Fuengirola is a real shopping paradise. But if you want to buy something originally and cheap, you have to visit the flea market at the fair grounds of Fuengirola.

You can of course shop till you drop in Fuengirola and the Costa del Sol. But if you’re in for an original and inexpensive experience, people come from far and away to this one-of-a-kind flea market held on Fuengirola’s fairground, rain or more important events notwithstanding. The flavor of the rastro de sabado is completely unique and international. You will find here subdued middle-aged Swiss-German couples selling antique furniture as well as dubious characters selling dirty clothes and rusted hardware. The place is also famous for its regular and colorful vendors, not least an old crackpot selling military memorabilia near the entrance. On this way in and out of the market you’ll hear the man shout some fascist propaganda on a megaphone mounted to his van, which bears the hand-painted colors and symbols of the Franco era. On election day, the megaphone moves to an old stately black Mercedes adorned with flags of nationalist Spain and the Partido Popular, obviously the poor fellow’s best contemporary option…