Medieval Markets on the Costa Blanca

For a few weekends each year, towns around the Costa Blanca step back in time.

Medieval Markets on the Costa Blanca

For a few weekends each year, towns around the Costa Blanca step back in time.

Historic streets fill with wooden stalls, colourful decorations, musicians, street performers and the smell of food cooking over open fires. Craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, children watch shows and the old town becomes a very different place for a few days.

These are the Medieval Markets of the Costa Blanca — and they are a great way to experience something beyond the beaches.

What Is a Medieval Market?

A Spanish Medieval Market, or Mercado Medieval, is more than a market.

The streets are transformed with a medieval theme, with stalls selling handmade crafts, food, sweets, clothes and local products. You will often find musicians, jugglers, storytellers, dancers, fire shows and other street entertainment.

Some markets also include demonstrations of traditional crafts, from blacksmithing and woodworking to baking and other old trades.

The atmosphere is what makes them special.

You can simply walk through the streets, stop for something to eat, watch a performance and enjoy the feeling that the town has temporarily become a different place.

Medieval Markets Near Orihuela Costa

One of the best things about living or staying in Orihuela Costa is that several interesting Medieval Markets are within easy reach.

Orihuela

The Medieval Market in Orihuela takes over the historic centre, creating one of the most impressive settings in the area.

It is usually held towards the end of February or beginning of March. In 2026, the event took place from 30 January to 1 February, while the previous edition was held from 28 February to 2 March 2025.

The historic streets, churches and old buildings make Orihuela particularly atmospheric for this kind of event. The market is also one of the city’s best-known annual cultural celebrations. (Ayuntamiento de Orihuela)

Santa Pola

Santa Pola offers a completely different setting.

Its Medieval Market takes place around the Castillo-Fortaleza and is usually connected with the Easter period. In 2025, it ran during Semana Santa in April, with craftsmen, food stalls, musicians, jugglers, circus performances, workshops and children’s activities.

The combination of the historic fortress and the Mediterranean setting makes this one worth adding to your calendar.

Elche

Elche’s Medieval Market is part of its wider Festival Medieval and takes place in the historic centre around the Basilica of Santa María.

In 2025, the market ran from 6 to 9 November, with more than a hundred stalls alongside street theatre, music, performances, traditional crafts and food.

It is a particularly good one to combine with a day exploring the historic centre of Elche.

Cartagena

Cartagena brings its own historic character to the experience.

The Medieval Market takes over parts of the old town, with artisan stalls, food, parades, street performances, medieval music and entertainment for families.

In 2025, it was held from 28 to 30 November, with the market spread through several streets and squares in the historic centre.

A Different Way to Discover the Region

Medieval Markets are one of those experiences that are easy to overlook when you come to the Costa Blanca for the beaches and sunshine.

But they are also a great excuse to explore the towns themselves.

Visit Orihuela in winter, combine Santa Pola with a day by the sea, explore Elche in autumn or spend a day discovering the historic centre of Cartagena.

The dates change each year, so check the local programme before you go.

But if you see a Medieval Market coming up near Orihuela Costa, put it in your calendar.

It is one of those simple local experiences that makes you see the Costa Blanca a little differently.

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