The Markets of Andalucia are a great pace to stock up on well priced, fresh organic fruit and vegetables © Michelle Chaplow |
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Costa del Sol Markets
Markets (mercados) are a common sight in towns and villages throughout Costa del Sol are an essential part of local life largely unaffected by competition from supermarkets and hypermarkets. They are colourful, noisy and entertaining and an experience not to be missed, whether you plan to buy anything or not.
Mercadillos - Most towns have markets on one day a week only (always the same days), while a few have daily fruit and vegetable markets from Mondays to Saturday usually just in the mornings. Market days are varied in coastal towns so they don't coincide.
It is always helpful to learn some useful vocabulary that will make the trip excursion even better.
| English | Spanish | Phrase |
|---|---|---|
| Gram | Gramo | “100 gramos” = 100 grams |
| Kilogram (kilo) | Kilo | “Un kilo de tomates” |
| Half kilo | Medio kilo | 0.5 kg |
| Quarter kilo | Un cuarto (de kilo) | 250 g |
| A piece | Una pieza | For individual fruits/veg |
| Bunch | Manojo / Ramillete | e.g. un manojo de zanahorias |
| Slice | Rodaja / Loncha | Rodaja de piña (fruit), loncha (cold cuts) |
| Bag | Bolsa | Una bolsa de patatas |
| Box / Punnet | Cesta / Tarrina / Bandeja | For berries or tomatoes |
| Dozen | Docena | “Una docena de huevos” (a dozen eggs) |
Useful Market Phrases
| English phrase | Spanish phrease |
|---|---|
| Can you give me half a kilo, please? | ¿Me pone medio kilo, por favor? |
| Just one piece, please. | Solo una pieza, por favor. |
| Are they sweet? | ¿Son dulces? |
| Is it ripe? | ¿Está maduro? |
| Can I try one? | ¿Puedo probar uno? |
| Thank you, that’s all. | Gracias, eso es todo. |
