You never know what you'll discover. It's one of our favourite places to eat and drink in Malaga.

This is not an exhaustive list, just our favourites. Head over to Spanish Local Markets for a breakdown of every market in Málaga.

Mercado de Atarazanas: Málaga's Iconic Fish Market & Food Hall

The best fish market in Málaga. This is where locals come for fresh seafood, and it's the most famous market in the city.

• Location: Calle Atarazanas, 10, 29005 Málaga (city center)
• Open: Monday-Saturday, 8am-3pm
• Note: Fish section closed Mondays (no Sunday fishing = no fresh fish Monday)

This traditional market sits in the heart of Málaga in a stunning 19th-century building (inaugurated 1879) that once housed Nasrid shipyards from the 14th century. The architecture alone is worth the visit, with beautiful stained glass windows depicting the city's history.

What to buy:

• Fresh fish: Tuna, Mediterranean swordfish, Norwegian salmon, Spanish hake
• Local seafood: Fresh catches from Málaga bay (try Mariscos La Pepa at stall 122)
• Aloreña olives: The only Spanish olive with Denomination of Origin
• Exotic produce: African and South American fruits and vegetables (stalls 33-36, 97-98)
• Meat, cheese, and seasonal produce

For eating: Around 11am-12pm, vendors start grilling fresh seafood outside. Pick what you like, they'll cook it on the spot. Bar Atarazanas prepares daily seafood and Málaga's famous fried fish (pescaíto frito).

Best time to visit: Early morning (8-11am) for freshest products and to avoid crowds.

Prices: Ask before ordering—not all vendors display prices clearly. A large shrimp can cost around €6.

Mercado de la Merced: Historic Center Food Market with Tapas Bars

A small, charming market in the heart of the historic center, right on Plaza de la Merced (where Picasso grew up).

• Location: Plaza de la Merced, Málaga (historic center)
• Open:
• Fresh product stalls: Monday-Saturday, 9am-3pm
• Gastronomic area (bars/restaurants): Monday-Sunday, 12pm-12am

Just a stone's throw from our home, Mercado de la Merced is one of Málaga's trendiest spots to eat and drink. It's smaller than Atarazanas but still has everything you need: fresh fish, quality meats, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods.

What makes it special: The gastronomic area transforms this into a nightlife spot with tapas bars and restaurants open until midnight, even on Sundays.

Bonus: On the fourth Sunday of each month, Plaza de la Merced hosts a lively flea market (11am-7pm) where you can browse vintage items, handmade crafts, and unexpected treasures.

Mercado del Carmen: Best Value for Fresh Fish in Málaga

Where locals go for the cheapest fish. Considered Atarazanas' main rival with similar range but better prices.

• Location: Calle de la Trinidad, Málaga (Carmen neighborhood)
• Open: Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm (closed Sundays)

Located in the Carmen neighbourhood, this market brings in fresh food straight from the surrounding countryside. It's smaller and quieter than Atarazanas, making it popular with locals who want to avoid tourist crowds.

What to buy:

• Fresh fish and seafood (best value in Málaga)
• Seasonal produce from local farms
• Local meats and cheeses
• Artisanal goods

Why locals love it: Similar quality to Atarazanas but with better prices and fewer tourists. If you want to shop like a true Malagueño, this is your market.

Best time to visit: Early morning (8-10am) for best selection before it gets busy.

Mercado de Salamanca: Authentic Neighborhood Market in West Málaga

A true local's market. Tourists rarely find this one, but it's a neighborhood institution.

• Location: Calle San Bartolomé, 1, Málaga (west end)
• Open: Monday-Saturday, 8am-3pm
• Architecture: Beautiful Neo-Mudéjar style building from mid-20th century

Mercado de Salamanca has served the community for decades and still hums with daily life. This is where you go to shop with your neighbors, not tourists.

What to buy:

• Seasonal fruits: Oranges, lemons, figs from local farms
• Fresh vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens grown just outside the city
• Local cheeses and cured meats
• Fresh seafood

Why visit: Many vendors have been here for years, creating a genuine neighborhood atmosphere. You'll experience authentic daily life in Málaga—shopping alongside locals who've been coming here for generations.

Best for: Avoiding tourist crowds, experiencing authentic Málaga market culture, supporting long-standing local vendors.

Málaga Organic Farmers Market (Mercado Agroecológico)

The real farmers market in Málaga. Organic produce straight from local farms, not supermarket stalls.

• Location: Various locations (most commonly near Playa Malagueta)
• Open: Typically Saturdays, 10am-2pm (check schedule online)

This is what we mean when we say "farmers market"—actual farmers selling their own organic produce. The one exception to our Atarazanas routine, especially for vegetables and artisanal products.

What to buy:

• Organic vegetables and fruits straight from local farms
• Local cheeses from nearby producers
• Homemade jams and preserves
• Fresh bread from local bakeries
• Honey from Andalusian beekeepers
• Eco-friendly artisanal products

Perfect for: Beach picnics (grab fresh produce before heading to Malagueta beach), organic food lovers, supporting local farmers directly, weekend shopping with a community vibe.

Note: This is a rotating market, so check the schedule online before visiting. It moves between different neighborhoods to serve the whole city.

When Are Markets Open in Málaga?

Most Málaga markets follow similar schedules:

Typical hours:

• Monday-Saturday: 8am-3pm or 4pm
• Closed Sundays (except Mercado de la Merced's gastronomic area)

Best time to visit: 8-11am for the freshest products and before crowds arrive

Important notes:

• Fish sections close Mondays at most markets (no Sunday fishing)
• Mercado de la Merced has extended hours for bars/restaurants (12pm-12am daily)
• Organic farmers market typically operates Saturdays 10am-2pm

What to Buy at Málaga Markets

At Fish Markets (Atarazanas, Carmen):

• Fresh fish: tuna, swordfish, salmon, hake
• Local seafood from Málaga bay
• Aloreña olives (Denomination of Origin)

At All Markets:

• Seasonal fruits and vegetables from local farms
• Local cheeses and cured meats
• Fresh bread and artisanal products

At Organic Farmers Market:

• Certified organic produce
• Homemade jams and honey
• Eco-friendly artisanal goods

More

These aren't the only markets in Málaga.

There are plenty of pop-up organic stalls, flea markets that sell fresh produce, and smaller neighbourhood spots worth checking out. But these five are the mainstays. The steady picks. The old reliables.

If you enjoyed this or found another market you think belongs on the list, let us know in the comments. We'd love to hear about it.

And if you're wondering what to buy, why not try your hand at making one of Malaga's traditional dishes?

Sources:

• Spain Food Sherpas - Ultimate Guide to Atarazanas Market
• TripAdvisor - Mercado Central de Atarazanas
• Hotels.com - Best Markets in Malaga
• Andalucia.com - Atarazanas Market