Your Guide to Grocery Shopping

The Costa del Sol offers a fantastic variety of supermarkets to suit every taste, budget, and dietary need. From large Spanish hypermarkets with incredible fresh fish counters to German discounters and shops specializing in international goods, you'll find everything you need. This guide covers the main players to help you navigate your weekly shop like a local.

The Main Supermarket Chains

Mercadona

The undisputed king of Spanish supermarkets. Known for its excellent own-brand products (Hacendado), fresh produce, and fantastic fish and meat counters. A reliable choice for everyday shopping.

Best for: Quality own-brand products

Carrefour

This French hypermarket giant offers an enormous range of products, from groceries to electronics and clothing. Their larger stores have extensive international food sections.

Best for: One-stop shopping & variety

Lidl

A German discount chain famous for its weekly non-food specials ("Lidl Surprises"), excellent bakery, and growing range of organic and international products at low prices.

Best for: Value & weekly deals

Aldi

Another German discounter offering a curated selection of high-quality products at competitive prices. Strong focus on own-brand goods and an expanding organic range.

Best for: Budget-friendly quality

El Corte Inglés

The supermarket section of Spain's premium department store (including Hipercor). Offers high-quality produce, gourmet items, and a superb selection of international brands.

Best for: Gourmet & high-end products

Dia

A Spanish discount chain with many smaller, convenient locations. Great for quick top-up shops and known for its loyalty card discounts (Club Dia).

Best for: Convenience & discounts

Alcampo

Owned by the French group Auchan, Alcampo hypermarkets are known for their vast selection and competitive pricing, especially on bulk items. Often located in commercial centers.

Best for: Bulk buying & low prices

MAS

An Andalusian chain with a strong focus on local and fresh products. They have a great selection of regional specialties, fresh bread, and high-quality fruit and vegetables.

Best for: Local & fresh Andalusian produce

Consum

A cooperative supermarket chain popular for its good balance of quality and price. It has a wide range of products, including a strong own-brand selection and fresh counters.

Best for: All-round quality and value

Iceland/Overseas

The go-to supermarket for British expats. Stocks a huge range of products from UK brands like Waitrose, Iceland, and Tesco, from frozen goods to fresh milk and biscuits.

Best for: British & Irish products

Herbolario Navarro

Not just a herbalist, but a full-fledged organic supermarket offering a wide range of ecological products, vegan options, supplements, and fresh organic produce.

Best for: Organic, vegan & health foods

Local Markets

For the freshest experience, visit the municipal markets (mercados) in towns like Marbella or Málaga. Find the best seasonal fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and local cheeses.

Best for: The freshest seasonal produce

Conclusion

With such a diverse array of supermarkets, grocery shopping on the Costa del Sol is a pleasure. You can easily stick to a budget, find specialty items from your home country, or explore the rich culinary traditions of Andalusia. After a busy day of shopping and unpacking, let Sparkling Homes Marbella handle the cleaning. We ensure your home is a spotless sanctuary, giving you more time to enjoy the delicious food and fantastic lifestyle this coast has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Most large supermarkets like Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl are open continuously from Monday to Saturday, typically from 9:00 or 9:30 until 21:30 or 22:00. They do not close for a siesta.

Generally, large supermarkets are closed on Sundays. However, in designated tourist areas and during peak season (like summer and Christmas), many are allowed to open. Smaller convenience stores (often run by individuals) are usually open on Sundays.

For British products, Iceland/Overseas is unbeatable. For a broader international selection (including Asian, South American, and other European foods), the larger Carrefour and El Corte Inglés hypermarkets have excellent dedicated sections.