Mercado de Salamanca Malaga
At a Glance
Best Time
8-11am
Vendors
48+ stalls
Speciality
Seafood
Price Level
€€
Parking
Nearby
Local Tip
Second most visited by tourists - After Atarazanas, this is Málaga's biggest draw for market visitors. The neo-Mudéjar architecture brings them in; the fish keeps them coming back.
Where to Stay in Malaga
Find the best hotels near the market. We recommend staying in the city center for easy access.
Find HotelsOpening Hours
What You'll Find
Highlights
Architecture Meets Market
Mercado de Salamanca is where Moorish-inspired architecture meets daily groceries.
The twin horseshoe arches, patterned brickwork, and decorative tiles make this one of Málaga's most photogenic buildings, and it's a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Heritage Site).
Inside, it's a working neighbourhood market.
48 stalls serve El Molinillo residents with fish, meat, produce, and the essentials for a weekly shop. No gourmet pretension, just excellent food in a stunning setting.
History and Architecture
Designed by architect Daniel Rubio Sánchez and built between 1922-1925, the market was part of Málaga's early-20th-century plan to give each barrio its own covered food hall.
Architectural Style: Neo-Mudéjar
The style blends Moorish influences with Gothic touches - a revival of medieval Spain's unique architectural fusion:
- Twin horseshoe arch facades (identical on both sides)
- Patterned brickwork in various arrangements
- Modernist ironwork on entrances
- Interior tiles depicting poultry, fish, and fruit
- Metal roof over single-nave hall
- Arab souk influences with exotic oriental traces
The building was declared a Cultural Heritage Site and is the second most visited market by tourists in the city.
Film Connection
Cinephiles may recognise the exterior from the 1966 film Lost Command starring Anthony Quinn.
2021 Renovation
The market reopened in late 2021 after complete rehabilitation, preserving the original architecture while modernising services and infrastructure.
What to Buy
Fish (The Star)
The clear centrepiece - arrive early when overnight catch comes in:
- Whole local fish
- House-made marinades and preparations
- Salt-cured specialties
- Banter with fishmongers included
Produce
Seasonal Andalucian staples:
- Tomatoes, peppers, citrus
- Avocados and tropical fruits
- Fresh herbs
Meat and Charcutería
Butchers with local cuts and cured products.
Pantry
- Olives and pickles
- Spices and dry goods
- Artisan breads
Tapas and Coffee
Cafés and bars around the perimeter for a mid-shop break - turning grocery runs into neighbourhood ritual.
Do's
- Photograph the horseshoe arches - they're spectacular
- Arrive early for fish - the best goes quickly
- Stop for coffee at the perimeter bars
- Look up at the interior tiles
- Compare with Atarazanas - different character
Don'ts
- Rush through - the architecture deserves attention
- Miss the fish section - it's the market's soul
- Expect tourist-oriented stalls - this is local
- Skip the interior details - tiles, ironwork, brickwork
Getting There
The market is on Calle San Bartolomé in El Molinillo, north of the historic centre:
- On foot: 10-minute walk from the Cathedral
- By bus: Lines serving northern neighbourhoods
- By car: Street parking in surrounding area
For the central tourist market, visit Atarazanas. For all options, see our Málaga markets guide.
Location & Map
Calle San Bartolomé, 1, Málaga, 29013, Malaga
Frequently Asked Questions
The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Closed Sundays.
Neo-Mudéjar - a revival style blending Moorish and Gothic influences. Features include twin horseshoe arch facades, patterned brickwork, modernist ironwork, and interior tiles depicting food. It's a designated Cultural Heritage Site.
Architect Daniel Rubio Sánchez designed the market. It was built between 1922-1925 as part of Málaga's plan to give each neighbourhood its own covered market.
Yes, the exterior appears in the 1966 film Lost Command starring Anthony Quinn.
Absolutely - it's Málaga's second most visited market by tourists. The neo-Mudéjar architecture is stunning, and the fish section is excellent. More local atmosphere than Atarazanas.
The market reopened in late 2021 after a complete renovation that preserved the original architecture while modernising infrastructure.
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