Whenever we travel in Spain, or anywhere else for that matter, I always make sure to visit the local market. The Mercado Central de Abastos de Cádiz (or more simply, the Cadiz Market), with its old-fashioned look, is a particularly great place.
It’s a lively spot where you can find nearly 200 stalls selling fresh fish, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and meats—everything your culinary heart might dream of. It also offers jewelry, clothing, pottery, and even chances to taste the local sherry and tapas.
key takeaways
- The Cadiz Fish Market is oldest indoor market in Andalusia and in Spain.
- The market area is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Don’t miss its popular gastromarket, the Rincon Gastronomico. It one of the best places in the city for Andalusian (and international) tapas.
Jump to
History of the Cadiz Market
1837: Construction of the Cadiz Market begin. Once an old orchard owned by a Franciscan convent, it was turned – poetically enough – into a place to feed the entire city.
1838: A new plaza in a neoclassical style was opened: the Plaza de Abastos. In the center, there was a big area for selling goods, and it was also used for events like plays and circuses.
1926: Renovations of the Market begin.
1929: Renovations are finished, creating the new Central Market. The building had a covered central area, split into two parts for selling fish and meat. They also set up permanent churro stands outside. (Now, were these better than the Churros in Malaga? I couldn’t say.)
2007: Another renovation takes place, and the merchants are temporarily moved to a tent on Libertad Street.
2009: Changes included reducing the number of selling spots from 250 to 173. The old fish storage areas were demolished to pave the way for a grand central space, dedicated to fishmongers, with fruit shops at each end.
What to See at the Cadiz Fish Market
If you visit Cádiz, don’t miss Spain’s oldest indoor market.
Unlike the more high-end mercados you see in places like Granada and Cordoba, this is a no-nonsense market for fruits, veggies, meats, and seafood. The Cadiz Fish Market has a fantastic variety of seafood – as you’d expect of a market looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, and as for the prices? They’re simply unbeatable!
The market has all manner of local and national shellfish, including:
- Bluefin Tuna and Mojama (salt-cured tuna, affectionately called Ham of the Sea)
- Gambas and Sanlúcar King Prawns
- Dogfish Sharks
- Sea Urchins (Where else can you try these in an open-air market!)
Day Trip to Jerez : Learn how to spend one day in the famous wine city
Rincon Gastronomico (Gourmet Corner)
At the Gourmet Corner of Mercado Central, you’ll find a treat for your taste buds. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional dishes like Volovanes, Croquettes, Montaditos, and Tortillas, as well as international flavors from Argentina, Morocco, and Japan.
There are also many stalls wine and beer lovers will enjoy.
Restaurants to try in the Rincon Gastronomico:
- Restaurante D K Y: Food typical of the Cadiz Region
- Restaurante La Taperia de Lula: Spanish Cuisine. Food typical of Cordoba
- Argendarte: Argentine Cuisine
How Long Do You Need in the Mercado Central Cádiz?
Plan to spend at least 30 minutes at the Cadiz Market to see all the amazing seafood displayed.
It’s best to go around lunchtime so you can enjoy a quick snack while you check it out.
Walking tours : Get to know Cadiz on a 3-Hour Guided Tour. If you like pirates, there’s also this pirate-themed one.
Cadiz Market Schedule and Opening Hours
The Cadiz Market and the Gastronomic Corner are closed on Sundays.
Central Market Hours
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Gastronomic Corner Hours
Monday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 00:00 a.m.
Saturday: 09:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at 01:00 a.m.
Read more
Where to Stay · Historic Hotels in Andalusia
Cadiz Travel Guide · Day trip to Cadiz from Seville
Itineraries · How to Spend 2 or 3 days in Seville · 7 Days in Andalusia (Start from Seville)
Driving · Driving in Andalusia
Day Trips · Jerez · Tangier