When planning a holiday, it’s often the case of too many options, not enough time. Sometimes, a certain event can help hone your search and for treasure hunting fans, one of Europe’s many antique fairs and flea markets could be just that. While every market is different, practically speaking, some broad rules apply. Arrive early to scoop up the best deals, carry cash and a few sturdy tote bags for purchases and perhaps try to get your basic numbers in the local language to help with some price haggling.
Whether you have a new house to fill, a collection to add to or simply love nothing more than soaking up the unique atmosphere, seeing a destination through its markets is a special way to travel and owning objects from a memorable holiday is always more meaningful.
The Arezzo Antiques Fair, Tuscany
When and where: The first Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday. Starts at 9am both days.
What you need to know: As the host of Italy’s oldest antiques fair, dealers from across the country descend on this town in south-west Tuscany. Bringing together more than 500 exhibitors, the spectacular Piazza Grande is the hub with stalls stretching out in every direction. The market has been traditionally known for its silver but there’s everything here from paintings and porcelain to fabrics and furniture – at all price points.
Make a trip out of it: While the fair might be Arezzo’s calling card, the historic hilltop city is lovely to spend time in with beautiful churches, rustic osterias (see fourth-generation-owned L’Agania) and a handful of museums – Museo di Casa Vasari, a former Renaissance residence, has some exquisite frescoes. The Chianti region’s wineries and agriturismi are on the doorstep (see Castello di Ama and Castello la Leccia respectively) while both Siena and Florence are just over a one-hour drive away.
Where to stay: Badia di Pomaio, a 17th century monastery turned boutique hotel, in the hills outside of Arezzo.
El Rastro, Madrid
When and where: Every Sunday throughout the year. To beat the crowds, arrive before 10am.
What you need to know: Dating back to the mid 18th-century, Madrid’s sprawling Sunday market now consists of over 1000 merchants. While Calle de Ribera de Curtidores is the main artery of the market, for antiques and vintage homeware, focus on the shops and stalls lining Carrer de Mira el Río Baja and its side streets. Beyond Sunday, the shops themselves are open throughout the week – don’t miss Nuevas Galerías del Rastro, a hub of 30 dealers in a pretty courtyard.
Make a trip out of it: While there are the world-renowned galleries of the Golden Art Triangle, the house museum of Valencian artist Joaquín Sorolla and the neoclassical palace Palacio de Liria are both equally a feast for the eyes with far fewer crowds. Madrid’s green jewel, the sprawling Retiro Park, is a good palate cleanser while for eating and drinking, the historic neighbourhood of La Latina, just by El Rastro, is always a good option – don’t miss Pez Tortilla for the melt-in-the-middle tortilla and Farah for a modern take on Middle Eastern fare with a sweet street terrace.
Where to stay: The Philippe Starck-designed Brach on buzzing Gran Vía.
International Antique Fair of L’Isle sur la Sorgue, Provence
When and where: Held twice annually, on Easter weekend and in August. Starts at 9am each day.
What you need to know: This Provençal town is a hub for antiques all year round with permanent antique, vintage and bric-a-brac stores located across the town’s 10 ‘villages’. However, the twice-annual fair takes over the whole town with around 500 exhibitors coming in from across France and further afield. There’s everything from high end antiques to brocante style bargains – you really do need a few days to cover it all.
Make a trip out of it: Sometimes referred to as the Venice of Provence, it’s worth sticking around this canal-filled town to see the magnificent baroque Collegiale Notre Dame des Anges Church or modern sculpture at Villa Datris Foundation for Contemporary Sculpture. Meanwhile, Avignon with its medieval Papal Palace, excellent fine arts museum, Musée Calvet, and exciting fine dining scene (see Pollen), is just a 40-minute drive away. Head south towards Arles and visit its famed Vincent van Gogh Foundation, but don’t miss Tarascon, where you can discover traditional Provençal block printing at the Souleiado Museum. Vallabrègues, meanwhile, offers the opportunity to see the studio of Provence‑based designers and wickerwork revivers, Atelier Vime.
Where to stay: La Divine Comedie offers five antique-filled bedrooms close to Avignon’s Palais des Papes.
Ostuni Antique Market, Puglia
When and where: The second Sunday morning of every month in the historic centre – normally gets going by 8am.
What you need to know: The majority of Puglia's picturesque towns have Sunday markets, but Ostuni, the region’s ‘white city’, has one of the biggest with around 100 stalls gathering on a monthly basis. Expect to find great ceramics, affordable table linen, woven baskets and copper pots.
Make a trip out of it: Charming Ostuni with its whitewashed buildings and labyrinth of streets is both a destination itself and a great base for exploring Puglia. The town has an impressive 15th-century Gothic cathedral and some standout eating options (like Osteria del Tempo Perso) while there are spectacular beaches stretching either side of Marina de Ostuni and many other nearby towns to explore – head to Alberobello for its famed trulli houses or Grottaglie with its rich ceramic heritage and artisan workshops.
Where to stay: Masseria Cervarolo, a 16th-century masseria with a set of four adorable trulli, 15 minutes outside of Ostuni.
BrocAntwerpen, Antwerp
When and where: Held around eight times a year at Grote Markt square. Find the calendar here. Starts at 10am.
What you need to know: Belgium has a rich tradition of flea markets, and in design-forward Antwerp, the regular BrocAntwerpen sees a curated selection of antiques, vintage and collectibles being sold in the city’s historic main square against the backdrop of ornate facades.
Make a trip out of it: In Belgium’s second city, cobbled lanes meet leafy boulevards and its mediaeval history and modern creative spirit sit side by side. Spot the Flemish masters at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), visit the former home and lovely garden of the city’s most famous export, Ruben (Rubenshuis) or check out some of the excellent shopping – I particularly love Ganterie Boon, a 140-year-old family-run glove emporium. Feasting on Antwerp’s speciality, moules frites are a must and classic Fish a'Gogo does it well. Brussels, the capital host of and the world’s only daily flea market, Jeu de Balle Flea Market, is an hour drive away and a good add-on for a two-city shopping trip.
Where to stay: Hotel Flora with its bold colour choices and whimsical details.
