Want to slash your grocery bill in half? The secret lies in understanding where locals shop versus where tourists get trapped. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ranks among Spain's most expensive cities for groceries, yet smart shopping can save you hundreds of euros during your stay.
This comprehensive guide reveals every major supermarket chain, real price comparisons, and insider tips that will transform you from tourist to savvy local shopper. We've researched prices across all major islands and compiled data from Spanish consumer watchdogs to bring you the most accurate information available.
After reading this guide, you'll know exactly which supermarket to choose for different products, how to avoid tourist traps, and where to find the absolute best deals on the Canary Islands.
The Price Reality: North vs. South
The Canary Islands present a fascinating case study in geographic pricing. Research consistently shows that location dramatically impacts grocery costs, with differences of up to 40% (!) between tourist zones and local areas. Understanding this pricing geography is crucial for budget-conscious travelers and residents.
❌ Tourist Zone Price Reality
- • Southern resorts: 15-30% markup on basic goods
- • Small shops between hotels: By far highest prices targeting tourists
- • Convenience stores in resort areas: 25-40% premium
- • Limited local competition drives prices higher
- • Express format stores: significantly more expensive than full-size
Reality Check: A basic weekly shop that costs €60 in Las Palmas can easily reach €100-120 in southern resort areas.
✅ Local Area Advantages
- • Las Palmas & Northern areas: competitive local pricing
- • Strong competition between multiple chains
- • Larger store formats with better selection
- • Access to wholesale/hypermarket pricing
- • Local markets offering 20-30% savings on fresh produce
Local Insight: Spanish consumer data confirms Las Palmas as most expensive city overall, but smart shoppers can find excellent deals outside tourist zones.
🎯 The Geographic Shopping Strategy
The Golden Rule: Shop in Las Palmas / Telde / Vecindario or northern towns whenever possible. Most of Gran Canaria's bustling resorts are located in the southeast, which means the north and northwest offer genuine local pricing without tourist markups.
For longer stays, consider making a weekly trip to Las Palmas for bulk shopping, then supplementing with fresh items from local markets or northern supermarkets. The savings easily justify the transportation costs.
Transportation vs. Savings Analysis
Bus Trip to Las Palmas
€3-7
Round trip from south
Typical Savings
€20-40
Weekly shopping for 2 people
Net Benefit
€15-35
Pure savings per trip
Complete Supermarket Chain Analysis
After extensive research across all major islands, including price comparisons and analysis of Spanish consumer reports, here's the definitive ranking of supermarket chains. Each evaluation considers price, quality, selection, locations, and overall value for money.
🏆 Mercadona - The Undisputed Local Champion
Company Motto: "Precios siempre bajos" (Always low prices) - and they deliver on this promise consistently across all locations.
✅ Unbeatable Advantages:
- • Own-brand excellence: Hacendado (food), Bosque Verde (household), Deliplus (personal care)
- • Gluten-free leadership: Clear labeling on all products, no expensive "special" section
- • Fresh seafood expertise: Professional fish counter with gutting, scaling, and filleting services
- • Consistent quality: Private label products often outperform national brands
- • Efficient operations: Fast checkout despite crowds, well-trained staff
📍 Strategic Locations:
Excellent coverage throughout all islands, particularly strong in Las Palmas with multiple city center locations
💰 Price Analysis:
Consistently 15-25% cheaper than Spar
Own brands offer 40-60% savings vs. national brands
🎯 Best Shopping Strategy:
Focus on Mercadona own-brands for household essentials, cleaning products, and basic foods. Use their fresh fish counter for the best seafood deals on the islands. Stock up on their excellent Spanish wines and olive oils at unbeatable prices.
🌴 HiperDino/SuperDino - The Canarian Specialist
Local Heritage: Proudly Canarian company with 60+ locations across the islands, deeply integrated into local communities and supply chains.
✅ Distinctive Strengths:
- • Fresh produce supremacy: Unmatched variety of fruits and vegetables, often locally sourced
- • Smart shopping technology: Industry-leading app with real-time store traffic, exclusive deals
- • Convenient delivery: Free delivery for orders over €60 to most areas
- • Local product focus: Best selection of Canarian specialties and regional products
- • Extended hours: Many locations open until 10 PM, including Sundays
⚠️ Critical Warning:
Express Store Trap: HiperDino Express locations are significantly more expensive than regular SuperDino stores - sometimes 20-30% higher for identical products.
Always choose full-size SuperDino over Express format!
📱 Technology Advantage:
Download their app for exclusive offers, real-time store occupancy levels, and the ability to connect to free Wi-Fi. The app is available in English and offers features unavailable to non-users.
🇩🇪 Lidl - The Discount Specialist
✅ Unique Advantages:
- • Rotating specials: Weekly promotions on electronics, household goods, and clothing
- • Exceptional bakery: Fresh bread, pastries, and German-style baked goods daily
- • Quality own-brands: German engineering applied to food products
- • Budget-friendly pricing: Ideal for families looking to maximize savings
- • International selection: Good variety of European products
📍 Limited Availability:
11 stores in Gran Canaria, fewer locations on other islands compared to major competitors
🎯 Best Use Strategy:
Perfect for weekly special purchases and fresh bakery items. Complement your main shopping at other chains. Often open on Sundays.
💰 Alcampo - The Hidden Value Giant
Insider Secret: Located in Telde (Gran Canaria only) between Las Palmas and the airport in La Estrella shopping area. Despite having only one location, locals consistently rate it as one of the best supermarkets on the island.
✅ Hypermarket Advantages:
- • Unmatched selection: Clothes, electronics, furniture, plus full grocery range
- • Bulk pricing: Best deals for large families or extended stays
- • Premium fresh sections: Excellent meat, fish, and produce departments
- • Consumer research verified: Confirmed as cheapest option in Las Palmas province
- • One-stop convenience: Everything you need in a single location
❌ Accessibility Challenges:
Not really accessible via Public Transport, requires car rental or taxi, but savings often justify transportation costs.
⏰ Timing Tips:
Very busy on weekends - visit weekday mornings for best experience and freshest selection
❌ Spar - The Convenient But Costly Choice
Price Reality Check: Consistently rated as having non-competitive prices. Research shows 20-30% higher costs compared to Mercadona for identical products, with some items showing even larger markups.
🤷 Limited Appropriate Uses:
- • Tourist area convenience: When other options aren't available
- • International brands: Best selection of British and European products
- • Emergency shopping: Late hours when other stores are closed
- • Familiar products: Robertson's marmalade, Barry's Tea, Sarson's vinegar
❌ Avoid For Regular Shopping:
Consumer satisfaction surveys rank Spar among the lowest for value and overall experience
The convenience factor comes at a significant premium that adds up quickly
💡 Smart Spar Strategy:
If you must shop at Spar, focus only on international products unavailable elsewhere. Buy basics like water, bread, and local products from other chains to minimize the cost impact.
🛍️ Other Notable Chains
Carrefour
Three locations on Gran Canaria in major shopping centers
- • Good international product selection
- • French wines and cheeses
- • Mid-range pricing
- • One-stop shopping convenience
Aldi
Limited locations (3 stores in Gran Canaria), main store in Vecindario
- • Competitive pricing on basics
- • French discount model
- • Strategic expansion planned
El Corte Inglés/Hipercor/Supercor
Premium positioning with prices to match
- • High-quality products and presentation
- • Excellent wine selection
- • Premium meat and seafood
- • Significantly more expensive than alternatives
Local Reality: "Gran Canarian locals have said 'no!' and hardly visit them" due to high prices. But if you are a Gourmet, that is your place to go.
Strategic Product-by-Product Shopping Guide
Maximize your savings and quality by shopping strategically across different chains. Each supermarket has distinct strengths - here's how to leverage them for optimal results.
🥬 Fresh Produce Excellence
Winner: HiperDino
Impressive variety beats all other supermarkets, often locally sourced
Quality Alternative: Mercadona
Consistent quality, competitive prices, reliable selection
Budget Option: Local Markets
Mercado Central (Las Palmas): 20-30% cheaper, ultra-fresh
Avoid: Spar
Limited selection, significantly higher prices
🐟 Fresh Fish & Seafood
Unbeatable: Mercadona
Professional service: gutted, scaled, filleted on request
Strong Alternative: HiperDino
Good deli counter with price comparison displays
Premium Choice: El Corte Inglés
Highest quality, premium pricing
Pro Tip: Mercadona's fish counter service sets them apart - they'll prepare fish exactly how you want it at no extra charge.
🍞 Bakery & Fresh Bread
Outstanding: Lidl
"Fabulous bakery section" - German-style baking excellence
Good Choice: HiperDino
Fresh daily baking, convenient hours until 10 PM
Solid Option: Mercadona
Good quality at competitive prices
Timing Tip: Visit early morning for warmest, freshest bread at all chains. Bread in general is still not Canaries strongest suit, so manage your expectations.
🏠 Household Basics & Cleaning
Unbeatable Value: Mercadona
Bosque Verde brand: excellent quality at 40-60% savings
German Quality: Lidl
Own-brand household products with German engineering
Bulk Savings: Alcampo
Best for large quantities, hypermarket pricing
Quality Insight: Mercadona's Bosque Verde products often outperform national brands at half the price.
🌍 International Products
Best Selection: Spar
Robertson's marmalade, Barry's Tea, British brands (at premium)
French Focus: Carrefour
French wines, cheeses, international food section
Tourist-Friendly: HiperDino
Far better international selection than Mercadona, reasonable prices
Cost Strategy: Buy international items sparingly and focus on excellent local alternatives.
🍷 Wine & Alcohol
Best Value: Mercadona
Large bottles ~€9, excellent local wines ~€5
Premium Selection: El Corte Inglés
Exceptional wine range at the Club de Gourmets, higher prices
Good Variety: HiperDino
Decent selection, competitive pricing
Tourist Pricing: Spar
25-40% markup - avoid for regular purchases
Price Comparison: Supermarket bottles €5-9 vs. restaurant prices €15+ for the same wine.
🎯 Strategic Shopping Route
Weekly Big Shop
- Mercadona: Household basics, own-brand products
- HiperDino: Fresh produce, local specialties
- Lidl: Bakery items, weekly specials
Quick Top-Ups
- Local markets: Ultra-fresh produce
- Nearest quality chain: Immediate needs
- Spar: Only for emergency international items
Island-by-Island Shopping Strategies
Each Canary Island presents unique shopping opportunities and challenges. Understanding the local retail landscape helps you find the best deals and avoid tourist traps on every island.
🏝️ Gran Canaria - The Shopping Paradise
✅ Las Palmas (Optimal Pricing Zone)
- • Alcampo: Absolute best prices, one location in Telde
- • Multiple Mercadona: City center convenience
- • Mercado Central: Calle Galicia - fresh produce savings
- • Competitive environment: Best chain variety drives prices down
🏖️ South (Tourist Tax Zone)
- • Dinosol: 27.9% market share, tourist-focused pricing
- • Mercadona: 20.4% market share, best value in south
- • Tourist markup: 15-30% higher than Las Palmas
💡 Optimal Gran Canaria Strategy
Weekly Route: Las Palmas for bulk shopping, supplement in the south for fresh items only.
Transportation: Bus from south to Las Palmas costs €3-7 round trip but saves €20-40 on weekly shopping.
Timing: Combine Las Palmas shopping with sightseeing for maximum value.
Local Insider Tip: Gran Canaria offers the best shopping infrastructure in the Canaries. Use it as your base for stocking up before visiting other islands.
🌋 Tenerife - The Divided Island
✅ Santa Cruz/North (Local Pricing)
- • HiperDino advantage: Consumer watchdog confirmed cheapest
- • Full selection: All major chains represented
- • Local competition: Drives prices down
- • Cultural bonus: Authentic Canarian shopping experience
🏖️ South (Resort Pricing)
- • Costa Adeje/Los Cristianos: Tourist markup applies
- • Limited options: Fewer competing chains
- • Convenience premium: Pay more for location
🚗 Tenerife Transport Strategy
Extensive bus network: Covers whole island efficiently and affordably.
Tram system: Connects north to south, useful for shopping trips.
24-hour passes: Just €10 for unlimited travel.
Tenerife Advantage: Excellent public transport makes it easy to shop in cheaper northern areas even when staying in the south.
🌵 Lanzarote - The Efficient Option
🏛️ Arrecife (Island Capital)
- • Best selection: All major chains represented
- • Competitive pricing: Local market dynamics
- • Central location: Easy access from anywhere on island
🏖️ Tourist Areas
- • Limited options: Fewer competing stores
- • Higher prices: Tourist-focused pricing
- • Convenience factor: Sometimes only option
🚌 Lanzarote Transport Tip
Strategic Advantage: Take the bus to Puerto del Carmen bus station - it's right next to Lidl.
Efficiency Note: Lanzarote's compact size makes shopping trips between areas practical.
Lanzarote Reality: Generally more expensive than Tenerife due to smaller market size, but smart shopping still yields significant savings.
🏖️ Fuerteventura - The Remote Challenge
🏛️ Puerto del Rosario
- • Main hub: Best variety and selection
- • All major chains: Mercadona, Lidl, HiperDino represented
- • Island's best prices: Most competitive environment
🏄 Corralejo
- • Good choice: Multiple supermarket options
- • Tourist influence: Slightly higher prices
- • Convenience factor: Accessible from most accommodations
💰 Fuerteventura Budget Reality
Price Level: Generally more expensive than Tenerife across all categories.
Strategy: Stock up on non-perishables in Gran Canaria or Tenerife if island-hopping.
Fresh Focus: Buy fresh items locally, basics elsewhere when possible.
Island-Hopping Tip: If visiting multiple islands, use larger islands (Gran Canaria/Tenerife) for major shopping before moving to smaller, more expensive islands.
Advanced Money-Saving Strategies
⏰ Strategic Timing
- Best shopping times: Weekday mornings for freshest produce and smallest crowds
- Avoid weekend crowds: Alcampo particularly busy on weekends
- Evening markdowns: Some stores reduce fresh items after 8 PM
- Weekly specials: Lidl rotates major promotions weekly
- Monthly patterns: Best deals often at month's end
🚫 Avoiding Tourist Traps
Express Store Trap
HiperDino Express stores cost 20-30% more than regular SuperDino locations
Resort Area Markup
Small tiendas between hotels target tourists with 15-40% higher prices
Convenience Premium
Always choose full-size stores over convenient but expensive alternatives
🏪 Market Alternatives
Mercado Central (Las Palmas): Located on Calle Galicia, south of Mesa y Lopez
- • Fresh produce 20-30% cheaper than supermarkets
- • Ultra-fresh local products
- • Some stalls offer home delivery
- • Ground floor: coffee, fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, fish
Mercado del Puerto: North end of Las Canteras beach
- • Mix of food stalls and local vendors
- • Good for tapas and local specialties
📱 Technology Advantages
HiperDino App Features:
- • Real-time store occupancy levels
- • Free Wi-Fi connection
- • Exclusive app-only coupons and deals
- • Online ordering capability
- • Available in English
- • Still pay with cash at checkout
Pro Tip: Some special offers only available for app users
🚌 Transportation Economics
Public Transport Efficiency:
- • Generally cheapest way to get around Canaries
- • Bus + big shop more economical than multiple taxi trips
- • Tenerife: 24-hour unlimited passes €10
- • Gran Canaria: Bus to/from airport €3.50
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- • Transport cost: €3-7 round trip
- • Typical savings: €20-40 per shopping trip
- • Net benefit: €15-35 pure savings
🏠 Self-Catering Strategy
Maximum Savings Approach:
- • Grocery store breakfasts and lunches daily
- • Restaurant dinners for cultural experience
- • Beach picnics with supermarket supplies
- • Local wine/beer from supermarkets vs. restaurant markups
Potential savings: €400-600 per week for families vs. full restaurant dining
🎯 The Ultimate Shopping System
Week 1: Setup
- Download HiperDino app
- Locate nearest Mercadona
- Plan Las Palmas shopping trip
- Stock up on non-perishables
Ongoing Strategy
- Weekly bulk shop in cheap areas
- Daily fresh items locally
- Use markets for produce
- Avoid tourist trap stores
Advanced Tactics
- Time visits for markdowns
- Combine shopping with sightseeing
- Use public transport strategically
- Track spending vs. savings
Comprehensive Budget Planning
Weekly Food Budget for 2 People
Tourist Shopping
(Spar/convenience stores)
€120-150
- • Shopping in resort areas
- • Convenience store pricing
- • International brand premium
- • No price comparison
Mixed Strategy
(Mercadona + HiperDino)
€80-100
- • Smart chain selection
- • Some tourist area shopping
- • Good balance of convenience/savings
- • Strategic product choices
Local Pro Strategy
(Alcampo + markets + planning)
€60-80
- • Shopping like locals
- • Using markets and bulk buying
- • Transport planning included
- • Maximum savings achieved
Extended Stay Budgets (1 Month)
Monthly Savings Potential: €160-360 by shopping smart
Family Budget (4 People)
Family Vacation Savings: €80-180 per week with smart shopping
💰 Total Vacation Impact
Two-Week Family Vacation
- • Tourist approach: €480-600 total
- • Smart shopping: €240-320 total
- • Savings: €240-280
- • Enough for: 2-3 nice restaurant meals or activities
One-Month Stay
- • Tourist approach: €480-600 total
- • Smart shopping: €240-320 total
- • Savings: €160-360
- • Enough for: Car rental for multiple days
Smart shopping can save families €400-600 per week compared to tourist restaurants and convenience stores
Quick Reference & Summary
Chain Quick Reference
Emergency Contact Info
HiperDino Delivery:
Free over €60, check app for availability
Mercado Central:
Calle Galicia, Las Palmas (fresh produce)
Alcampo Location:
La Estrella, Telde (near airport)
Bus Info:
Most islands: €3-7 round trip to capitals
Opening Hours:
Most chains: 8 AM - 10 PM daily
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do supermarkets deliver to tourist accommodations?
A: Yes! HiperDino offers free delivery for orders over €60 to most areas. Some Mercadona locations also provide delivery service. Use their apps to check availability for your specific location.
Q: What are typical opening hours across the islands?
A: Most supermarkets open 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM daily, including Sundays (Exception Mercadona). HiperDino locations often maintain these extended hours in tourist areas. Some smaller stores may close earlier on Sundays.
Q: Can I use contactless payment and credit cards?
A: Absolutely, yes, all major supermarkets accept contactless payments and credit cards. I cannot remember paying in cash for years now
Q: Where can I find British and international products?
A: Spar has the best selection of British products (Robertson's marmalade, Barry's Tea, Sarson's vinegar) but at premium prices. Carrefour offers French products and some international items. For budget alternatives, check HiperDino for basic international selections.
Q: How much can I realistically save with smart shopping?
A: Families can save €400-600 per week compared to tourist restaurants and convenience stores. Even modest smart shopping (avoiding Spar, shopping in Las Palmas occasionally) can save €20-40 per week for a couple.
Q: Is it worth traveling to Las Palmas just for shopping?
A: It can be, yes! Transport costs €5-7 round trip, but typical savings are €20-40 for weekly shopping. Combine the trip with sightseeing in Las Palmas for maximum value. The historic quarter and Las Canteras beach make excellent additions to shopping trips.