Weekly markets in Los Belones and the municipality of Cartagena
Tuesday is market day in Los Belones
Not all weekly markets are set in stone, and if they coincide with public holidays they may be cancelled or postponed. In addition, days can change, so if you're not sure a call to the relevant tourist office is advisable to avoid a wasted trip (click tourist offices in the region of Murcia for more information).
As a general rule the weekly markets are open from 9.00 to 14.00.
The markets are very popular events, and for those from abroad are especially attractive as they offer an opportunity to buy fresh products and bargain clothes. Many also feature a range of products from plants and flowers to frying pans, baby clothes and electronic equipment: the larger the market, the more variety on offer!
They're crowded affairs, full of colour and noise as shoppers jostle for space, queue at stalls, stand and socialize and generally enjoy the experience of shopping at a relaxed pace!
Cautionary tips
When buying fruit, choose stalls that have prices clearly marked and always ask for the receipt so you can check you've not been overcharged. Traders are obliged by law to give a receipt with a purchase, so don't be shy of asking for one if you feel the bill may not be correct. It's always advisable to check the bill and make sure that the correct price per kilo has been charged and the number of items you have corresponds to the receipt.(tícket or tiquet)
If there are no bags on the stall, ask for one and pick your own fruit, otherwise you will end up with more than you want and you'll be given the bruised items - this is not a cynical remark, but many years of market experience! (bag is "bolsa").
Watch out for pickpockets, crowded areas such as markets tend to attract them all the world over!
Don't be scared to rummage, everyone does and thats half the fun of it all!
In the large municipality of Cartagena there are several markets which only open during the peak summer tourist months from 1st July to mid-September. These are in La Azohía and Los Urrutias on Thursdays; in Islas Menores and Isla Plana on Fridays and in Los Nietos on Sundays.
Monday
The district of Barrio Peral in the city of Cartagena
Tuesday
Los Belones, on the shore of the Mar Menor
Wednesday
Calle Ribera de San Javier in the centre of Cartagena: click for map.
Thursday
Markets in the outlying towns and villages of La Aljorra, Los Dolores and La Palma.
In addition, during the summer (normally from mid-June to mid-September) there are weekly markets in La Azohía and Los Urrutias.
Friday
Year-round markets in El Algar, Llano del Beal, Pozo Estrecho and the Urbanización Mediterráneo.
In addition, during the summer (normally from mid-June to mid-September) there are weekly markets in Islas Menores and Isla Plana.
Sunday
Year-round markets in Cabo De Palos (at the Las Dunas shopping centre) and in the San Cristóbal
district of the city of Cartagena.
During the summer there is a weekly market in Los Nietos.
Click for more information about Los Belones, or for other markets in the Mar Menor area.
