Gourmet markets have seen a rise in popularity across the world as the provenance of the food we enjoy has become more and more important. Food miles, humane treatment of animals and the importance of shopping locally has enabled markets to reinvent themselves for a new customer base.

Spain's gourmet markets are no exception. Often housed in renovated market premises, some saved by local communities from demolition, these new places to eat offer a window into Spain's thriving, and of course, delicious gourmet food scene. Here's our selection of the best for where you live, or for when you fancy a few days away in another city.

Valencia
Valencia boasts not one, but two fantastic markets located in the city centre for you to enjoy from your home on the Costa de Valencia. Mercado Colón is a true Valencian gourmet paradise with all kinds of food available. From fusion cuisine to itsMichelin-starred restaurant or the local horchata, this market is one to visit if only to feast your eyes on the architecture. Don't forget to check out the Mercado Central or Mercat Central which has over 8,000 square metres of stalls selling fruit, vegetables, meats and dried fruit as well as cafés for those days when you want to enjoy a beer or a local wine with table service.

Costa del Sol
If your holiday home is on the Costa del Sol, why not take a day or two to head further afield on the train which takes you from Málaga to stunning Sevilla in just under two hours? Once there, head towards the river where you'll find the Lonja del Barranco market. With fantastc views over the Triana neighbourhood and designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1861, its stalls have seafood, cold meats, cheese and even sushi as well as cooking demonstrations, workshops ad live music.

Madrid
Last but not least, Spain's capital city has seen a surge in gourmet markets with the most popular of those being Mercado San Miguel. If you head to Madrid for a short weekend or on business, make sure you stop in at this wonderful market, right in the city centre. There's an oyster bar, a Vermouth bar and even a Mexican stall making tacos with the true tang of Mexican cuisine. It's always busy so if you spot a stool, grab it quickly and tuck into tapas with the locals and tourists alike.

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