Las Palmas: Shopping Destination
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the main shopping destination in the Canary Islands. With a special tax regime that keeps IGIC at 7% (compared to 21% VAT in mainland Spain), prices are notably lower than in the rest of Spain.
The city offers everything from modern shopping centres to traditional craft shops, through local markets and historic shopping areas. With more than 2,500 commercial establishments, you'll always find what you're looking for.
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Main Shopping Areas
Mesa y López
The main commercial artery of Las Palmas. A 1.2 km promenade with all types of shops.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | City centre |
| Length | 1.2 km |
| Shops | 200+ establishments |
| Hours | 10:00-21:00 (Mon-Sat) |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 1.5 km |
#### Featured Shops
- El Corte Inglés (3 buildings): Fashion, electronics, gourmet
- Zara, H&M, Mango: Fast fashion
- Springfield, Pull&Bear: Youth fashion
- Massimo Dutti: Premium fashion
- FNAC: Electronics, books, culture
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Triana
The most historic shopping area in Las Palmas. Pedestrian street with colonial architecture and charming shops.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Historic centre |
| Length | 800 metres |
| Style | Boutiques, traditional shops |
| Hours | 10:00-14:00, 17:00-20:00 |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 2 km |
#### Featured Shops
- Canarian craft shops
- Independent bookshops
- Local fashion boutiques
- Traditional jewellers
- Niche perfumeries
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Las Arenas (Shopping Centre)
The largest shopping centre in the Canary Islands with 150,000 m² and 200 shops.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Facing Las Canteras beach |
| Size | 150,000 m² |
| Shops | 200+ stores |
| Hours | 10:00-22:00 (every day) |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 400 metres |
#### Featured Shops
- Primark: Budget fashion
- MediaMarkt: Electronics
- Nike, Adidas: Sports
- Sephora: Beauty
- Apple Premium Reseller
- Hiperdino Supermarket
#### Leisure and Services
- Yelmo Cinemas: 12 screens
- Bowling: For rainy days
- Food Court: 15 restaurants
- Parking: 2,000 spaces (€1.50/hour)
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What to Buy in Las Palmas
Typical Canarian Products
| Product | Description | Guide Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ron miel | Sweet Canarian liqueur | €8-15 | Supermarkets, specialist shops |
| Canarian cheese | Aged goat cheese | €10-20/kg | Markets, gourmet shops |
| Mojo picón | Traditional sauce | €3-6 | Supermarkets |
| Gofio | Toasted Canarian flour | €2-4 | Supermarkets |
| Sal de Tenefé | Artisan sea salt | €5-10 | Specialist shops |
| Retama honey | Native honey | €8-15 | Agricultural markets |
| Agaete coffee | Unique local coffee | €15-25 | Gourmet shops |
| Aloe vera | Natural cosmetics | €5-30 | Natural shops |
| Canarian knife | Traditional craftsmanship | €30-150 | Craft shops |
| La Atalaya ceramics | Aboriginal pottery | €15-80 | Craft shops |
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Electronics and Technology
Las Palmas is a good place to buy electronics thanks to reduced IGIC:
| Product | Approximate Saving vs Mainland |
|---|---|
| iPhone | €50-100 less |
| MacBook | €100-200 less |
| Cameras | 10-15% less |
| Consoles | €30-50 less |
#### Where to Buy Electronics
- MediaMarkt (Las Arenas): Largest variety
- FNAC (Mesa y López): Premium service
- Apple Premium Reseller (Las Arenas): Apple products
- El Corte Inglés: Warranty and service
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Markets and Street Markets
Mercado del Puerto
The most popular gastronomic market in Las Palmas. Iron architecture designed by engineers from Gustave Eiffel's studio.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Calle Albareda, s/n |
| Market hours | Mon-Sat 7:00-15:00 |
| Gastro hours | Mon-Thu 11:00-00:00, Fri-Sat until 02:00 |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 800 metres |
#### What to Buy
- Canarian tropical fruits
- Artisan cheeses
- Fresh fish
- Spices and gourmet products
- Flowers
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Mercado de Vegueta
The most traditional market in Las Palmas, in the heart of the historic quarter.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | Calle Mendizábal, 1 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat 6:30-14:00 |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 2.5 km |
#### What to Buy
- Tropical fruits (papaya, mango, guava)
- Vegetables from Canarian gardens
- Gran Canaria cheeses
- Catch of the day
- Artisan bread
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San Telmo Flea Market
Sunday flea market with antiques, crafts and second-hand goods.
| Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Day | Sundays |
| Hours | 9:00-14:00 |
| Location | Parque San Telmo |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 1.5 km |
#### What to Find
- Antiques
- Vintage clothing
- Second-hand books
- Local crafts
- Collectibles
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Commercial Hours
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
| Shop Type | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbourhood shops | 9:00-10:00 | 13:30 + 17:00-20:00 |
| Shopping centres | 10:00 | 22:00 |
| El Corte Inglés | 10:00 | 21:30 |
| Supermarkets | 8:00-9:00 | 21:00-22:00 |
Sundays and Holidays
| Shop Type | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Las Arenas | 10:00 | 22:00 |
| El Muelle | 10:00 | 22:00 |
| Traditional shops | Closed | - |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are products cheaper in Las Palmas?
Yes, thanks to IGIC at 7% (compared to 21% VAT on the mainland). Savings are notable on electronics (€50-200 less on expensive products), cosmetics and premium fashion. For basic clothing, the difference is smaller.
Which shopping centre is best?
Las Arenas if you want variety (200 shops, open Sundays). El Muelle for relaxed shopping with views. Mesa y López for street shops and strolling.Are shops open on Sundays?
Shopping centres (Las Arenas, El Muelle) are open every Sunday 10:00-22:00. Traditional street shops close on Sundays.Where to buy authentic Canarian products?
At Mercado de Vegueta and Mercado del Puerto for food. In Triana for crafts. At Santa Brígida Agricultural Market on weekends for gourmet products.
When are the sales?
Winter sales: January-February (best deals). Summer sales: July-August. Black Friday: Last Friday in November.What souvenirs should I take home?
Avoid cheap typical souvenirs. Better options: ron miel (€8-15), Canarian cheese (€10-20), artisan mojo picón (€5), Tenefé salt (€8), Lanzarote wine (€15-25).
Do they accept cards everywhere?
Most shops accept cards, but some market stalls and small shops only accept cash. Always carry some cash.
Looking for a vacation rental apartment?
Casita Palmera is a licensed vacation rental apartment 50 metres from Las Canteras Beach.
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