Shopping in Tenerife - from upmarket stores to street markets

In these pages, I'll try and give you full information on all different types of shopping in tenerife - from "superstores" and hypermarkets down to street markets. Please remember that, as a typical male, "shopping" is not exactly my first love, but I'll do my best.

COMMERICAL CENTRES

There are several, quite famous, shopping complexes on the island.

Carrefour

For many years known as "Continente", this commercial centre was taken over by a French company and given its new name. It is found just south of Santa Cruz, off the main TF-1 motorway. It has shops, eating places and a hypermarket.

Al Campo

Over near Puerto de la Cruz, you will find another well-known shopping mall, "Al Campo". This also stocks an unbelievable range of goods, with a variety of shops, food emporia and the obligatory hypermarket.

IKEA

Situated up north, a typical Ikea store, such as you would find anywhere else in the world, but handy for household items.

HYPERMARKETS

Hiperdino Las Chafiras

"Dinosol" is a trade name for this Spanish supermarket chain and the hypermarket version, "Hiperdino" has a major presence in Tenerife, there being some 46 stores scattered about the island. I've singled out the one at Las Chafiras because it's one I've visited many times.

Mercadona

Another hypermarket chain, this company has 26 stores throughout the island.

Netto

Just in case you don't know, the Netto chain of supermarkets is owned by the aforementioned "Dinosol".

Spar

Now we're getting into familiar territory! There are some 37 Spar supermarkets dotted about the island of Tenerife.

Hipertrebol

Quite a big Spanish supremarket chain, but, according to the Spanish Yellow Pages, there are only two in Tenerife: one in Los Cristianos, the other in Puerto de la Cruz. Still, worth a mention, eh?

SHOPPING CENTRES

El Corte Ingles

A famous store in the centre of Santa Cruz offering a complete range of upmarket products.

Plaza del Duque

A sophisticated shopping mall in the Adeje area in the south, featuring not only brand name shops, but also fine restaurants.

MARKETS

For more casual shopping in Tenerife, there are the following:

Mercado Nuestra Señora de Africa

The market of Our Lady of Africa is a fixed market situated in Santa Cruz. It consists of a large, traditional market, numerous shops and a commercial centre.

Mercado de La Laguna

Situated in the Plaza del Cristo, La Laguna, this market sells the usual products, such as fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. Especially noteworthy is the flower section. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, there is an Agricultural Market.

Mercado del Agricultor de Tacoronte

Operating since 1980, this market offers the chance for local farmers to sell their produce directly to the public. You find the usual things - fruit, vegetables and fish - together with some homemade goods such as cheese and honey. Local wine is also available for purchase.

Open at weekends from 9am till 2pm.

STREET MARKETS

The ultimate in no-frills shopping in Tenerife, these various street markets are operated by a company called Baratillo Los Verdes. They have several throughout the island, opening on different days of the week.

Mercadillo de Alcala

Open Mondays, 9am-2pm.

Mercadillo de Los Abrigos

A night market, open Tuesdays from 6pm-10pm.

Mercadillo de Playa San Juan

Situated in Guia de Isora, open Wednesdays, 9am-2pm.

Mercadillo de Torviscas

Found in the Centro Costas, open Thursdays and Saturdays, 9am-2pm.

Mercadillo de Los Cristianos

Next to the Arona Gran hotel, open Sundays, 9am-2pm.

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