Street Markets in Tavernes de la Valldigna
The street markets of Tavernes de la Valldigna tell the story of more than three centuries of local life, from the weekly market authorised in 1707 to the summer and cultural fairs that now bring atmosphere and activity to the city and the beach.
This page brings together the origins, dates and meaning of Tavernes' main traditional markets: the Thursday weekly market, the summer beach market and the August Maritime and Craft Fair.
Street market
Three Markets, Three Moments in Tavernes
Each market reflects a different stage in the evolution of Tavernes de la Valldigna: agricultural Tavernes, tourist Tavernes and the lively August atmosphere of the beach.
The Thursday market was created to organise local supplies and agricultural trade.
The beach market brings shopping and services closer to the seafront during the tourist season.
The Maritime and Craft Fair turns the seafront promenade into a space for leisure, crafts and gastronomy.
History and Meaning of Tavernes Street Markets
Markets are not only places to shop. They also explain Tavernes' relationship with agriculture, tourism, the beach and popular festivities.
The Weekly Thursday Market: A Tradition Since 1707
Day: Thursday
Usual opening hours: de 08:00 a 14:00 horas
Current location: Passeig del País Valencià and nearby streets
The oldest and most representative market in Tavernes de la Valldigna is the weekly Thursday market. Its origins are documented on 29 May 1707, when the abbot of the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de la Valldigna granted the jurats of Tavernes official permission to hold a weekly market every Thursday of the year.
The original document also stated that, if Thursday coincided with a public holiday, trading activity had to be brought forward to Wednesday. Its purpose was clear: to organise supplies, concentrate the buying and selling of essential goods and provide farmers with a place to sell surplus produce from the huerta.
Over time, that market in the old Plaça Major evolved into the present-day market on Passeig del País Valencià, keeping alive a trading tradition with more than three centuries of history.
The Summer Beach Market
Usual season: from 15 June to mid-September
Usual opening hours: de 17:30 a 22:00 horas
Location: Passeig dels Tarongers
The Saturday street market on the beach was created to serve residents and visitors during the high season. Unlike the historic market in the city centre, it responds to a need linked to tourist Tavernes: bringing commerce closer to the seafront when the beach population increases sharply in summer.
Its creation is linked to the urban and tourist development of the coastline during the final decades of the 20th century. The aim was to prevent thousands of temporary residents from having to travel to the city centre for basic shopping.
Its stalls offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, local products, summer clothing, beach items, comfortable footwear, accessories and everyday items designed for life by the sea.
The August Maritime and Craft Fair
Usual opening hours: afternoon and evening, from around 5:30 or 6:00 pm until midnight
Location: Avenida de la Marina and the area around Passeig dels Tarongers
The Maritime and Craft Fair on Tavernes beach complements the daytime supply market. Its character is more festive, tourist-oriented and family-friendly, designed to make the most of the August evening atmosphere and the high occupancy of the seafront area.
This themed market brings together craft stalls, handmade products, costume jewellery, leather goods, natural soaps, wooden toys, marine-inspired decoration and food options to enjoy while strolling.
It also often includes children's workshops, traditional games, performances and entertainment, becoming an evening leisure option that boosts the beach economy and attracts both summer residents and visitors from other towns in La Safor.
Annual Market and Fair Calendar
Tavernes' markets are spread throughout the year and offer different atmospheres depending on the season.
Thursday Market
The historic weekly market in the city centre, documented since 1707, usually open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Beach Market
Summer market on Passeig dels Tarongers, held on Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Maritime and Craft Fair
Themed afternoon and evening fair in the seafront area, from the second week of August until the end of the month.
More Ideas for Your Visit
Combine the markets with other plans and discover Tavernes de la Valldigna at your own pace.
Things to Do in Tavernes
The main page for discovering experiences, ideas and ways to visit the city.
Explore Activities
Travel Planner for Tavernes
A practical tool for combining markets, beach, nature, heritage and gastronomy.
Plan Your Visit
Municipal Market
The city's permanent market has its own page on Visita Tavernes.
View Municipal Market
