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Farm fresh produce at our doorstep
We have always preferred shopping at our local public market, like in Vancouver, who couldn’t resist going to Granville Island Public Market? We have been going there for years, first as a place to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and flowers. Then when the children came along, it became a family outing. Then as the children were growing up and time was limited, I resorted to calling in my orders ahead of time and if there wasn’t a parking space available, I could easily call on my go-to Italian food place, Duso’s or Mike from Tenderland Meats for my weekly order of their amazing Maui Ribs and they would kindly meet me in my car while double parked of course, and bring me my order. Well, that was over 10 years ago! Now we are living in Spain where public markets are abundant and that means, walking distance.
Shopping in Europe is a bit different than how we shop for food in Canada. Here, you shop almost daily so your fridge isn’t packed full of stuff you can’t even remember when you brought it home. In Valencia, we are privileged to have many public food markets near us where we can easily pick up premium natural honey (our personal favorite is azahar – orange blossom honey), freshly roasted peanuts, local fresh meats, breads (including pastries!) , fruits and vegetables.
Mercado Central
The Central Market (Mercado Central) in Valencia is a historic market that was built between 1914 and 1928. It is considered one of the largest markets in Europe, with over 1200 stalls selling a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and seafood. The market’s stunning modernist architecture, designed by Alejandro Soler March, is a major attraction for visitors to Valencia.
Mercado Central de Valencia
Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, 46001 Valencia, España.
Tel: +34 963 82 91 00
E-mail: informacion@mercadocentralvalencia.es
Web: Official Mercado Central de Valencia Website
Mercado Colón
Mercado Colon was inaugurated on New Year’s Eve 1916 and is a wonderful example of Valencian Art Nouveau (Modernist) architecture from the early 20th Century. The building functioned as a public market until 1985. After that, it was closed due to its dilapidated and unstable state. An extensive, multi-stage restoration process began which included three levels of underground parking and a two-floor covered shopping area. Click here to read more about the restoration and preservation of this European Heritage Award winning historical space.
The mercado no longer sells fresh fruits and vegetables. Instead, it has evolved into a Gastro Market. It is the perfect place to hang out with friends with plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from.
Mercado Colon
Carrer Jorge Juan, 19 46004 Valencia, España.
Tel: +34 96 337 1101
E-mail: info@mercadocolon.es
Web: Official Mercado de Colon Website
Mercado de Russafa
Mercado de Russafa in Valencia is a simple and colorful building in the middle of the Russafa neighborhood. Here you will find a mini version of Mercado Central and is often less crowded.
Mercat de Russafa
Plaça del Baró de Cortés, s/n, 46004 València, España.
Tel: +34 963 74 40 25
E-mail: info@mercatderussafa.com
Web: Official Mercat de Russafa Website
El Cabanyal Market
Mercado Municipal del Cabañal is the perfect place to stop at if you’re visiting the charming old fishermen’s area of El Cabanyal, make sure to stop by the neighborhood public market. You can and pick up some of the freshest fish around as well as the same great-quality fresh meat, fruit and veg that Valencians expect to find at any local public market.
Mercado Municipal de Cabañal
Carrer de Martí Grajales, 4 – 46011 València, España.
Tel: +34 963 44 63 16
E-mail: info@mercatderussafa.com
Web: Official Mercado Municipal de Cabañal Website