Mercadona and Lidl are usually the cheapest supermarkets for a weekly shop in the Canary Islands, while HiperDino, the local Canarian chain, has the most stores and the best range of local products. Many long-stayers combine one of the cheaper chains with a local market for fruit, vegetables and fish.
The main supermarkets compared
| Supermarket | Price level | Strengths | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercadona | Low | Own-brand quality, fresh bakery | Fewer international brands |
| Lidl | Low | Good value, some UK and German products | Smaller range |
| HiperDino | Medium | Many stores, local products, delivery | Prices vary by store |
| Spar | Medium-high | Convenient resort locations | Dearer for a big shop |
| Alcampo and Carrefour | Low-medium | Large hypermarkets | Usually out of town |
Local markets
Weekly farmers’ markets (mercadillos del agricultor) sell local tomatoes, papayas, avocados, potatoes and cheese at good prices. Covered markets such as Vegueta in Las Palmas and Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz are excellent.
What is cheap and what is not
- Cheap: local fruit and vegetables, bananas, wine, bread, fresh fish, coffee.
- Dearer: imported brands, British specialities, some dairy products.
Money-saving tips
- Buy own-brand products at Mercadona and Lidl.
- Shop at the farmers’ market for produce.
- Use supermarket loyalty apps.
- Avoid convenience stores on the seafront for big shops.
Our verdict
A weekly shop at Mercadona or Lidl plus the local market gives the best value. See our monthly budgets.