Hotels near Mercado Central de Atarazanas

The Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a 19th-century covered market in a converted Moorish shipyard (the word 'atarazanas' derives from the Arabic for 'naval arsenal'). Its most celebrated feature is the enormous stained-glass window at the far end - a 1876 work depicting the coats of arms of all the towns in Malaga province, 20 metres wide and 4 metres tall, that floods the central fish hall with coloured light in the morning hours. The market sells fresh fish, vegetables, cheese, and jamones (cured ham) from Malaga province.

Entry to the market is free. It operates Monday to Saturday from roughly 8 AM to 3 PM and is busiest between 9 AM and noon. Several bars in and around the market serve traditional Malaga breakfast - pan con tomate (bread with fresh tomato) and coffee for about 2-3 EUR.

Pro Tip: Visit at 9 AM on a weekday when the stalls are fully stocked and the morning light through the stained-glass window is at its best. The fish stalls on the left side of the market's central hall have the widest selection of fresh catch. Tasting espetos sardines from a market fishmonger (who sells them raw, to take to a chiringuito) gives context to the cooked versions on the beach.