Date of publication 08/12/2022
Spain for foodies The mouth-watering Spanish Food Markets
Spain’s historical food markets
In many places around the world, so-called "market culture" is taking off — and with good reason. Knowing where ingredients come from and buying local is becoming increasingly important. If you can have a quick drink and bite to eat while shopping for your meal, even better. When it comes to these new markets, Spain has some of the best on earth, both in terms of culture and culinary significance. Across the country, important buildings have been renovated and turned into fashionable meet-up places. Spaniards and visitors shop for food, eat meals, and enjoy drinks at these markets. When visiting Spain, use this guide to discover the perfect market experience to complement the many nearby Iberostar hotels in Spain. And be sure to bring your appetite and curiosity along with you!
San Miguel (Madrid)
Next to the iconic Plaza Mayor, the San Miguel market reopened its doors in 2009 and, since then, has become a must-see on any tourist route in Madrid. San Miguel is packed full of food and drink stalls offering a wide variety of dishes from all over Spain. There are Spanish classics like cured Iberian ham and Spanish omelette, as well as imports like sushi and caviar. Grab a cava, vermouth, or explore the various drinking options. Or simply enjoy people-watching. Once you've eaten your way through the market, head back to the nearby Iberostar Las Letras Gran Vía for some rest and relaxation before gearing up to visit the countless sights of the Spanish capital.
Platea (Madrid)
Platea, a gourmet food hall located in Plaza de Colón, is all about the experience. Spread across several floors, Platea features three Michelin-starred chefs, Asian cuisine, tapas, a cocktail bar, a concert stage, DJs, and a dance club. In the food market, customers can buy local produce as well as exotic fruits and vegetables from around the world. Platea is an event in itself. Go for Spanish-style tapas with friends or enjoy a mixed drink of your choice after visiting the National Archaeology Museum or the nearby shops on Serrano Street.
San Antón (Madrid)
Located in the heart of the trendy Chueca neighborhood, San Antón Market is a forward-thinking three-story food paradise with a focus on sustainability. San Antón is divided into floors: the first floor is for fresh ingredients, the second floor features a variety of food stalls offering different types of cuisine, and the third floor houses a restaurant. There are stalls serving Greek and Japanese food, along with modern takes on Spanish dishes. The rooftop bar is perfect for drinks while enjoying views of the charming neighborhood.
Boquería (Barcelona)
A pleasant walk down La Rambla from the Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gracia, and you’ll find the La Boquería market in Barcelona, a classic stop for visitors. The place is historic; the origins of the market go back to the 1200s. Nowadays, La Boquería is a sprawling indoor complex with food vendors selling everything: fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, and anything else to satisfy your gastronomic desires. There are also restaurants inside for travelers looking for a sit-down meal. Pro tip: most fruit vendors will sell you fresh fruit juice, a perfect pick-me-up while exploring the market.
Born (Barcelona)
Located in the Ribera neighborhood, the Mercat del Born adds a splash of history to the Barcelona market experience. The market is known for its architecture; the building was constructed using cast iron and set off a trend in markets across Barcelona. El Born is also a place of cultural importance. Visitors can walk above and around the old city ruins from the 1700s. This market is perfect for the curious traveler who wants to learn more about Barcelona and its history.
San Juan (Palma, Majorca)
Even on blustery winter evenings, the San Juan Gastronomic Market in Palma, Majorca, is bustling with locals and tourists alike. Although the beautiful building housing the market is old, the market itself is new and has been open for just over two years. And even though the market is located on an island in the Mediterranean, the stalls inside offer cuisine from around the world. Besides the typical Spanish fare focused on seafood and meats, there are Japanese, Thai, and Italian stalls as well. Just a 15-minute car ride from Iberostar Grand Portals Nous, San Juan is the perfect trendy lunch stop that matches the luxury of your accommodations.
Atarazanas (Malaga)
A must-see stop on any trip to Malaga. Atarazanas, which means “shipyard” in Arabic, is the gastronomic hub in the city. Although the waters of the Mediterranean no longer reach this building, this old shipyard is being put to good use. Inside, you’ll find all the edible treasures of Andalusia: fish and shellfish; fruits and vegetables; and meats and cheeses. The building is also known for its architectural style. The entrance features one of the original Moorish-style arches. The rest of the building was completed in the same style but with iron, adding a modern sensibility to the old shipyard. Make sure to look up while you’re walking around the Atarazanas to see the stained-glass windows and gorgeous metal structures!
Planning your Malaga holidays and haven’t decided where to stay yet? We invite you to visit our hotels: the Iberostar Waves Málaga Playa hotel with direct access to the beach in Torrox-Costa, the Iberostar Costa del Sol Spa hotel in Estepona, and the Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach, an adults-only hotel which is one of the best 4-star hotels in Marbella and provides top all-inclusive Costa del Sol accommodation and an opportunity to enjoy the amazing Sea Soul Beach Club.
Merced (Málaga)
The Merced market is another place to try while visiting Malaga. This market caters to a trendy, gourmand clientele and was recently reopened after some revamping. While there are traditional food vendors here, the focus is also on the eating experience. Quality food and service are a staple at Merced, and the goal is to attract both local and tourist foodies to come in and stay a while. If you are looking for some of the best quality “bites” that a market can offer, Merced is the place to go in Malaga.
Sábila Gourmet Market (Tenerife)
The Sábila Gourmet Market is the fashionable place-to-go for a market experience in Tenerife. Sábila checks all the boxes for any foodie. There are traditional stalls for Spanish Charcuterie and local Canarian cheeses, in addition to grilled meats and whatever is freshly caught from the ocean. Not to be missed is the vendor serving traditional sushi, Thai steamed buns, and Chinese dumplings. The cocktail bar features vermouth, wine, beer, or whatever classic cocktail you prefer while on vacation.
Like new! That’s how you’ll feel after your holiday on the beach at the Iberostar Selection Sábila. This hotel in Costa Adeje, refurbished to a 5-star standard, is a luxury space in the south of Tenerife designed for relaxation and stimulation of the senses.
