What Is a Rastro?

What is a Rastro and Where Will You Find Them In Spain?

Here on the Costa Blanca we have a wealth of "Rastros" or "Rastrillos". These are not to be confused with the traditional markets which are fruit, veg and new items from t-shirts to ceramics etc.

A rastro is generally a cross between a flea market, a car boot sale and an antique fair so expect to find anything from a rare table to a 2nd hand lilo! Their popularity is reflected in the amount which are now held throughout the Costa and how busy they are. Parking can be a nightmare!

Okay, so when and where are they?

• Alfaz del Pi. Playa del Albir, Nueva Esplanada. End of September.
• Algorfa. Ctra. Algorfa-San Miguel de Salinas. 8h-15h every Sunday.
• Alicante. Plaza de Ayuntamiento. Every Sunday morning.
• Alicante. Plaza Quijano y Airededores. 26th-29th June.
• Altea. Placa L'Eglesia. July - September and Easter Week. 19h-01h.
• Benidorm. Partida de Sanz s/n. From 10h every Sunday.
• Benissa. C/ La Purissima. 2nd Fortnight in January.
• Calpe. Casco Antiguo. Tuesday-Saturday 20h-24h. July & August.
• Castalla. C/ Constitucion & Casco Antiguo. 15th, 16th & 17th May.
• Elche. Placa de Baix, Barcelona y Madrid. Saturday (eve of Domingo de Ramos)
• Gata de Gorgos. Placa Nova. 28th & 29th September.
• Guardamar del Segura. Partida Santa Ana N332. Every Sunday morning.
• Jalon. Crta. Jalon-Alcalali. Every Saturday morning.
• Javea. Casco Antiguo. Easter Week 10h-23h.
• La Nucia. Calle Porvilla. 7h-14h. Every Sunday.
• Muro de Alcoy. Casco Antiguo. 2nd Fortnight in January.
• San Vicente del Raspeig. Plaza del Ayuntamiento. 2nd two weeks in March.
• Santa Pola. El Palmero Semana Santa. Easter Week.
• Santa Pola. In the Port. 17h-24h Fiesta time.
• Teulada. Entrance to Teulada on N332. Every Sunday morning.

If you are a discerning collector of antiques, coins, stamps or even musical instruments or just want to add that authentic "look" to your finca this is the place to look and haggle! The vendors are a cosmopolitan group with Spaniards, English, German, French, Peruvian and Moroccans.

At some of the Rastros you will also be entertained by live music from jazz to ethnic Peruvian and the odd busker. So you can probably tell they are fun places and a little different to your usual market.

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