Atarazanas Market Malaga

History of Atarazanas Market

The building's name gives away its origins: atarazanas comes from the Arabic dar al-sinaa, meaning "house of industry" or shipyard. Built in the 14th century during the Nasrid period, this was where Málaga's naval vessels were constructed and repaired.

The monumental horseshoe arch at the entrance is the sole survivor of those medieval origins - a genuine piece of Moorish architecture that predates the market by five centuries.

After the Christian reconquest, the building served various purposes: military barracks, a hospital, and a warehouse. It wasn't until 1879 that the city council commissioned its conversion into a covered food market. Engineers added the elegant iron and glass structure, creating a blend of Moorish architecture and 19th-century industrial design that feels uniquely Malagueño.

The market was restored in the 1970s and again in the 2000s, preserving its historical character while modernising the facilities. Today, it's both a working market and a protected cultural monument.

What to Buy: A Seasonal Guide

Atarazanas is organised into three wings: fruit and vegetables, fish, and meat. Here's what to look for throughout the year:

Spring (March-May)

• Nísperos (loquats) - sweet golden fruit, peak season in May
• Trigueros asparagus - thin wild asparagus, far superior to cultivated
• Brevas - early figs appearing in June

Summer (June-August)

• Prickly pears (higos chumbos)
• Fresh almonds still in their green shells
• Espetos sardines - best eaten at the beach chiringuitos

Autumn (September-November)

• Cherimoyas (custard apples) - Málaga's signature tropical fruit
• Pomegranates from the Axarquía
• Wild mushrooms including rovellones

Winter (December-February)

• Morá carrots - deep purple carrots grown only in the Axarquía, available December only
• Citrus at peak sweetness
• Percebes (goose barnacles) - expensive but unforgettable

Year-Round Specialties

• Boquerones en vinagre - marinated anchovies, ready to eat
• Goat cheese from the local cabra malagueña breed
• Zurrapa - traditional pork spread, served on toast
• Chicharrones - crispy pork crackling
• Olives - gordal, manzanilla, and aloreña varieties

Best Stalls at Atarazanas

Frutas Pozo

The market's most famous juice bar, run by the same family for decades. They press exotic fruits to order: try the piña colada (non-alcoholic), the cherimoya smoothie, or their health drinks with spinach, beetroot, and ginger. Queue at peak times, but worth the wait.

Bar Atarazanas

The heart of the market's social scene. Order sardine skewers (espetos), fried eggplant with molasses (berenjenas con miel de caña), or daily specials from the fish hall. Pair with a cold beer and watch the market bustle around you.

Antonio y Salomé

Where Málaga's innovative chefs shop. Exotic and fusion ingredients: dragon fruit, okra, sea asparagus, turmeric root, carambola, and specialty mushrooms. If you're looking for something unusual, this is your stall.

The Fish Hall

No single stall stands out because the entire section is excellent. Look for gambas rojas (red prawns), boquerones (fresh anchovies), pulpo (octopus), and whatever was landed that morning. Vendors will clean and prepare fish on request.

Useful Spanish Phrases

Shopping at Atarazanas is easier with a few key phrases:

Spanish	English	When to use
¿Qué es esto?	What's this?	Point at unfamiliar items
¿Puedo probar?	Can I try?	Before sampling cheese, ham, olives
Un cuarto	250 grams	Small portion
Medio kilo	500 grams	Medium portion
¿Está fresco?	Is it fresh?	For fish and seafood
¿De dónde es?	Where is it from?	For local produce

Beyond the Market

The streets surrounding Atarazanas are part of the experience:

• El Colmenero - Traditional bakery with products from nearby Alhaurín
• Paco José - Family-run sweet shop since the 1960s, famous for handmade chips and caramelised nuts
• Bertani - Specialty coffee bar for espresso lovers
• Organic shops and seed merchants in the surrounding arcade

Getting There

Atarazanas is in the heart of Málaga's historic centre:

• On foot: 5-minute walk from Málaga Cathedral or the Alameda Principal
• By bus: Lines 1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 19, 25 stop nearby
• Parking: Underground car park at Plaza de la Marina (5 min walk)
• Metro: Atarazanas station is directly outside

While Atarazanas is the most famous market in Malaga, there are many more markets to discover in Malaga.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of Atarazanas Market?

Atarazanas Market is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 2:30pm. Closed Sundays and public holidays. Stalls begin closing from 2pm when stock runs out. The fish hall is closed on Mondays.

Is Atarazanas Market open on Sunday?

No, Atarazanas Market is closed on Sundays. All indoor markets in Málaga close on Sundays. For Sunday shopping, visit the Recinto Ferial flea market instead.

What is the best time to visit Atarazanas Market?

Arrive between 8am and 10am for the freshest selection and fewer crowds. The busiest period is 10am-12pm. Most stalls close by 2pm or when stock sells out.

Why is the fish hall closed on Monday?

Spanish fishermen traditionally don't work on Sundays, so there's no fresh catch to sell on Monday mornings. Visit Tuesday to Saturday for the best seafood selection.

Can I eat at Atarazanas Market?

Yes, Bar Atarazanas inside the market serves tapas, sardine skewers, and fried fish. Frutas Pozo makes fresh fruit juices. You can also buy prepared foods like boquerones en vinagre to eat immediately.

Do vendors at Atarazanas accept credit cards?

Most stalls now accept credit and debit cards, though some smaller vendors prefer cash. Mobile payments are also accepted at many stalls. Bring some cash for smaller purchases.

What should I buy at Atarazanas Market?

Local specialties include boquerones en vinagre (marinated anchovies), goat cheese from cabra malagueña, zurrapa (pork spread), and seasonal produce like cherimoyas (autumn) and morá carrots (December). The fish hall has the freshest seafood in Málaga.

Is Atarazanas Market wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the market is wheelchair accessible with wide aisles. There are public restrooms and ATMs inside. The main entrance from Calle Atarazanas has level access.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or thoroughly researched. Your support helps us continue to provide free travel guides and tips. Thank you for your support!