Now that the summer heat is over and autumn has arrived, it’s the perfect time for browsing markets in Marbella. The resort offers a good range of options with something for everyone. From bargains to antiques, from organic fruit to Malaga wines and from handmade crafts to great gifts, this autumn’s market stalls make a great way to spend part of your golf holiday in Marbella.
Antiques and crafts
One of the biggest markets in Marbella is also one of the most interesting. The weekly Nueva Andalucía market sprawls over the entire area around the bull ring and Centro Plaza shopping centre.
There’s a section selling leather goods, clothes and bric-a-brac, but the most interesting parts lie outside the bull ring and inside the shopping centre. The stalls at the bull ring specialise in antiques and sell a wide selection of furniture, paintings, memorabilia and household objects from bygone years. They make great browsing and offer an insight into Andalusian life and history.
Stalls inside the shopping centre showcase local arts and crafts and are perfect if you’re looking for an unusual gift to take home. Local artisans sell their handcrafted wares, often at very reasonable prices.
Top tip – head for the market first thing on the Saturday morning and then spend the afternoon playing golf at Rio Real.
Where: Nueva Andalucía in the area around the bullring and Centro Plaza.
When: Saturday mornings from 9am to 3pm
Distance from Rio Real Hotel: 15km (15 minutes by car)
Flea markets in Marbella
If you like browsing for bargains, head for one of the flea weekly markets. Here, you’ll find dozens of stalls selling clothes, leather goods, fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables and household items. You can even buy fresh spice and nuts.
Top tip – visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Where: Calle Platino, in the area to the east of Marbella. Calle Jorge Guillén in San Pedro de Alcántara.
When: Marbella flea market takes place on Mondays from 9am to 3pm. San Pedro market is on Thursdays from 9am to 3pm.
Distance from Rio Real Hotel: Marbella flea market 4km; San Pedro market 20km (20 minutes by car).
Arts and crafts markets in Marbella
A great way to spend a Sunday in Marbella is to combine an early round of golf with a look round the arts and crafts markets in Marbella marina. Stalls sell jewellery, candles, scented soaps and handmade clothes, made by local artisans. You can also pick up art work by local artists or commission a special piece. And then when you’ve finished your shopping, take a long stroll along the lovely Marbella seafront.
Top tip – Sunday is usually the day for a lie-in but getting up early for a round of golf also has its advantages. Read why here.
Where: Marbella marina
When: Sundays from noon to early evening
Distance from Rio Real Hotel: 6km
Organic food markets in Marbella
If you’re a fan of organic food, don’t miss this monthly market, just a short drive from Rio Real Hotel. Selling fresh produce grown in the nearby Guadalhorce Valley, the stalls are piled high with seasonal organic fruit and vegetables. You can also buy organic olive oil, bread and cakes as well as dried fruit and nuts.
Top tip – make a weekend of it and combine a visit to the markets with a stay at Rio Real boutique hotel. Treat yourself to the Albatross Suite for the ultimate in luxury relaxation.
Where: Elviria
When: first Saturday of the month from 9am to 3pm
Distance from Rio Real Hotel: 9km
