Tucked away on the edge of Benidorm, right on the border with Albir, El Cisne Rastro is one of those places that rewards anyone with a sense of curiosity. Part market, part treasure hunt and part social gathering, it attracts a fascinating mix of local residents, regular visitors and tourists looking for something a little different.

Open every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 13:30, El Cisne comes alive as stallholders set out their eclectic collections of goods. The sellers themselves are a mix of Spanish and international residents, creating a wonderfully varied atmosphere and an equally varied selection of items.

And what can you find? Quite simply, almost anything.

There are racks of second-hand clothes, jewellery and accessories, alongside tables packed with collectibles and curiosities. Visitors can browse china, vintage items, war memorabilia, tools, vinyl records and countless other pieces. For collectors, bargain hunters and those who simply enjoy rummaging through the unexpected, the fun is never knowing what might turn up.

A Market That Gives Back

El Cisne is also about more than buying and selling. Local animal charity Animal Angells has its own stall at the rastro, with all money raised going towards helping animals in the local area.

It is a great opportunity to pick up something unusual while supporting a worthwhile local cause. For many regular visitors, the charity stall has become an important part of the El Cisne experience.

Step Inside the Treasure Trove

One of the most distinctive features of El Cisne is the special circular building situated in the centre of the market.

Inside, visitors will find a collection of genuine antiques, making it something of a treasure trove for anyone interested in history, furniture, decorative pieces and unique objects with a story behind them.

It adds another dimension to the market. You can spend time wandering around the outdoor stalls looking for a bargain before stepping inside and discovering something considerably older and more unusual.

 

Food, Drinks and Live Music

Once you’ve finished exploring the stalls, there is another good reason to linger. El Cisne has its own bar and restaurant, serving some great food and providing the perfect place to sit down, relax and soak up the atmosphere.

Live music is also part of the experience, helping to give the rastro a distinctly social and entertaining character. In fact, the venue has a special connection with one of Benidorm’s much-loved entertainers.

For several years, Pablo Bloom made El Cisne his musical home, entertaining visitors and adding to the lively atmosphere for which the venue is known. His performances became part of the character of the place and helped establish El Cisne as somewhere to enjoy much more than just a morning of shopping.

A Different Side of Benidorm

El Cisne Rastro is a reminder that there is much more to Benidorm than its famous beaches, high-rise hotels and nightlife. It is a place where residents and visitors mix, where international and Spanish stallholders trade side by side, and where a simple morning’s browsing can turn into an unexpected discovery.

Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, searching for a particular collectible, looking for antiques, supporting a local animal charity, enjoying a meal or simply listening to live music, El Cisne offers a genuinely eclectic experience.

So, if you’re in the Benidorm or Albir area on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday morning, set aside a few hours and go exploring.

You never quite know what you’ll find at El Cisne Rastro — and that’s exactly the point.... and coming next, an interview with Pablo himself!