Source: Tony Hisgett
Need some retail therapy? Las Palmas in the Canary Islands is home to some of Spain’s best shopping. Catering to locals as well as seasonal tourists, Las Palmas boasts amazing open air shopping centres, beachfront boutiques and one of the island’s largest malls.
It’s important to remember that most shops in Las Palmas close on Sundays and many small business owners close for lunch and a siesta in the afternoons so make sure you plan your shopping trip accordingly!
1. Las Arenas Centro Comercial
Las Arenas is your place to find everything under one roof. Featuring over 100 stores including big name brands such as H&M, Primark, Adidas, Zara, and Guess, Las Arenas is the perfect place for a full day shopping spree. When you’re tired of shopping make sure to take advantage of the centre’s many food outlets, including cheap beer and traditional Spanish tapas at Cerveceria la Sureña.
Information
- Name: Las Arenas
- Address: Ctra. del Rincón, s/n, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 9am – 1am, Friday – Saturday 9am- 3am, Sunday 10am – 1am
2. Avenida Mesa y Lopez
Avenida Mesa y Lopez is the most well-known shopping street in Las Palmas. This tree lined avenue is perfect for people watching and enjoying the warm weather while snapping up a bargain. The avenue features an eclectic mix of well-known stores, including Spain’s largest department store El Corte Ingles, tiny family owned boutiques, and el fresco bars and restaurants. Special events such as art exhibits, sports displays, and kids’ activities are held frequently.
Information:
- Name: Avenida Mesa y Lopez
- Address: Av. José Mesa y López, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Small shops may close for lunch and siesta.
3. Mercado Central
With over 100 stalls, Mercado Central is Las Palmas’s biggest fresh food market. Early birds can enjoy a morning selecting the island’s freshest local produce to prepare lunch, Spain’s biggest meal of the day, before retiring for a well-earned siesta. Few stall holders speak English so this is the perfect place to practice your Spanish and live like a local Canarian.
Information
- Name: Mercado Central
- Address: Calle Galicia, 24 35006 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 7am – 2pm
4. Mercado de Vegueta
Source: Canary Islands Photos – UNFILTERED
If you like a bit of history with your shopping look no further than Mercado de Vegueta in the island’s historic quarter. Built in the mid-19th Century, the Vegueta market building is jam packed with local market stalls selling fresh produce. Make it a half day trip by visiting the area’s historic cathedral and enjoy the bars and restaurants on the cobblestone streets that surround the market.
Information
- Name: Mercado de Vegueta
- Address: Calle de Mendizábal, 1, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
- Opening hours:Monday – Thursday 6:30am – 2pm, Fri day – Saturday 6:30am – 3pm, Closed Sundays
5. Triana barrio
Source: El Coleccionista de Instantes Fotografía & Video
Voted Spain’s best outdoor shopping mall in 2013, the Triana area is much more than its main shopping street, Calle Mayor de Triana. The neighbourhood is the island’s second oldest barrio and famed for its quirky side streets as much as its main shopping street. Calle Mayor de Triana is closed to traffic and boasts a range of shops, cafes, bar and restaurants to suit every taste. Don’t forget to wander down the cobblestone side streets to check out hidden boutiques and bars frequented by the locals.
Information
- Name: Triana
- Address: Calle Reyes Católicos, 35, 35001 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
6. Las Terrazas
Located on the coast between Las Palmas and the airport, Las Terrazas is discount shopping heaven. Take advantage of factory outlet prices of up to 70 percent off on big brand labels plus huge discounts at German superstore Media Markt. If the kids don’t appreciate shopping as much as you do, drop them off at the centre’s bowling alley and indoor go kart track or take a break and enjoy the free monthly performances at the 600 seat outdoor theatre.
Information
- Name: Las Terrazas
- Address: Autovía GC-1, Km 5.5, 35220 Telde, Las Palmas
- Opening hours: Shops and Hypermarket: Mon – Sat 10am – 10pm, Restaurants and everything else: Mon – Sun 10am – 2am
7. El Corte Inglés
You’ll find three El Corte Ingles, Spain’s largest department store, in Las Palmas. With a wide range of homewares, clothing and electronics the store has everything you could possibly need. The best part about El Corte Ingles is that they deliver outside of Spain so if you find something amazing that’s too big to fit in your luggage or that you just can’t find at home, you can order online. They even have an English website and English speaking customer service representatives to provide the perfect shopping experience.
Have a good trip and travel!
