The weekly market in San Pedro, otherwise known as ‘El Barato’ or ‘mercadillo’, is held on the Recinto Ferial fairground every Thursday morning and opens from 8:00am to 3:00 pm. However, it’s always preferable to arrive from 9:00 am onwards, as many of the stalls are still not set up until that time.
There is a large area at the bottom of Calle Jorge Guillen (close to Burger King), with plenty of car park space, which is easily found on Google Maps as Mercadillo San Pedro de Alcantara.
Very popular among locals, it is also a great spot for tourists, as there is plenty of shopping on offer with over 200 stalls set in wide streets. This is much better than most other street markets on the Costa del Sol that tend to cram everything into narrow lanes. The best thing is you can try the produce before buying, so you are sure to end up coming home with lovely fresh fruit and vegetables of the season, which are invitingly set out on many of the stalls.
You can find just about anything at the market, as it’s the best place to shop for souvenirs and presents, from ceramics to flamenco outfits (very popular with children), together with traditional shoes and accessories. Other things to look out for are clothes and shoes, handbags, watches, sunglasses, hardware, fresh flowers and plants, cosmetics and much more. You can even take your pictures and artwork to be framed!
It does get rather hot in the summer months, and there is very little shade on offer, so as a precaution it is advisable to wear a hat and sunscreen. There is one small food truck with a shaded seating area serving coffees and cakes, and also, just at the entrance to the market, an ice-cream van, which also provides water and other refreshments as well.
Whatever your reason for visiting San Pedro’s market, you are sure to come away with a few extra items!