Costa Blanca markets embrace summer with new ideas and events

Markets across the Costa Blanca are evolving beyond their traditional role, offering new facilities and adapting to changing lifestyles and seasonal conditions. From a dedicated workspace inside Monovar’s Municipal Market and a lively evening market in Arenales del Sol to heat-related opening changes in Petrer, these initiatives are designed to make local markets more attractive, accessible and enjoyable throughout the summer.

Monovar market launches Coffee Workspace

Monovar’s Municipal Market has opened a new Coffee Work area, giving remote workers, students and freelancers a free place to work with WiFi and a cafe under one roof.

The new space has been created as part of the town hall’s programme to modernise the market and attract more visitors by expanding its range of services. It includes work tables designed for laptops and electronic devices, free wireless internet and a cafe area where users can take a break.

Opening hours are 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Mondays, 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Market and Commerce councillor M. Amparo Maestre said the initiative reflects changing working habits, with more people now looking for flexible places to work outside traditional offices.

She added that the project will also help increase activity inside the market, benefiting traders while creating a more vibrant community space.

The Coffee Work area has opened following refurbishment work that restored a previously deteriorated section of the building.

The space will also be used for cookery workshops, product tastings, training sessions, gastronomic events and other activities promoting local businesses and produce.

Sol Market brings evening entertainment to Arenales del Sol

Looking for something to do after a day at the beach? A new evening attraction has arrived in Arenales del Sol with the launch of Sol Market.

Running until 26 July, the free event is open every day from 7:00 PM to midnight, offering a mix of food, live music, shopping and family entertainment.

Sol Market is located on municipal land next to the Arenales del Sol promenade and has been created to give residents and visitors more to enjoy after leaving the beach.

The venue features more than 15 food trucks serving a variety of dishes, alongside an artisan and craft market, children’s activities, creative workshops and relaxation areas.

Live concerts take place every evening from 9:00 PM until 11:00 PM, with tribute acts performing songs by well-known Spanish artists and bands. DJ sessions and other entertainment also form part of the programme.

Sol Market manager Carlos Bau said the aim is to establish the event as a regular feature of Elche’s summer calendar and create a family-friendly space for both local residents and holidaymakers.

Visitors can reach the venue by using the nearby free parking areas or by taking bus routes R9, R10, R12 or P1.

Admission is free throughout the event.

Petrer adjusts market hours during heatwaves

Shoppers visiting Petrer’s weekly markets this summer are being advised to check for heat alerts, as closing times may be brought forward during periods of extreme temperatures.

The new system remains in force until 15 September.

Under the scheme, market hours will vary depending on the official heat warning issued each day. When there is no heat alert, markets will continue trading until 1:00 PM. If a yellow alert is in force, trading will end at 12:30 PM, while orange or red alerts will see markets close at 12:00 PM.

The changes apply to Petrer’s two weekly markets, held on Mondays in Calle La Huerta and on Wednesdays and Fridays at La Frontera.

Commerce councillor Aida Tortosa said the measure reflects the increasing frequency and intensity of summer heatwaves and is intended to protect people who spend long hours working or shopping outdoors.

She said the markets remain an important part of life in Petrer, but adapting opening hours during periods of extreme heat allows them to continue operating safely.

The council says the system is straightforward, with closing times automatically adjusted according to the official heat alert in force each day, giving traders and shoppers clear guidance while helping reduce the health risks associated with very high temperatures.