After living near the Alicante beachfront for nearly six months, I’ve finally figured out the local supermarket scene. Today I’m sharing this guide with everyone, especially for those who just arrived or are planning to visit—you might find it useful along with Alicante beachfront cuisine.
Main Supermarket Distribution in the Coastal Area
The beachfront area of Alicante actually offers plenty of supermarket options, from large chains to small neighborhood stores. I personally frequent Mercadona and Consum most often—these two basically cover all daily needs. There’s a Mercadona near Explanada de España, just a five-minute walk to the beach, open until 9:30 PM. Consum is located on the street behind Postiguet Beach, slightly smaller but well-stocked.
Price Comparison and Specialty Products
Honestly, price differences among supermarkets here aren’t huge, but each has its own characteristics. Below is my comparison of several common supermarkets:
| Supermarket Name | Price Level | Specialty |
|---|
| Mercadona | Medium | Great value store brands |
| Consum | Slightly higher | Many local products |
| Lidl | Cheap | Weekly special offers |
| Carrefour Express | Higher | 24-hour operation |
Mercadona’s store brand Hacendado is really affordable—basics like olive oil and canned goods are good quality at fair prices. I like buying seafood at Consum because they partner with local fishermen, so the fish is very fresh every morning.
Shopping Tips
Regarding shopping times, I recommend avoiding Saturday mornings and evenings when it gets particularly crowded. If you’re staying at a beachfront guesthouse or hotel near Alicante beachfront restaurants, there will definitely be 24-hour convenience stores nearby, but expect prices about 20-30% higher. Also note that many supermarkets are closed on Sundays or have reduced hours.
Bringing reusable bags is essential—plastic bags cost extra here. If you want to buy wine, Lidl has a great selection of red wines, and you can find decent local wines for just three or four euros. Don’t be like me when I first arrived and bought overpriced imported wine—Spanish local wines are perfectly good.
Living by the Alicante beachfront is quite convenient with plenty of supermarket choices and everything you need just steps away. Feel free to leave comments with any questions—I’ll reply to what I know.
