Medieval markets in Valencia in 2026: updated calendar

Jun 5, 2025 | Plans and activities, Sin categorizar

If you are looking for medieval fairs and markets in Valencia to plan a getaway this year, the most useful approach is to combine Valencia city with several nearby towns that host some of the most interesting events on the calendar. In the city itself, you will find plans with plenty of historical atmosphere and local tradition, while places such as Xàtiva, Ontinyent, Bocairent, Canals or Cofrentes offer more immersive experiences, with craft stalls, food, music and period entertainment.

In this guide, we have gathered an updated selection for 2026, including markets that have already taken place and others that you still have time to visit. At the end, you will also find ideas to complete the plan with sightseeing, local food and accommodation at HQ Rooms.

Dates may change depending on the local council or event organisers, so it is always worth checking the official programme a few days before travelling.

What are medieval markets and why are they still such an appealing plan

Medieval markets recreate the atmosphere of the Middle Ages with craft stalls, food products, live music, period characters, workshops and street performances. They are ideal plans for a relaxed stroll, taking photos, tasting local products and discovering historic towns or neighbourhoods with a different kind of setting.

In the case of Valencia, in addition to strictly medieval markets, some historical fairs and traditional celebrations with stalls and a festive atmosphere also work very well. For visitors, the important thing is that they offer a very similar experience: decorated streets, a lively atmosphere and the perfect excuse for a day trip or a weekend break.

Calendar of medieval markets in Valencia and nearby areas in 2026

Three Kings Medieval Market in Xàtiva

Dates: from 2 to 6 January 2026. Location: Plaça del Mercat and the historic centre of Xàtiva. It is one of the most recognisable events at the start of the year and is usually a very good option for anyone looking for an easy getaway from Valencia, with medieval atmosphere, craft stalls, food and family-friendly activities.

San Antonio Abad Market in Valencia

Dates: from 8 to 11 January 2026. Location: around the San Antonio Abad neighbourhood, in Valencia city. It is one of the most popular winter references within the capital. It combines tradition, stalls and entertainment, so it works very well if you want a historical plan without leaving Valencia.

Loriguilla Medieval Market

Dates: 17 and 18 January 2026. Location: Loriguilla, in Camp de Túria. It is an interesting option for anyone who wants to discover a medieval market on a smaller and more family-friendly scale, very well connected to Valencia and easy to visit on a short day trip.

Traditional San Blas Market in Russafa

Dates: from 30 January to 1 February 2026. Location: Russafa, Valencia. It is not a medieval market in the strict sense, but it is still a very useful event to include in this guide because it combines local tradition, stalls, crafts and neighbourhood atmosphere in one of the liveliest areas of the city.

Ontinyent Medieval

Dates: from 20 to 22 February 2026. Location: historic centre of Ontinyent. It is one of the most rounded medieval getaways in the province: the setting works beautifully, the atmosphere is usually very carefully curated and the plan works very well both for families and couples.

Villena Medieval Festival

Dates: from 6 to 8 March 2026. Location: historic centre of Villena, in Alicante. Although it is outside the province of Valencia, it deserves to be included in the guide because it is one of the strongest medieval events in the surrounding area and a highly valued getaway for anyone looking for a more immersive experience.

Bocairent Renaissance Market

Dates: from 3 to 6 April 2026. Location: historic centre of Bocairent. The appeal here lies in the combination of a historical fair and one of the most charming towns in inland Valencia. If you are looking for a trip with a strong visual and heritage component, this is a great choice.

Medieval Fair at Las Arenas Beach

Dates: from 17 to 19 April 2026. Location: Valencia seafront promenade. It is one of the most practical events for anyone who wants to stay in the city, because it allows you to combine the market with the beach, a walk and lunch by the sea on the same day.

Calixto III Renaissance Fair in Canals

Dates: from 24 to 26 April 2026. Location: around the Torreta de Canals. It adds a different variant to the calendar thanks to its Renaissance focus and its connection to the historical figure of Calixto III. It is a very good fit for a cultural spring getaway.

Cofrentes Medieval Market

Dates: from 30 April to 3 May 2026. Location: centre of Cofrentes, from Plaza Valle to the slopes of the castle. It is an especially attractive option if you like combining a medieval market, scenery and heritage in the same trip.

Other markets and historical fairs worth keeping an eye on in Valencia

In addition to the calendar that has already been published, other events usually appear across the province and can also fit very well into a themed getaway. Among the most common are Torrent, Picassent, La Pobla de Farnals, Alaquàs, Sagunto or Cullera, as well as some seasonal fairs that change their format or dates depending on the year.

If your idea is to plan a route through several medieval markets in Valencia throughout 2026, it is worth checking local calendars regularly, as these events are updated by season and not all of them publish their programmes very far in advance.

Which market should you choose depending on the type of plan you want?

If you prefer to stay in Valencia city, the easiest options are San Antonio Abad, San Blas in Russafa and the Las Arenas Medieval Fair. These are easy plans to fit into a morning or an afternoon without having to organise a long excursion.

If you fancy a day trip with a historic old town and plenty of atmosphere, the most well-rounded options are usually Xàtiva, Ontinyent, Bocairent and Cofrentes. Each one has its own character, but all of them are excellent for a relaxed stroll and a meal in the area afterwards.

And if what you are looking for is a bigger and more festive experience, Villena remains one of the most complete options in the area, while Canals offers a different kind of historical fair for anyone who wants something beyond the most classic medieval market.

What to do in Valencia to complete your getaway

If you stay at HQ Rooms apartments, you can complete the day with a walk through Valencia city centre or El Carmen neighbourhood, two very convenient areas to continue the plan among historic streets, squares and terraces.

For a morning with more local flavour, it is also worth visiting Valencia’s Central Market and, if you are interested in the more historical side of the city, heading to Valencia’s Water Court, one of the city’s most distinctive symbols.

And since a good market always invites you to eat well, you can end the day with this guide on where to eat paella in Valencia or these recommendations on where to have a good and affordable dinner in Ruzafa.

Where to stay to enjoy medieval markets in Valencia

If you want to combine Valencia city with short getaways to other towns, the most practical option is to have a central and comfortable base. In that sense, HQ Rooms is a very good fit for this kind of trip, because it allows you to stay in the city, move around easily and return with all the comforts after your excursion.

In the end, the key is not only knowing which medieval fairs take place in Valencia, but building a complete plan with history, walking, gastronomy and well-located accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Are there medieval markets within Valencia city?

Yes. In the city, you can find events such as San Antonio Abad, San Blas in Russafa and the Las Arenas Medieval Fair. In addition, Valencia city also hosts other traditional and historical celebrations that fit very well with this kind of plan.

What is the best medieval market near Valencia?

It depends on the type of getaway. Xàtiva works very well for an easy visit, Ontinyent stands out for the charm of its old town, Bocairent has a very strong visual appeal and Villena usually offers a more immersive experience.

When is it best to check the final dates?

It is best to review them a few days before travelling, especially for events organised by local councils or private promoters. There can be last-minute changes to the programme, the exact location of the stalls or even cancellations due to weather conditions.

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