Under the radiant sun of the Costa Brava, beauty abounds: stunning beaches, extraordinary landscapes, picturesque villages, creative gastronomy, festive events... And above all, traditional markets. These markets are an integral part of Catalonia's culture and history. During your stay at our Tossa de Mar campsite in Spain, immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere of the most beautiful markets of the Costa Brava.
Food Markets: A Feast for the Senses
To awaken your five senses, there’s nothing better than visiting the local food markets. The halls or Mercado, most towns in the Costa Brava have them. These are perfect spots to find authentic regional products. Here are some must-visit addresses:
Tossa de Mar Market
Want to prepare a delicious meal in the fully equipped kitchen of your mobile home? Head to Rambla Pau Casals, a market square located just 7 minutes’ drive from the campsite. Here, you’ll find various stalls offering everything from fresh vegetables and cured meats to spices and dried fruits. Visit in the morning, as this weekly market is quite lively. It’s open every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Blanes Market
If you’re looking to indulge your taste buds, the Blanes market has nearly everything you could want. To buy fresh fruits and sun-soaked vegetables, head to the fresh market on Passeig de Dintre. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and just 25 minutes from the campsite, the Blanes market is ideal for grocery shopping. At the fish market, you’ll find freshly caught seafood and fish at auction time (around 4 p.m.).
Sant Feliu de Guixols Market
In the opposite direction from the Blanes market, about a 40-minute drive away, lies the Sant Feliu de Guixols market. Like all Costa Brava food markets, the Sant Feliu market is known for its quality and variety of products. Discover typical Catalan items: wines, cheeses, olive oils, and local cured meats (such as coppa, dried pork loin, etc.). The market is held at Plaça del Mercat daily from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., except on Mondays.
Figueres Market
For a packed day, Figueres, an iconic city in the Costa Brava, is a must-visit. Its food market is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Here, you’ll find fuet, iberico, serrano, pata negra, and other cured meats crafted with expertise. After shopping, stroll along the Rambla de Figueres, take a detour to the Salvador Dalí Museum, or admire the San Ferran Castle (Europe's largest fortress).
Craft Markets: Between Tradition and Modernity
Reflecting its major cities like Vic, Girona, or Barcelona, Catalonia is resolutely modern yet deeply rooted in its traditions. For Catalans, craftsmanship serves as a bridge connecting them to their history and culture. The Costa Brava and its coastal towns are no exception.
Girona's Artisan Fair
Located just 50 minutes from your campsite in Tossa de Mar, Girona is a must-visit city to discover handmade goods. Every Saturday, from March to June and October to December, an artisan fair is held on the stone bridge. You’ll find handcrafted items made from wood, ceramics, leather, textiles, and more. Traditional Catalan jewelry, accessories, and clothing are also prominently featured.
Markets in Empuriabrava
Empuriabrava’s Saturday market is a meeting point to explore a variety of creations from Costa Brava artisans: jewelry, sculptures, pottery, clothing, and decorative items. Catalan jewelry, in particular, stands out for its vibrant colors, precious materials, and unique craftsmanship techniques known only to local artisans.
The Market of La Bisbal d’Empordà
La Bisbal d’Empordà is especially renowned for its ceramics. A family outing to this unique town offers the chance to visit the Terracotta Ceramics Museum or watch live demonstrations by a ceramist in their workshop. Every Friday throughout the year, La Bisbal’s weekly market showcases pottery, making it the perfect opportunity to bring home a souvenir from your Costa Brava stay. The region is famous for Brisbal pottery, Quart’s black ceramics, and Sant Hilari Sacalm’s burnt wood.
Cadaqués Market: Between Sea and Mountains
Cadaqués, the jewel of the Costa Brava, is a Mediterranean-oriented town secluded from the rest of Empordà by its mountainous backdrop. There are countless reasons to visit Cadaqués: its bay, its white houses with colorful shutters, and the picturesque landscapes of Cap de Creus. To experience its iconic market, visit on a Monday. You’ll find a bit of everything: food, clothing, manufactured goods, and household items. On Sundays, you can explore the Cadaqués antique market by the sea, offering old tools, vintage clothing, and decorative treasures. Locals often turn their cars into stands. Even if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you’ll still be rewarded with stunning Mediterranean views.
The Palafrugell Market: A Must-Visit in Baix Empordà
The market—or rather, the markets—of Palafrugell deserve special mention as they are renowned for their vibrant atmosphere.
The Daily Market
This permanent market stretches from the covered market to the surrounding streets and operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. It primarily offers fresh and artisanal food products: vegetables from the countryside, cured meats, cheeses, organic eggs… In summer, the crowds grow, especially on weekends, due to the influx of holidaymakers. To secure a parking spot, it’s best to arrive early in the morning, even before the market opens.
The Weekly Market
The daily market is complemented by the weekly Sunday market held in the same location. Visiting Palafrugell on a Sunday is an exceptional experience. The town comes alive, immersed in a mix of aromas and a kaleidoscope of colors. All typical Catalan products can be found on the stands: summer fruits and vegetables, olive oil, mountain cheeses, local pastries, candies, chocolates, and more.
The Artisan Markets
The town hosts two markets dedicated to craftsmanship. First, the Palafrugell evening artisan market takes place on Pi and Margall Street every Saturday from mid-July to the end of August. Second, the Calella de Palafrugell artisan market is held on the first Saturday of July on the Passeig de Canadell.
Night Markets: A Unique Experience
During the summer, night markets offer a unique experience characterized by a friendly atmosphere and cooler temperatures. Moreover, these markets often feature concerts and recreational activities. There are many night markets along the Costa Brava, but three stand out: the Market Night in La Riba, the Santa Market in Santa Cristina d’Aro, and the White Summer in Palamos.
The Market Night
This night market takes place in the town of L’Escala every Wednesday evening until midnight during July and August. It provides an opportunity to discover Catalan culture through typical local products.
The Santa Market
The Santa Market is held in the town of Santa Cristina d’Aro during the second half of July and throughout August. It highlights local gastronomy, including beverages, street food, and gourmet cuisine. It’s also a paradise for arts, jewelry, clothing, and accessories created by local artisans. This event is particularly family-friendly, with activities for children and free concerts.
The White Summer in Pals
The White Summer is a market held in August in Pals, a town located 50 minutes from the campsite and 16 minutes from L’Estartit. Visitors will find a wide range of clothing, furniture, food, and artisanal products at this night fair. Numerous concerts are performed on various stages, and for children, the White Summer offers afternoon activities such as art workshops, inflatable castles, and interactive activity booths.