Published September 15, 2025 | Category: Food & Drink

TL;DR: Almería remains Spain’s top exporter of watermelon this campaign, boosted by premium branding, sustainability efforts, and quality certifications.

Almería watermelon exports lead Spain, dominating the market

This season, Almería has reinforced its status as Spain’s leading watermelon export province. Output is expected to rise by more than 21% compared to last year, with over 631,000 tonnes projected for the 2025 campaign. The economic value is also increasing, with estimates surpassing €229 million.

Local cooperatives and exporters highlight the success of sustainable farming practices, including biological pest control, alongside promotional initiatives such as the campaign No cortes en verde (“don’t cut when green”). These measures, supported by the Andalusian Greenhouse & Fruit Strategic Plan, are credited with raising quality standards across the sector.

In parallel, the regional brand “Sabores Almería” continues to expand its profile at national and international fairs. While watermelons remain the flagship product, the label also promotes olive oils, wines, cheeses and other local delicacies, helping reinforce Almería’s identity as a hub for premium Mediterranean produce.

For more updates from across the province, visit our Food & Drink category.

Published September 2, 2025 | Category: Travel Tips, Towns & Villages

TL;DR: Almería hosts 91 weekly markets across the province. From Plaza Pavía in the capital to village markets in Mojácar, Vera, and Carboneras, there’s a mercadillo almost every day. Here’s the full guide.

Weekly Markets in Almería: Full Guide to Mercadillos Across the Province

Table of Contents

• The tradition of mercadillos in Almería
• Weekly markets in Almería city
• Markets across the province of Almería
• Markets by day of the week
• Tips for visiting local markets
• Conclusion: Experience authentic Almería

The tradition of mercadillos in Almería

Weekly open-air markets, known locally as mercadillos, are a vital part of life in Andalusia. They offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothes, shoes, plants, and household items. For visitors, they provide a unique chance to experience Andalusian street life, taste local products, and shop like the locals. In the province of Almería, markets are held in virtually every town and village, often on the same day of the week for generations.

Weekly markets in Almería city

The capital city of Almería hosts several markets spread throughout its neighborhoods. The most famous is the Plaza Pavía market, open from Monday to Saturday and known for its fresh produce and fish stalls. In addition, the city has seven rotating mercadillos:

• Mercadillo del Estadio – every Tuesday, around the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
• Mercadillo del Auditorio – every Saturday, next to the Maestro Padilla Auditorium.
• Mercadillo de Cabo de Gata – every Saturday, in the coastal village of Cabo de Gata.
• Mercadillo de El Alquián – every Sunday morning.
• Mercadillo de Los Ángeles – during the week in the Los Ángeles neighborhood.
• Mercadillo de Bola Azul – a popular neighborhood market.
• Mercadillo de Plaza de Pavía – the daily market hub for fresh produce.

Together, these markets ensure that Almería city has lively street markets nearly every day of the week. For official information, check the Ayuntamiento de Almería.

Markets across the province of Almería

Beyond the capital, Almería province is famous for its rich network of weekly markets. According to official listings, there are around 91 weekly mercadillos, spread across every day of the week. Popular markets include:

• Huércal-Overa – Monday.
• Albox – Tuesday, one of the largest inland markets.
• Mojácar – Wednesday, held in Plaza del Rey Alábez.
• Carboneras – Thursday, close to the seafront.
• Garrucha – Friday, along Calle Miradores.
• Vera – Saturday, spreading across Plaza Mayor.
• Villaricos – Sunday, a coastal market with summer buzz.

These are just highlights – almost every town, from Vélez Rubio to Sorbas, has its own weekly event. Together, they form one of the richest market traditions in Andalusia. A complete overview is available at mercadillosemanal.com.

Markets by day of the week

Here is a summary of how many markets take place each day across the province:

• Monday – 8 markets (e.g. Huércal-Overa, Antas, Rioja)
• Tuesday – 12 markets (e.g. Albox, Cuevas del Almanzora, Los Gallardos)
• Wednesday – 14 markets (e.g. Mojácar, Bédar, Lubrín, Vélez Blanco)
• Thursday – 16 markets (e.g. Carboneras, Roquetas de Mar, Purchena, Sorbas)
• Friday – 12 markets (e.g. Garrucha, Turre, Zurgena, Macael)
• Saturday – 14 markets (e.g. Vera, Arboleas, Vélez Rubio)
• Sunday – 12 markets (e.g. Villaricos, La Alfoquía, San Juan de los Terreros – summer only)

This means there is always a market happening somewhere in Almería province, no matter the day.

Tips for visiting local markets

• Go early – Markets usually open around 9:00 and close by 14:00. Arrive early for the freshest produce.
• Bring cash – Many stalls do not accept cards, especially in smaller villages.
• Expect variety – From fruit and vegetables to shoes, textiles, and souvenirs, mercadillos are a blend of essentials and bargains.
• Parking advice – In towns like Vera or Garrucha, arrive early to secure parking nearby.
• Authentic experience – Don’t just shop; enjoy a coffee or tapas nearby to make it a true Andalusian outing.

Conclusion: Experience authentic Almería

The weekly markets of Almería are more than just shopping spots – they are lively social hubs that bring together locals and visitors. Whether in the capital at Plaza Pavía, in the coastal town of Garrucha, or in the mountain villages of Vélez Blanco and Bédar, each mercadillo offers its own flavor of Andalusian life. For travelers, they are a must-visit tradition that blends food, culture, and community.

For more updates from across the province, visit our News section or browse the Travel Tips category.