Summary
- Torrevieja plans to remodel the artisan market zone between Plaza de Capdepont and the hombre del Mar monument.
- The customary “hippies” market will return to this refurbished area in 2026 with specially designed wooden stalls featuring LED lighting.
- Only authentic artisanal products will be allowed, excluding clothing and tourist souvenirs to maintain quality.
- The new market will include 100 stalls, fewer than previous counts but designed for better organization and aesthetics.
- Location is agreed upon near the port area, between Muelle Mínguez and the new fishing market, coordinated with vendors.
The Return of torrevieja’s Iconic Hippie Artisan Market with a Fresh New Look
Torrevieja is preparing a meaningful conversion for one of its most beloved cultural symbols – the popular “hippie” artisan market. As part of a larger public project to remodel the pedestrian space and fairground area between Plaza de Capdepont and the monument of Hombre del Mar, local authorities are planning to bring these artisan stalls back to their traditional commercial home with a modern and sustainable design.
A Modern Market with Classic Vibes
The local government has commissioned DRM architecture studio to redesign the artisan stalls. These new market modules, crafted from cross-laminated timber and high-quality surface coatings, combine rustic charm with modern functionality. One highlight is the incorporation of customizable LED lighting systems, capable of changing colors to enhance the market’s night-time ambience.
- Each individual stall measures 4 meters wide by 2 meters deep, with the counter facing customers.
- Stalls can be grouped in sets of two, three, or four to adjust to the event’s scale and flow.
- Design features a tilting shutter that doubles as a pergola or small awning offering shade and protection.
Location and Layout: A Hub Between Port and Leisure
The artisan market’s new location is strategically placed in the redeveloped zone between the Generalitat customs building, the Muelle Mínguez pier, and the entrance to the upcoming Port Paseo del Mar leisure center. This placement was the result of negotiations between the City Council and the vendor community,following months of discussion about possible locations.
| Area | Key Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Between Muelle Mínguez and new fish market | Pedestrian-amiable, waterfront views | Chosen location after multiple alternatives |
| Near customs building (Generalitat) | historical significance, close to port entrance | Integrated into urban redevelopment plans |
| Former Paseo de la Libertad market site | Was traditional location, currently demolished | Plans aim to restore market’s prominence here |
Quality Over Quantity: Preserving Artisan integrity
To maintain the market’s authenticity and prevent dilution of its artisanal focus, the council has decreed that only traditional handcrafted products listed in official regulations will be allowed. This marks a clear departure from the recent years where stalls sold mass-produced items like clothing, T-shirts, and tourist souvenirs, which compromised the market’s reputation.
Currently, the wooden stalls are located temporarily along Avenida de la Estación but suffer reduced sales compared to the traditional site at Paseo de la Libertad, demolished during port renovation. The City Council aims for the market’s full return to the new site in 2026, aligning this with the scheduled return of the fairground attractions, which have spent the last few years at Parque Antonio Soria.
Stall Distribution and Numbers
the final approved plan includes 100 artisan stalls, fewer than the over 150 currently operating temporarily and the nearly 200 stalls previously installed at the Paseo de la Libertad.
| Market phase | Number of Stalls | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Traditional Market (Paseo de la Libertad) | ~200 | Demolished in port works |
| Temporary Market (Avenida de la Estación) | Over 150 | Less foot traffic and sales |
| Planned New Market Location | 100 | With improved organization and design |
what This Means for Torrevieja
The return of the artisan hippie stalls in a more permanent, well-designed space is set to breathe new life into Torrevieja’s cultural and commercial scene.For locals and tourists alike, this revamped market promises an authentic shopping experience enriched by modern aesthetics and sustainable construction.
As the project moves forward towards construction, both vendors and visitors can look forward to a market that respects tradition while embracing the future – returning the “hippies” to their rightful place in the heart of the city.
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