Central Market of Valencia

The historic Central Market was built between 1915 and 1928, the 8,000 square metre building provides locals and tourists with the freshest and best produce in the area. Locals say the market has always been an important part of life in Valencia. The building that houses the market features decorative iron vaulted beams, hand-painted designs and a huge 30 metre high glass dome with stained glass windows depicting Valencian fruits.

As you walk around the market you will find “jamon” which is the basic Spanish dry-cured meat found in bars all over the country. There are many different types of “jamon” which vary in price and quality, the best being “pata negra” or “black hoof” from the Iberian pig which can be red or dark in colour and only eats acorns. One thing that really stands out about El Mercado Central is the quality of the food, it is all pretty organic and as fresh as it can be, with most farmers bringing it straight from the farm that day!

El Mercado Central is full of wonderful smells, especially from the bakery, which sells many types of bread, such as Pan de Abuela (grandmother's bread) and Pan de Pueblo (town bread). In the pastry section, you will find all kinds of sweet products, including croissants, congres, almond cakes, and cookies.

It is open from 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday and is definitely worth a visit when you are in Valencia!