Over one hundred and seventy artisan stalls along the popular La Libertad Walk in Torrevieja have lowered their shutters, ending a long-standing chapter as they await relocation. The Torrevieja Town Council has plans to remodel this public space, with aims for completion in summer two thousand twenty-six. However, many vendors express uncertainty regarding the timeline, citing significant delays in related projects.

The renovation will involve the construction of a new underground sewage pumping station and improvements to the fairground. As a result, these stalls, often referred to as ‘hippie’ stalls, will temporarily relocate to the greenway at the beginning of Avenida de la Estación before Easter. Despite the planned move, some vendors have raised concerns about the chosen site, as earlier proposals faced rejection.

Vendors, some of whom have been operating for over four decades, are reminiscing about their time at La Libertad Walk as they clear out their wooden stalls. The town’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, has assured that all vendors will return post-remodelling, although some fears persist about their future distribution along the waterfront.

The artisans depend heavily on this business, which is a sustainable livelihood for over one hundred families year-round. While the council hopes to reduce the number of stalls from the current one hundred and seventy to just over one hundred, the artisans remain committed to maintaining the quality craftsmanship that defines their presence in Torrevieja.