Food markets · Costa Noroeste

Mercado de Abastos, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Sanlúcar's market on Calle Bretones opened in 1744 as the Plaza de San Lucas and reopened in 2018 after a full restoration; its fish stalls are the place to buy the town's langostinos.

About Mercado de Abastos, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

The council planned from 1736 to bring the town's scattered butchers and greengrocers together on two plots in Calle Bretones, and the Duke of Medina Sidonia gave part of his garden. The market opened on 18 October 1744, St Luke's day, as the Plaza de San Lucas, was enlarged in 1882 and rebuilt as a single hall in 1937–1939. A €6.5 million restoration begun in 2014 ended with its reopening in 2018.

Fish dominates, with about two dozen stalls. Sanlúcar's langostinos, from the mouth of the Guadalquivir, are the prize, along with acedías (small soles), corvina and, in spring, bluefin tuna. Butchers sell retinto beef, greengrocers stock the thin-skinned local potatoes, and one stall sells home-cooked albóndigas and croquetas. There is also a small bar.

The market opens Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 14:30. The restoration added a rear entrance facing Las Covachas, beside a 16th-century street uncovered during the works, and Plaza del Cabildo is two minutes away. Park outside the narrow old streets and walk in; the hall is on one level. It suits seafood lovers, families and anyone self-catering on the coast.

Langostino prices change daily and vary between stalls, so compare before buying and ask whether they are from Sanlúcar. Come between 09:00 and 11:00 for the best choice; Saturday is busiest.

Mercado de Abastos, Sanlúcar de Barrameda in pictures

White walls, tiled roof and arched entrance of the Mercado de Abastos, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Tray of shrimp and fish beside a weighing scale on a fish stall at the Mercado de Abastos, Sanlúcar de Barrameda

What you’ll find

Butchers and charcuterieMeat, ham and sausagesBuy
Fish marketFresh fish and seafoodBuy
Free entryFree visitFree
Historic buildingArchitectureFree
Local specialitiesRegional produceBuy
Market stallsFresh food shopping (08:30–14:30)Buy
Tapas barTapas and drinksBuy

Nearby places to visit

The market sits where the Barrio Bajo meets the Barrio Alto. Las Covachas, a row of late-Gothic arches carved with serpents, lies just behind it, and the Palacio de los Duques de Medina Sidonia stands on the slope above. Plaza del Cabildo (150 m), lined with tapas bars such as Casa Balbino, is the place for tortillitas de camarones. The Manzanilla Museum (Bodegas Barbadillo) (350 m) explains how manzanilla is aged, and Club de Campo y Golf La Luna de Doñana (3.5 km) is on the edge of town. Inland, Mercado Central de Abastos, Jerez (22 km) is the next big market.