Virtually every Spanish town holds a weekly outdoor market but here in Benidorm we are doubly lucky, with not one but two and both on twice a week – every Wednesday and Sunday. The one most popular with holidaymakers is in the Rincon de Loix, just past the Pueblo and Helios hotels.
The other is past the tram station in the old town, in the Foietes car park opposite the Guillermo Amor sports stadium. The stall holders are set up by 8am and generally there till around 1:30/2pm, so you can still manage a lie in if you’ve had a heavy night out!
It is one of the biggest markets in the region and you’ll find a vast range of items here – from fruit and veg to bags, clothes, swimwear, sunglasses, belts, toys – the list is endless. Obviously there are also plenty of ‘look a like’ merchandise such as ‘Ray Ben’ sunglasses and ‘Prado’ handbags – with these sellers you can usually barter the prices.
As a general rule of thumb whatever the price quoted knock them down by half then start from there. Don’t be shy – haggling is half the fun! As it is very busy do make sure that you keep your wallets and bags close as it is prime pick pocket territory.
With people pushing and shoving it's so easy and the pea men will always be setting up on the periphery to catch the crowds – walk straight on by without even giving them a second glance. Once all the stalls have packed up the road sweepers get to work and by late afternoon it’s back to normal.
It’s a great place to visit whilst you are here on your holiday and I am sure you’ll be tempted with at least one small souvenir to take back home… just watch your weight allowance otherwise it won't be quite the bargain if you end up paying for excess weight!
The other weekly markets are as follow:
Tuesday – Altea
Thursday – Vila Joyosa
Friday – Alfaz del Pi
Saturday – La Cala
Sunday - Albir
