Mercado Central

You’re now standing in front of one of Alicante’s true institutions, its Central Market. No visit to a city is complete without stepping into its culinary heart, and that’s especially true in Spain, where delicious tapas tempt you at every corner. Just one look at the building is enough to know you’re in for something special. This magnificent structure, designed in the 1920s by architects Juan Vidal Ramos and Enrique Sánchez Sedeño, blends eclectic architectural styles with Valencian modernism, Spain’s version of Art Nouveau. It was built atop the old city wall dating from the 18th century, and one of its floors lies partially underground because of the slope of the surrounding streets. But this place also holds a somber chapter in the city’s history. On the 25th of May, 1938, during the Spanish Civil War, Alicante, then held by Republican forces, was bombed by fascist planes from Majorca. The market took a direct hit, killing over 300 people and injuring thousands. Thankfully, those dark days are far behind us. What awaits you inside today is a feast for the senses. Locals have been coming here for nearly a century to stock up on the freshest produce, including meat, ham, fish, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables, all bursting with flavour. So go on, take a stroll through the stalls, soak up the atmosphere, and treat yourself to a bite of Alicante’s culinary soul.