Top 10 Outdoor Markets

1. Benidorm

Held every Wednesday and Sunday, Benidorm outdoor market has bargains galore. You can pick up some great souvenirs such as lace tablecloths, leather handbags, shoes, ceramics or pretty fans.

2. Torrevieja

One of the biggest street markets in Spain is held in Torrevieja every Friday. Hundreds of stalls are set out selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to shoes and other leather goods. It is very popular so it might be an idea to set off early to grab a bargain.

3. Pego

Pego is bustling with people for its Thursday market. The market square and nearby streets are filled with stallholders selling their wares. As well as leather and household goods, Pego market does a very good trade in secondhand books in English. Make sure you leave enough time for a coffee in the square.

4. Denia

Monday is market day in Denia. The Torrecremada car park is filled with hundreds of colourful stalls selling flamenco dresses, ceramics, pot plants, leather goods, football shirts and household items. There is also a flea market on Fridays where you can pick up unusual second-hand goods. Also on Fridays, Denia holds an outdoor fruit and veg market next to the indoor market. You can pick up some lovely, fresh fruit and veg at a bargain price.

5. Javea

The market has moved to the Old Town which provides a traditional setting as you mingle with the locals in the hope of picking up a bargain. Leather goods are particularly good at this market, which is held every Thursday.

6. Orihuela

Tuesday is market day in Orihuela. It is very much a local affair and you can buy fresh fruit and veg plus household goods and leather items. It is best to spend the morning at the market and then head into the city centre for lunch and sightseeing in the afternoon.

7. Alicante

Alicante holds several street markets in different districts. The Benalua and Carolinas areas have market on Thursdays and Saturdays. Stamp and coin collectors might enjoy the specialist market in Alicante town hall square on Sundays. Lovers of art works, ceramics and jewellery should head for the artisan market in Plaza Santa Faz on Sundays and Plaza Calvo Sotelo on Fridays.

8. Ondara

Ondara is the place to be on Wednesdays when the outdoor market is held. Shoes are in good supply along with clothes, plants and household goods. In the far corner are the fruit and vegetable stalls. You could combine a trip to the market with a shopping spree at the Portal De La Marina shopping centre on the edge of town.

9. Jalon

Jalon has two markets. The streets surrounding the church come alive with the sounds of stallholders selling fruit, vegetables, clothes and household goods on Tuesdays. Saturdays are very busy in Jalon when the antiques market is held in the car park by the river bank. There are some interesting items on sale for this flea market. Opposite is a bodega where you can taste and buy wines as well as a couple of restaurants.

10, Santa Pola

Santa Pola street markets, which are held every Saturday and Monday, are definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. They are busy with shoppers hoping to snap up a bargain. Stalls are piled high with fresh fruit and veg, clothes, household goods and souvenirs.