Medieval markets in Spain are some of the most popular and unique family events across the country. With a large amount of medieval architecture, the Iberian Peninsula boasts many places that make one feel as though they’re traveling back in time.
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Exploring Medieval Markets in Spain
Our Journey Back in Time in Sant Mateu
Exploring Spain’s medieval markets is one of the most unique activities to experience across the country, offering an engaging travel plan for all ages. Despite being overshadowed by major Spanish festivities like Las Fallas and San Fermin, medieval celebrations in Spain occur almost year-round, thanks to the country’s many charming medieval towns that serve as ideal locations for these temporary markets. Last weekend, while enjoying a beach getaway in Benicassim in July, we took a day trip to the nearest hidden village of Sant Mateu to explore its local medieval market. You can check out more videos in my IG highlights here.
Medieval markets in Spain
Most of the medieval markets in Spain include “weapons of war” competitions, musicians, buskers, artisans, merchants, jongleurs, falconers, charming ladies, and brave knights in shining armor on horseback are common sights. Depending on the medieval town and the budget of local authorities, these markets often feature a huge amount of decoration and entertainment. I recommend checking the official agenda before visiting (usually displayed on the official website of the town – if you can’t find it on Google, double-check Facebook, as local authorities almost always announce the plan of activities there as well).
Medieval markets are amazing if you’re visiting Spain with kids, as they almost always include educational exhibits, arts, crafts, and games for the little ones (the entertainment is usually free, unless it’s an attraction like a carousel, where they might charge a few euros per ride). Spain’s medieval markets are also great for those looking to buy Spanish food souvenirs, as many local producers take part. You can find everything from fresh oven-baked bread and pastries to cheeses, cured meats, spices, herbs, beers, liqueurs, and dried fruits.
What is the most well preserved medieval town in Spain?
Medieval markets are held across Spain year-round. However, the most spectacular celebrations are typically tied to the best-preserved medieval towns, as these offer an unmatched backdrop that makes the whole experience feel like something out of a storybook. I would recommend Avila, Morella, Vic, Peñíscola, and Sigüenza.
Which is the most famous medieval celebration in Spain?
The most famous medieval celebrations in Spain are Mercado Cervantino in Alcala de Henares near Madrid (Europe’s biggest medieval fair) and fairs in Cordoba, Avila, Ibiza, Hondarribia, and Chinchon. Although the lesser ones are often quite surprising as well – like this one we discovered in Sant Mateu. Also, for years I wanted to visit a medieval market in Belmonte, known as one of the dreamiest Spanish castles.
Buying Spanish Handmade Gifts
Besides the alluring medieval charm and unique atmosphere, there’s another important reason to visit the Medieval celebrations in Spain. It’s an awesome initiative to support local artisans and businesses. There’s something for all tastes and preferences, so you can visit medieval markets to discover new Spanish handmade souvenirs, ranging from decorations and ceramics to natural beauty essentials.
List of Spain’s Medieval Markets
I’ll leave you the list of the most popular medieval fairs in Spain, and you can also check the location on a map below. It’s impossible to make a complete list, as almost every small town in Spain tends to organize a medieval market for a few days once per year. Nevertheless, here are some of the most popular ones with the month when the event is taking place (as the exact day may vary).
- Jornadas Medievales / Briones, La Rioja (June)
- Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos / Mojacar, Almeria (June)
- Reino de Najera / La Rioja (July)
- Jornadas Cidianas / Huerta del Rey, Burgos (July)
- Mercado Medieval / Quintanilla de Onesimo, Valladolid (October)
- Festival de Teatro Medieval / Hita, Guadalajara (July)
- Jornadas Medievales / Sigüenza, Guadalajara (July)
- Mercado Cervantino / Alcala de Henares, Madrid (October)
- Fin de semana medieval en la Feria del Siglo XV/ Manzanares el Real, Madrid (October)
- Mercado Medieval / Colmenar Viejo, Madrid (June)
- Fiesta de los Fueros/ Sepúlveda, Segovia (July)
- Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos/Alcazar de San Juan,Ciudad Real (June)
- La Fiesta del Renacimiento/Tortosa, Tarragona (July)
- Semana Renacentista / Medina del Campo, Valladolid (August)
- Fiestas Medievales /Olite, Navarra (August)
- Jornadas Medievales y Mercado de las Tres Culturas/ Avila (September)
- Jornadas Medievales /Cortegana, Huelva (August)
- Festa da Istoria / Ribadavia, Ourense (August)
- Feria del Bosque Medieval / Canyamars, Barcelona (October)
- Fiestas de San Froilan/ Lugo (October)
- Bodas de Isabel Segura/ Teruel (February)
- Fiesta de la Arribada de la Carabela La Pinta/ Baiona, Pontevedra (March)
- Feira Medieval / Monforte de Lemos, Lugo (March)
- Semana Medieval / Montblanc,Tarragona (april)
- Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos / Alcoy (May)
- Feria Medieval / El Alamo, Madrid (April)
- Ibiza Medieval / Ibiza (May)
- Monzon Templario/Atienza, Guadalajara (October)
- Jorndas de Recreacion Historica Siglo XV/ Belmonte, Cuenca (September)
- Mercado Medieval de Fin de Año/ Peniscola, Castellon (December)
- Feria Medieval/ Onda, Castellon (August)
- Mercado Medieval/ Segorbe, Castellon (May)
- Mercado Medieval / Puebla de Sanabria, Castilla y Leon (August)
- Feria Medieval de Vic / Barcelona (December)
- Mercado Medieval / Cordoba, Andalusia (January)
- Mercado Medieval/ Orihuela, Alicante (February)
- Sant Mateu Medieval/ Sant Mateu, Castellon (July)
Map of Spanish Medieval markets
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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.
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Wow this seems so interesting! I’ve never saw something like this. I love the Spanish culture so much 🙂
xx Dasynka
Oh my goodness! Thanks for sharing! I have to get to Spain soon.
Hubby and I are planning a trip to Spain next year and this informative post has come to me at the right time. We’ll definitely plan it in such a way that we get to experience one of these awesome Medieval Fairs. Beautiful photos.
I haven’t attended any Medieval Fairs in my life! I always wanted to see some festivals and of course try the food! The gastronomic scene seems so fun!
Wow, this looks like such an amazing place to visit! Though I’ve not been to Spain (or a Medieval Fair!) myself, I’d love to go experience it one day, too. All that history is right up my alley. 🙂
This would be so cool to attend a fair in another country. I’d love to see how their cultures differ.
This is a place that I would really enjoy visiting. Your review and images are so compelling! Making plans to visit now!
This looks amazing!! I didn’t know medieval fairs were a thing! Great post 🙂
This looks like such a fun experience! I love all of the medieval decorations and the street markets. This is making me want to take a trip to visit one of these fairs!
x Kara
Really this is a nice post and nice site.. Thanks a lot…
Um okay as if Spain wasn’t already cool enough! What a great read! Making travel plans now!
Oh wow, there are so many medieval fairs in Spain! How fun!!!
I would love to attend a medieval fair in Spain. They look fabulous, with all the costumes and decorations. Will have to try to go to one.
I grew up going to the Renaissance Faires in the U.S., but this seems to take it a step further! This looks like so much fun. I had no idea they did anything like this. I’m really glad I came across this post. This event is definitely something I’d like to experience on my next pass through Spain!