Now known as one of Malaga's main covered markets, the central Atarazanas market was originally a former shipyard of Nasrid origin, an Arab dynasty founded by Mohammed ben Naṣar. The word "atarazanas" itself refers to shipyards. All that remains of this workshop today is a marble door that forms one of the main entrances. After being used as barracks and a military hospital, the old building was partly demolished in 1868 to become the covered market we know today. The current building was designed by the architect Joaquin de Rucoba and opened in 1879, after 3 years of construction.
Anyone who loves Spanish gastronomy should visit Malaga's central Atarazanas market. Here you'll find fresh local produce of all kinds, which you can sample on the spot or take away to enjoy later. Cheese, ham, cold soup, typical salads, wine... there's something for everyone. More than just a market, it's a place to meet and chat over a drink or tapas in one of the many bars inside. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, go there anyway to enjoy its unique atmosphere. With a rich historical past, the market covers the remains of an old shipyard on which the market is built. If discovering local flavours is one of the aims of your travels, the Atarazanas market is one to tick off your agenda and not to be missed under any circumstances.
A market built on former shipyards
Parisian inspiration
The Atarazanas central market is made up mainly of iron from Seville. On its main façade, once close to the sea, stands the old Nasrid gateway, reconstructed some thirty metres ahead of its original location. At the rear, another gateway stands, decorated with magnificent stained glass windows depicting ships. Like many 19th-century markets, this one was inspired by Les Halles in Paris. If you want to discover or rediscover the flavours of Spanish cuisine, a visit to this market is a must during your stay in Malaga, and don't forget to buy your favourite products to take home with you.
Practical info
⏰ Opening times
This covered market, which offers local food products and several tapas bars in a colourful setting, is open every day from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm. It's free to visit, of course, and you can wander the aisles to taste and smell the local produce.
🚌 Getting there
As you stroll through the central market, you can stop off at the many bars inside. Among them, the "Café Bar Mercado-Atarazanas" is one of the oldest. You can enjoy beer, wine, fried fish, grilled fish and shellfish directly from the fish stalls at prices ranging from €5 to €10. It is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 2pm. Note that you'll probably have to wait a while before being served, as this bar is often very popular with tourists and locals alike.
"Very good tapas bar, we ate the octopus, freshly cooked and cut in front of us, tender, a real treat, and while we were there the deliveryman brought the fresh produce. All we want to do is go back. "
✈️ Fly to Malaga!
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⭐Hotel H10 Croma
Positioned in a privileged area close to the historic centre of Malaga, the H10 Croma is a splendid 4-star hotel opened in August 2022. The hotel's façade with its geometric shapes is the work of architect Rafael Moneo. It offers modern rooms with balconies and a rooftop bar with a swimming pool and superb views of the city. A buffet breakfast is served daily. The on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine as well as vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free dishes. The ideal hotel to make the most of your stay in Malaga.