Whether you’re after some quirky souvenirs, on the hunt for a bargain or simply looking for a way to while away a few hours on a sunny morning, Spain‘s Ibiza island has a plethora of colourful markets to suit every whim. Here’s our pick of the best.
San Juan market
Market
San Juan market happens every Sunday throughout the year in the centre of this quaint pretty village, known as Sant Joan de Labritja in Catalan. Tables brim with eco-friendly everything, and the proudly organic goods attract both islanders and tourists. The likes of homemade jams, raw honey, and cold-pressed olive oils will tickle the interest of most foodies, while locally-produced natural soaps and aloe vera toiletries make for perfect gifts. Be sure to check out the free local art gallery onsite while you are there and definitely sample the huge, delicious paella cooked for all to share at closing time. https://www.instagram.com/p/BVPM2vOBI-1/?tagged=sanjuanmarket
San Rafael market
Market
San Rafael has been declared a zona de interés artesanal for its famous pottery traditions, so it’s no wonder the market here has a superb array of expertly-made ceramics. Locals also flog fruit from their orchards and do be sure to sample some potent hierbas Ibicencas if offered – this delicious and popular Ibizan-made drink, often in pretty bottles, will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy as you stroll through the stalls.
Forada market
Market
Saturday afternoons are best spent at the small but charming Forada Market, an eco-focused fare with numerous stalls featuring a mountain of artisan handicrafts. Local artists proudly display their paintings, sculptures, and ceramics making it an interesting place to browse whether you buy something or not. Live music, poetry readings and street performances add to the atmosphere and a chill-out area where you can indulge in fresh aloe vera juices certainly make this an easy place to hang out for a few enjoyable hours.
Flea markets
Flea markets, known as rastrillos, are big news in Ibiza and have become an incredibly popular recreation for both residents and holidaymakers throughout the year. Vendors sell unwanted items, upcycled household goods, and many curiosities at reasonable prices while live music and food stalls keep everyone entertained and fed. One of most popular of these bargain hunter haunts lie at the huge hippodrome in Sant Jordi on Saturday mornings.
Fresh produce markets
For those seeking inspiration for home-cooked meals, head to Ibiza Town’s fantastic fresh produce markets. The bustling indoor Mercat Nou houses a wide range of quality products from local farmers as well as great fish and meat offerings. The organic outdoor market in Plaça de la Constitució is a great pit-stop for the more eco-conscious shopper. If you’re in the area, Es Mercat in Santa Eulalia some 15km (9.3 miles) north, is open six days a week year-round, and is as good and as popular as those in Ibiza Town.
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For an entertaining – and pretty cheesy – day head to the Punta Arabí hippy market in Es Caná or an evening in San Carlos at the Las Dalias hippy market, trying on silly outfits and browsing the interesting handicrafts. As well as many stalls selling tie-dyed clothes, leather jewellery and bags, and colourful hammocks you will also find palm readers, fortune tellers and plenty of bongo players enhancing the quirky atmosphere.
A dyed-in-the-wool Londoner now firmly rooted among the cobbled streets of old town Palma de Mallorca, left a piece of himself in Mexico some time in the last millennium and had a previous existence touring the world with a band you've probably never heard of.
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