Cafe
Clandestino de Canalejas
Carrer Portugal, 16, 03003 Alicante, Spain
Clandestino de Canalejas is a charming café tucked away in the lower level of Mercado Canalejas, one of Alicante's most vibrant market spaces. This hidden gem combines the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Spanish market bar with fresh, quality offerings at excellent value. Whether you're seeking a quick coffee, a light bite, or a leisurely drink, this spot delivers a genuine local experience that keeps visitors coming back.
Located in the heart of Alicante's market district, Clandestino de Canalejas offers an ideal escape from the tourist trail. The café is well-reviewed for its friendly service, carefully selected wines and vermuts, and freshly prepared sandwiches and tapas made with quality ingredients. It's the perfect place to experience how locals eat and drink in Alicante.
Highlights
- Exceptional value for money — enjoy a caña and tapa for just €3
- Curated selection of Spanish wines and vermuts
- Fresh, quality ingredients in all dishes and drinks
- Authentic market-bar atmosphere in the heart of Mercado Canalejas
- Friendly, welcoming service from staff
- Ideal for breakfast, morning coffee, or afternoon drinks
Location
Carrer Portugal, 16, 03003 Alicante, Spain
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Tuesday: 7:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Thursday: 7:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Good to know
- Located downstairs in Mercado Canalejas — look for signage or ask market vendors for directions, as it's easy to miss at first
- Open weekday mornings and early afternoons (7:30 AM–1:30 PM); Saturdays until 5:30 PM; closed Sundays
- Perfect for budget-conscious travellers seeking authentic local flavour without inflated tourist prices
- Best visited during market hours when the energy and foot traffic are highest
- Arrive early for the best selection of fresh sandwiches and tapas
What visitors say
★★★★★“What a great Spanish experience. Great food and drinks and abundance of it. It’s in lower floor of mercado Canalejas. I went here twice and will highly recommend to everybody.”
★★★★★“very good value for money, everything is fresh and very cheap! I had a Tinto de Verano and freshly made sandwich for 6 euros! it is in a Marcado, difficult to find because it is downstairs.”
★★★★★“Bar-restaurante de mercado intentado reinventarse . Pero sus productos son d época calidad , poca cantidad y precio no a la altura . Bebidas caras. Pero actividades originales . Eso si, para tardeo enfrente de carnicerías , su olor , no es muy adecuado . Pero lo intentan .eso si . Mejorar calidad de la comida y mejorar precio en comidas y bebidas.”
★★★★★“Muy agradable sorpresa en el mercado de Canalejas de Alicante. Caña + tapa 3€, suficiente y bien seleccionado surtido de vinos y vermuts, tostadas con ingredientes al gusto y buena calidad de producto (excelente el magro con tomate). Servicio amable y cercano. Volveré.”
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Frequently asked questions
Is Clandestino de Canalejas easy to find?
The café is located in the lower level of Mercado Canalejas, which can be tricky to spot at first. Ask market staff or look for signage directing you downstairs—it's worth the hunt for the authentic experience.
What's the price range?
Very affordable. Visitors report enjoying a caña (small beer) with a tapa for around €3, and freshly made sandwiches with drinks for €6. It offers excellent value for money compared to typical tourist venues.
What time should I visit?
Open Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–1:30 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM (closed Sundays). Morning and early afternoon are ideal for experiencing the market atmosphere and enjoying fresh offerings.