If you are a keen shopper and love bagging a bargain, there is no better way to spend a morning than at your local market.

With several markets to choose from, the Costa del Sol is renowned for its car boots stalls, second-hand goods and even art and ceramics which are crafted locally and sold throughout Andalucia.

One of the most famous markets is the Nueva Andalucia open air market, which is situated just up the road from the bullring near Puerto Banus, and runs through the nearby streets.  Offering every type of clothing, bric-a-brac, perfumes, handicrafts, leather goods and decorative items, this market attracts visitors from all over the coast.  Situated around Centro Plaza, there are no shortage of places to stop off and enjoy a cold drink or a coffee, and the prices are reasonable.  Street parking can be something of a headache during market day, but there is a large underground car park just past Centro Plaza roundabout on the right, or for the slightly more energetic visitors, there is plenty of car parking in Puerto Banus which is about 1km away.  Open from 8.30am-3pm approx.

Fuengirola Market on a Saturday boasts a massive display of stalls selling mainly second-hand goods, and the range of items for sale is amazing.  From fridges and electrical goods to baby clothes, shoes, records, CD´s, ceramics, leather and jewellery, you will find something here to suit every taste.  I have stood this market and it was always very busy – particularly with families.  Again, you can park closeby on the adjacent streets if you go early, but I would recommend you park closer to the centre of town or in Los Boliches and stroll up to the Feria Ground where the market is held.  There are also plenty of cafés and bars closeby if you want to enjoy breakfast or lunch between shopping.  Some of the hand-made soaps, bath crystals and perfumes are fantastic quality, and we often buy toiletries from here which are among the best you will find.  For bargain hunters, we also picked up some fantastic old LP´s from one of the regular stall-holders, and there are a host of stalls which cater for collectors of antiques, furniture and brass items. Open from 8.30am-2.30pm approx.

Tivoli Market is held at Benalmadena on a Sunday, and this is my personal favourite.  I have visited here both as a buyer and a seller, and the location is fantastic.  Situated inside the Tivoli Amusement Park, Arroyo de la Miel, visitors find themselves surrounded by beautiful gardens, funfair rides and fountains.  The odd peacock is even known to make an appearance.  Stalls are situated along the Tivoli streets, and stalls sell a vast range of interesting items including:- English food products, healing creams and potions including Aloe Vera, leather handbags, belts, electrical goods, greetings cards, satellite tv dishes and boxes, and even some excellent quality second hand clothes.  Cafés and bars are situated around the park, and there are plenty of toilet facilities for the children.  The market is open from 11am – 2.30pm and entry costs €1 at the main gate.  This is by far the most attractive market in the area, and you can bag a host of bargains from the many, varied stalls.  A very large, free car-park is another advantage of shopping at Tivoli.

Benalmadena Market, held at Paloma Park on Wednesdays is one of the biggest markets in the area, and has over 150 regular stalls which sell everything you can imagine.  I even bought two bottles of Moet Chandon Champagne last time I was here for €15 a bottle – and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.  All the usual goods are on offer including leather-wear, clothes, jewellery and antiques, but you will always uncover something unexpected at this market too.  We also bought an excellent second-hand Canon camera from here for just under €65, and it is well worth getting there early to make sure you get the best choice of bargains.  Open from 8am-3pm, Paloma Park is one of the best markets of its kind in Andalucia.  Parking nearby is quite easy providing you go early on, and there is also plenty of street parking between the market and the beach.  Well worth a visit.

If you fancy a trip inland, keep your eyes open for markets advertised in the local press.  I have stood several markets in Coin, Alhaurin, Cartama and even Alora on a Saturday and Sunday, and most of them are well attended and offer a great range of goods for sale.  Now that we are well into September, most of the markets which closed for Summer are now up and running again, and provide a great family day out.  Not only will you get some fresh air with the kids, but you might just bag a real bargain too!