Up in the mountains north of Madrid, at the entrance to the Valle de la Barranca in the Sierra de Guadarrama, lies the town of Navacerrada. And once a month, this charming town hosts the Rastro de Navacerrada (also known as the Mercadillo de Antigüedades de Navacerrada), a flea market with some of the best antiques and collectables to be found in the entire region.
Madrid, of course, has some wonderful antique markets, such as the popular open-air Rastro de Madrid, which attracts over 3500 stallholders every week. But what the town of Navacerrada really boasts is its picturesque location and surroundings, which make it the perfect setting for the Rastro de Navacerrada. The Rastro de Navacerrada is a special shopping experience not easily found in the neighbouring town, and the market makes the trip up the mountain (1,894 metres) more than worth it.
The Rastro de Navacerrada has become quite famous in its own right, especially among locals, but now attracts collectors from near and far. It has a growing reputation for the antiques and vintage items that the vendors have on display, and anyone with an interest in all things old and retro will love this market.
The Rastro de Navacerrada attracts over 100 vendors and is packed with a wide range of goods, from more antique and vintage finds to general second-hand goods from an empty house or garage in the area. There are random household items, crockery, old books, farm and garden tools, furniture with plenty of potential for glorious restoration, items from the Spanish Civil War, as well as goods from neighbouring countries and even further afield. The stallholders are full of knowledge about their wares and the general history of the area, so be sure to engage (and bargain) with them for the most rewarding experience.
When the market is in session, it is easy to spend a weekend in the area as there is plenty to do when all the shopping is done! Local shops also take advantage of the market's popularity and many are open on the Sunday of the market, while being closed on other weekends. This really adds to the vibrancy and bustling atmosphere of market weekends here.
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