Barcelona markets are 'super'

It's a statistic that seems incredible to residents of the United States: the majority of fruit, vegetables and fish purchased in Barcelona comes from the more than 40 public markets scattered throughout the city, not from big-box "supermarkets." The system supports 8,000 vendors and accounts for $1 billion in sales to 65 million visitors each year.

Shoppers check out hams and other products in La Concepcio market, in l'Eixample Dreta.

According to the Project for Public Spaces, Barcelona's markets have important social value, as well, and are ranked as the second most valuable public service after libraries. That is recognition that the city's emphasis on making markets accessible throughout the city is working. Read more about Barcelona's market program here. Placed to be within easy reach of any address in the city, markets also assure that fresh food is available to all economic classes and not just to the wealthy.

With a wide variety of meats, fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as sweets and even sit-down restaurants under roof, the markets are more than just places to dash in and grab the ingredients for dinner, they are welcoming and comfortable spots to stroll with friends or alone, gawking at the merchandise and perhaps enjoying some tapas and a drink.

Some of them also are attractive on the outside.

Architects added a colorful, undulating roof to Santa Caterina market in La Ribera, near El Born.

I'm looking forward to the reopening of the Sant Antoni market, which has been closed for several years for renovations that were stalled by the financial crisis and the discovery of archaeological remains from the city's Medieval period. This one is larger than the better-known La Boqueria near Las Ramblas, and much less frequented by tourists. Since it closed there's been a market tent close by and the Sunday book market continues.

Mercat de Sant Antoni has been closed for several years. Plans are to reopen it in 2016.

You can read more about the markets of Barcelona - food and otherwise - on the Mercats de Barcelona website, where you'll also find a description of each market and a locator map.

This affordable one bedroom apartment is between the La Concepcio and El Ninot markets, and if you'd rather eat out, it's right off the Rambla de Catalunya dining boulevard.

Bring back the ingredients and whip up a healthy, tasty meal in the kitchen of the Arago 1 bedroom apartment.

See more of the apartments we can offer in Barcelona and Paris at www.likelivingthere.com.