Benidorm market

ONE of the things that remains unchanged in Spain are the weekly street markets. Decades ago these were even common in England, but with the advent of “Out of Town” shopping centres such as Westfield in London, Trafford Centre in Manchester, Meadowhall in Sheffield these have all but disappeared.

However, in Spain they are still popular and almost every village or town has one. They set up early in the morning and usually don’t pack up until after 1pm – so you can still have a lie-in after your heavy night.

One of the biggest has to be Benidorm – held twice a week due to its popularity – every Wednesday and Sunday.

You will find everything there – from fruit and veg to clothes, bags, nik naks, jewellery, counterfeit designer goods…. but the golden rule is barter – especially with the “look alike products”! Whatever the price quoted knock them down by half then start from there. Don’t be shy – haggling is half the fun.

But if you go make sure that you guard your purse or wallet. This is prime territory for pickpockets being so busy with lots of people – there is a good police presence but still be vigilant.

At the Benidorm market another thing to be aware of is the “Pea or Potato” men. They will have a large cardboard box, normally from cigarettes and on that play a game.

They place a pea on the surface then get 3 plastics cups and use one to cover it. They then shuffle the position of the pea and you place a bet as to which cup it’s under! A gang member will bet say €10 and guess what … he guesses right and doubles his money.

So you think to yourself, oh that’s easy money and do the same…. but guess what – you loose. It’s all a con so if you see them out and about avoid them at ALL costs. They are professional scammers. 

It a great place to visit whilst here on your holiday and I’m sure you’ll be tempted by at least one souvenir to take back home.