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!)

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.

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.