Weekly Markets in Asturias - Traditional Food Culture & Market Days Guide
Markets in Asturias are where you'll find the heart of local culture. If you want to understand how Asturians eat, socialise, and preserve their traditions, follow the weekly rhythm of market days across Eastern Asturias. These markets offer something supermarkets simply can't: direct connection to the land, the seasons, and the people who've been farming these valleys for generations.
Why Market Days Matter in Asturias
Market days are where the real culture lives - Every Wednesday in Villaviciosa, Thursday in Colunga, and Tuesday in Llanes, farmers arrive with fresh vegetables, cheese makers bring wheels aged in traditional caves, and local families catch up on village news while selecting the week's produce.
These are small, local markets - don't expect huge tourist attractions. What makes them special is the authenticity and quality. Perfect when combined with a day trip in the area, or when you want genuine local cheeses and seasonal produce you won't find in supermarkets.
Supporting slow food and sustainability - Shopping at these markets means buying directly from producers, supporting local farming families, and choosing seasonal ingredients with minimal packaging. It's the original farm-to-table movement that's been sustaining these communities for generations.
Quality that makes a difference - When you taste vegetables picked that morning, or cheese made from milk of cows grazing these exact hillsides, simple meals become something special. These markets provide exactly the kind of authentic ingredients that local restaurants prize.
Pro tip: Get there early (8:00-9:00 AM) for the best selection and to secure parking - spaces fill up quickly in small town centers.
Weekly Market Calendar
📍 Villaviciosa
When: Every day except Sundays, however the special and larger market day is on Wednesdays, 08:00-14:00 (daily market hall + Wednesday farmers)
Where: C/ Víctor García de la Concha, in the historic Mercado de Abastos building (built 1901–04)
Distance: 15 minutes from both properties
What to find: stalls with fresh produce (vegetables, fruit, beans), meats, fish, cheeses, honey, flowers, artisan goods -both temporary and fixed indoor stands. There is a second part to the market which sells mainly fake brand clothing in the park.
Vibe: Mid-week local market in a charming period venue with a mix of permanent and
📍 Colunga
When: Every Thursday, 09:00-14:00
Where: Calle La Plaza
Distance: 10 minutes from Llue / 30 minutes from Arcenoyu
What to find: Around 30-40 stalls selling items like clothing, household goods, plants, handmade crafts, plus local food products-empanadas, fresh produce, charcuterie, cheeses
Vibe: A traditional general market with a varied selection, frequented year-round
📍 Ribadesella
When: Every Wednesday, 08:00–14:00
Where: Calle Gran Vía de Agustín Argüelles, pedestrian zone
Distance: 30 minutes via scenic coastal route from Casona Azul
What to find: stalls offering fresh seafood, meats, produce, cheese, and crafts
Vibe: One of Asturias' most charming weekly markets- especially vibrant in summer with café terraces and tourist energy
📍 Llanes
When: Every Tuesday, 08:00–14:00
Where: Plaza de las Barqueras and adjacent Plaza de Abastos
Distance: 45 minutes through beautiful countryside
What to find: 45-50 stalls, offering clothing, footwear, home goods, flowers, plants, everyday groceries, local cheeses & embutidos
Vibe: Lively, tourist-friendly market in a picturesque fishing town; nearby artisan evening markets in summer
📍 Infiesto (Piloña)
When: Every Monday, 08:00-14:00
Where: Plaza del Mercado / Plaza del Ganado, Infiesto
Distance: 45 minutes from both properties
What to find: 45 stalls, focused on fresh produce-vegetables, fruit, legumes, plus meats, cheeses, crafts
Vibe: First in the week, beloved by locals-also favoured by musician Rodrigo Cuevas for its regional produce
📍 Nava
When: Every Saturday, 08:00-14:00
Where: Plaza Manuel Uría
Distance: 25 minutes from both properties
What to find: 20 stalls offering a mix of general goods and fresh produce
Special version: Mercáu Astur de Nava in mid-June, a traditional cider-region fair recognised as a Fiesta of Regional Tourist Interest-products include cheeses, cold meats, preserves, crafts
Vibe: Quality over quantity in the heart of cider country
📍 Cabranes (Santolaya de Cabranes)
When: Second Sunday of each month, 11:00–15:00
Where: Santolaya de Cabranes
What to find: "El Tenderete" - monthly market of local produce (cheese, fruit, preserves), crafts, vintage goods, community cultural events
Vibe: Rustic and cultural, reflecting the 'neo-rural' resurgence- great for fresh, eco-friendly shopping
📍 Lastres - Seafood Auction at the Lonja (Rula)
When: Monday - Friday at 16:30 (when boats return, not on public holidays)
Where: Lonja (rula) in the harbor, operated by Cofradía de Pescadores Santa María de Sábada
What to find: The day's fresh catch -especially caballa (xarda) - showcased via virtual auction system with fish displayed on monitors and buyers using remotes to stop declining prices
Best timing: Arrive between 14:00-17:00 to witness boat landings and the full auction process
Vibe: Working fishing auction offering genuine glimpse into local maritime economy-no tourist frills, just the authentic rhythm of coastal Asturias
🌊 COASTAL MARKETS WORTH THE DRIVE
Ribadesella - Wednesday Mornings
The Gran Vía pedestrian zone transforms into one of Asturias' most enchanting markets. With 70-100 stalls sprawled between café terraces, there's a festival atmosphere that captures the best of coastal Asturian life. Direct seafood from local boats meets mountain cheeses in this maritime cultural crossroads.
What makes it special: Fish vendors know exactly which boats brought their catch - ask about the day's best selection. Summer brings buskers and extended café terraces, turning market morning into a proper social event. The combination of fresh anchovy fillets, aged Cabrales, and crusty bread makes for perfect impromptu coastal picnics.
Llanes - Tuesday Mornings
Plaza de las Barqueras fills with stalls against the dramatic backdrop of medieval walls in one of Spain's most photogenic fishing ports. This market perfectly balances authentic local commerce with tourist-friendly atmosphere.
Perfect for day trips: Combine market morning with lunch at harbour restaurants, afternoon beach time, or exploring the famous Bufones coastal blowholes. The drive through Asturian countryside is spectacular, especially in spring when apple orchards bloom.
🏔️ INLAND TREASURES
Infiesto - Monday Mornings
Monday's market kicks off the weekly cycle with serious farm-to-table energy. Plaza del Mercado hosts stalls focused heavily on fresh produce - this is where local restaurants shop for the week ahead. The quality of early spring vegetables, exceptional legumes (fabas, naturally), and artisan cheeses from small mountain producers makes this market a favourite among those who know authentic regional ingredients.
Cultural connection: When local musician Rodrigo Cuevas praises Infiesto's market for genuine regional produce, you know it's the real deal. This 250-year-old market maintains traditions that urban supermarkets can't replicate.
Nava - Saturday Mornings
Saturday in Plaza Manuel Uría offers quality over quantity in the heart of Asturian cider production. Twenty stalls provide carefully curated selection, and the relaxed weekend pace makes market browsing pure pleasure. Expect apple varieties, regional specialties, and that distinctive cider-country character.
Special event: Mid-June brings the Mercáu Astur de Nava—a traditional cider-region fair recognized as a Fiesta of Regional Tourist Interest. This comprehensive celebration of local food culture features exceptional cheeses, cured meats, preserves, and the cultural heritage that defines this region.
What to Bring
Cash in small bills - many vendors prefer exact change
Reusable shopping bags - environmental consciousness plus practical necessity
Basic Spanish phrases - "¿Es de aquí?" (Is this local?) opens wonderful conversations
Empty cooler - for transporting delicate cheeses and fresh seafood home
Open mind - seasonal availability determines the best offerings
🗣️ INSIDER SHOPPING STRATEGY
Market Etiquette and Approach
These are working markets serving local communities first. Tourists are welcome, but the pace and priorities belong to people who've been shopping here for decades. Embrace that rhythm rather than rushing through.
Language barriers dissolve around food. Point, smile, and show genuine interest- most vendors speak enough English for basic transactions, and your effort to engage goes a long way.
Smart Shopping Techniques
Arrive early (8:00-9:00 AM) for best selection and authentic local atmosphere
Talk to vendors - they're proud of their products and love sharing knowledge
Ask for recommendations - "¿Qué me recomienda?" (What do you recommend?)
Try before buying - especially with cheeses and honey, sampling is expected
Think seasonally- what's abundant is what's best right now
Follow the locals - notice which vendors have the longest lines
