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Shopping
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Shops in towns close for lunch between 2pm and 5pm. Supermarkets and larger 'out of town' shops open all day however. Practically nothing is open on Sundays, although '7-11' stores such as OpenCor (a Corte Ingles enterprise) do - at a price. In Andalucia’s smaller towns and villages traditional shops still flourish and you can visit the butcher, baker, and any number of other retailers to complete your shopping list. However, in larger urban areas Spain is no different from other European countries that have seen the decline of the high street in favour of the supermarket or superstore. Locals tend to buy locally produced foodstuffs from markets where prices are cheaper and produce is fresh. Most towns have a weekly market. If you are unsure where it is, ask a Spanish neighbour to show you. Large supermarkets sell fresh fish and meat. Some also stock a limited selection of products imported from other European countries. In your local supermarket expect your weekly food bill to be less if you buy local products. Meat is better value and seasonal fruit and vegetables are offered at very reasonable prices. If you choose products imported from the UK you are unlikely to save on your grocery bill. Beer, wine and spirits are a fraction of the cost of many European countries in supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Although sometimes the price of drinks seem expensive in bars, consider that the quantity of spirit is three or four times greater than a standard UK measure. If you prefer to do all of your shopping under one roof you can visit one of many shopping centres in Southern Spain. Marbella is home to La Cañada, a retail park that is guaranteed to be busy come rain or shine. You can buy almost anything here be it a shower head from Leroy Merlin, a toaster from Boulanger, a dress from Aldolfo Domingez or a tyre for your car. You can also watch a film, bowl, eat and play pool. In 2004 the Myramar Centre was opened in Fuengirola, offering a similar array of entertainment, retail and food outlets. In Malaga there is the even bigger Plaza Major that provides much more in the way of entertainment once the shopping is out of the way. Puerto Banus is another shopper’s paradise, being home to the department store, El Corte Ingles, the exclusive Marina Banús and countless designer stores. As with eating out, the cost of most products depends on where you buy them. Many Spanish people buy good value clothes from supermarkets. High street stores such as Zara are very good value and much cheaper in Spain than elsewhere in Europe. However clothes can be as expensive as you want them to be and Spain is well catered for at the top end of the market. Eating out follows the same pattern as anywhere. You can eat expensively or cheaply depending on your choice of restaurant. If you stick to tapas, seafood on the beach and the menu del dia, your meal is likely to be both good value and delicious.
Taylors (Bread, pies, deli etc. 7am to 7pm) - Alhaurin el Grande [34] 952 597 188 Recommended + BBC TV Catering Water and Drinks |