After living in Alicante for over two years, I’ve become quite familiar with the shopping centers in Alicante. While this city doesn’t have the intense commercial atmosphere of Madrid or Barcelona, it has everything you need, and shopping in Alicante tends to be more affordable. Today I’ll share my shopping experience in Alicante, hoping it will help newcomers or those planning to visit.
Central Market and Old Town Shopping
Mercado Central is definitely one of my favorite places. Located in the old town, the building itself has a historical charm, and inside you’ll find mainly fresh produce. The seafood stalls offer an impressive variety at prices much lower than supermarkets, especially on Friday mornings when fishermen bring in the freshest catch. The fruits and vegetables are locally grown, and the tomatoes and oranges taste absolutely amazing. The market operates Monday through Saturday, usually from 7 AM to 2 PM. I recommend going in the morning as many stalls close in the afternoon.
The narrow streets of the old town hide numerous specialty shops selling handmade leather goods, ceramics, and local products. Along both sides of Explanada de España, you’ll find many souvenir shops, though prices tend to be higher - perfect for picking up small gifts to take home.
Modern Shopping Centers
El Corte Inglés is Spain’s largest department store chain, with a branch in downtown Alicante. The basement houses a supermarket, while upper floors feature clothing, cosmetics, and home goods. The brand selection is comprehensive, with frequent discount promotions, especially during the January and July sale seasons when discounts are substantial. The only downside is that it’s closed on Sundays, which is worth noting.
Panoramis Shopping Center is located in the northern part of the city, about a 15-minute drive from downtown. This newer mall features younger brands like Zara, H&M, and Mango, along with a nice food court and cinema. Parking is convenient, though it gets crowded on weekends. If you want to combine shopping with a movie and meal, this is an excellent choice for shopping in Alicante.
Supermarkets and Daily Shopping
For daily groceries, I usually go to Mercadona or Carrefour - these chain supermarkets are everywhere and reasonably priced. Mercadona’s private label products are good quality, especially their olive oil and wine which offer great value. Lidl has lower prices but a more limited selection.
| Supermarket | Price Level | Features |
|---|
| Mercadona | Medium | Quality private label |
| Carrefour | Medium-High | Wide variety |
| Lidl | Budget | Weekly special offers |
| Aldi | Budget | Mainly German brands |
Shopping Hours and Tips
Store hours in Spain differ from many countries - most shops close for a midday break, typically from 2 PM to 5 PM. Large malls and chain stores stay open continuously, but small shops generally take an afternoon siesta. On Sundays, almost all stores are closed, with only a few exceptions in tourist areas.
I made plenty of mistakes when I first arrived, but once you get the rhythm down, it’s fine. I recommend keeping a shopping list and buying everything you need on Saturday to avoid finding everything closed on Sunday when you need something. Additionally, if you’re a non-EU resident, you can claim tax refunds on purchases above a certain amount - remember to keep your receipts and process the refund at the airport.
