Shopping in Lanzarote

Shopping on Lanzarote has come a long way over the years. I remember when the choices were mostly small souvenir shops in the resorts and just one main street in Arrecife. These days, the island offers a wonderful mix of modern shopping centres, open air malls and stylish designer outlets that could easily belong on the Spanish mainland. Whether you are after the latest fashion, unique local crafts, electronics, homewares, a splash of luxury or just a well-stocked supermarket for your apartment, you will find it all here now.

From the modern Open Mall and Deiland Plaza near the airport, to the well-loved Biosfera Shopping Centre in Puerto del Carmen, the charming boutiques at Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca, and the traditional streets of Arrecife, there is something for everyone. The weekly markets in Teguise and other towns are a real treat too, perfect for picking up a special item or soaking up the local atmosphere. Whether you are looking to fill a rainy afternoon, enjoy a leisurely browse between beach trips, or plan a dedicated shopping day, Lanzarote has plenty to offer. I have put together this guide to help you find the best spots, whatever you are searching for.

Open Mall is Lanzarote’s latest and most impressive shopping destination, and it’s just a short drive from the airport, right on the main road between Arrecife and Puerto del Carmen. For those of us who remember when a big shopping trip meant a ferry to Gran Canaria or even a flight to the mainland, this place feels like a real step forward for the island. The open-air layout makes the most of our wonderful Lanzarote weather, with broad pedestrian streets, shaded walkways and plenty of greenery linking together a good mix of familiar Spanish and international shops.

You’ll find all the big names here, from Zara and Mango to H&M, Pull&Bear, Adidas and Nike, along with shops for homewares, electronics, and a good choice of cafés and restaurants when you need a break. The whole centre has been designed with comfort in mind, so it’s easy to wander at your own pace, with lots of places to sit and a layout that’s simple to get around. One thing I really appreciate is the free and plentiful parking, which is a real bonus compared to the usual hunt for a space in Arrecife. Its location makes it handy whether you’re heading to or from the airport, or just fancy a dedicated shopping trip from any of the main resorts.

If you’re visiting from the UK or northern Europe, you’ll probably notice that prices at the Spanish high street stores are often quite a bit lower than back home, especially for clothes and shoes. The lower sales tax here in the Canaries helps keep things even more affordable. Open Mall is a great spot if you need to pick up something you forgot to pack, replace a holiday essential, or just fancy treating yourself to a bargain or two. The centre is open every day, usually from 10 in the morning until 10 at night, and some of the restaurants stay open even later if you want to linger over dinner.

Deiland Plaza can be found in Playa Honda, near the main road to the airport, and has long been a favourite spot for both shopping and relaxing. The centre is spacious and brings together a good mix of fashion stores, homeware shops, electronics, and a large supermarket, all under one roof. There is also a lively food court with plenty of choice, making it easy to find something to suit every taste.

What sets Deiland apart is its entertainment. The multi-screen cinema is a real bonus, showing films in both Spanish and English, so you can catch the latest releases without missing out. There is also a bowling alley and play areas for children, which means you can easily spend a relaxed afternoon here, not just pop in for a quick shop. The food court has grown over the years, and now offers everything from a quick snack to a leisurely meal.

Deiland is a place where locals and visitors mix, which gives it a genuine Lanzarote feel that you do not always find in the resort centres. The prices are sensible, and the choice of shops is wider than you will see in any one resort. The big supermarket is especially handy if you are staying in self-catering accommodation and want to stock up at local prices. There is plenty of free parking, and getting here is straightforward from anywhere on the island. From Puerto del Carmen it is about a ten-minute drive, and from Playa Blanca you can be here in around twenty-five minutes.

The Biosfera Shopping Centre has long been the go-to place for shopping in Puerto del Carmen, and it is still the most convenient choice for anyone staying in the resort. You will find it at the eastern end of Playa Grande beach, right on the seafront, so it is perfectly placed for combining a little retail therapy with a morning on the sand or a gentle afternoon walk along the Avenida.

Spread over several floors, Biosfera offers a good mix of fashion brands, accessory shops, souvenir stores, a handy pharmacy, mobile phone shops, a large supermarket and plenty of cafes and restaurants. There is even an indoor bowling alley and a cinema, which come in handy on the rare rainy day or for a relaxed evening out. The rooftop terrace is a favourite spot for lunch, with restaurants looking out over the beach and the ocean. The centre has a more traditional feel than the newer Open Mall or Deiland, with a blend of international shops for visitors and a few useful local retailers as well.

If you are staying in the heart of Puerto del Carmen, the supermarket in Biosfera is well stocked and makes everyday shopping easy. The pharmacy is helpful too, as many common medications can be picked up without a prescription. You will also find excursion desks for booking day trips and activities, along with shops selling mobile phone accessories, beachwear, jewellery and, of course, plenty of souvenirs. Biosfera may not be the island’s most glamorous shopping centre, but its location, convenience and variety of services make it a real part of daily life in Puerto del Carmen.

Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca is a world away from the usual malls and commercial centres you might find elsewhere on the island. Here, shopping feels like a pleasure rather than a chore, with a handpicked selection of independent shops, galleries and designer stores dotted along the marina’s waterfront. The focus is very much on quality, not quantity, with everything from handmade jewellery and designer clothing to artisan homewares, nautical gifts, premium cosmetics and unique local products on offer.

The art galleries here are a real highlight, and I always recommend taking a look, even if you’re just browsing. Many of the pieces—paintings, sculptures, ceramics and photography—are inspired by Lanzarote’s volcanic scenery and sweeping ocean views. The standard is often surprisingly high, and it’s a pleasure just to wander through and soak up the creativity. You’ll also find shops specialising in Canarian treasures, from volcanic skincare and aloe vera products to local wines from La Geria and delicious artisan foods.

On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the Rubicon Market brings a special buzz to the marina. It’s one of my favourite markets on the island, with stalls offering everything from handmade leather goods and silver jewellery to woven textiles, scented candles, natural soaps, local cheeses, honey, cactus jams and wine. There’s a lovely mix of local and international crafts, and the whole market has a relaxed, upmarket atmosphere that feels a world apart from the busier, more touristy Teguise Sunday market. Taking a leisurely stroll among the stalls, coffee in hand from one of the marina’s cafes, is a wonderful way to start the day.

If you are keen to do some proper shopping during your stay, Arrecife is the place to go. As the island’s capital, it offers the broadest selection of shops and a truly authentic Spanish shopping experience. Calle Real, known officially as Calle Leon y Castillo, is the city’s main pedestrian street and a favourite with locals. Here you will find everything from well-known Spanish high street names to independent boutiques, shoe shops, department stores, perfumeries and electronics stores – all the variety you would expect from a busy Canarian city.

One of the main reasons we recommend shopping in Arrecife rather than the resort centres is the choice and the value for money. Many of the brands and shops here simply aren’t found in the tourist areas, and because most customers are local residents, prices tend to be lower too. Well-known Spanish fashion names like Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti and Desigual all have stores on or close to Calle Real. The department stores are well stocked, and the independent boutiques are perfect for discovering something a little different that you won’t come across in the malls.

It’s well worth wandering down the side streets off Calle Real, where you’ll come across traditional shops that have been part of the local community for generations. Here you can find everything from haberdashery and fabrics to kitchenware, tools and locally made goods. The contrast with the modern retail parks is all part of Arrecife’s charm. If you are staying in self-catering accommodation and need to stock up, the HiperDino and Lidl supermarkets in Arrecife are the biggest on the island and offer a great range of products at very good prices.

Away from the larger shopping centres, each resort has its own selection of smaller commercial centres, or centros comerciales as we call them here. In Puerto del Carmen, you will find places like Centro Comercial Atlantico, Olivin and San Antonio dotted along the Avenida de las Playas. These centres are home to a variety of shops and services, from souvenir stalls and beachwear boutiques to jewellers, tobacco shops, excursion desks, bars and restaurants. They are handy for picking up those everyday holiday bits and pieces, though you may notice that prices are set with visitors in mind and the choice is not as wide as in the bigger malls.

Costa Teguise has its own collection of commercial centres along Avenida de las Islas Canarias, offering much the same variety. Here in Playa Blanca, both Centro Comercial Papagayo and Rubicon are on hand for everyday shopping, as well as a bite to eat or a relaxed drink. These centres are not really places for a big shopping spree, but they are perfect if you need to pick up some sunscreen, a pair of flip flops, a little gift to take home or a SIM card to stay connected. Prices are generally a bit higher than you will find in Arrecife or the newer malls, so if you are after something special or want a wider choice, it is worth heading to Open Mall, Deiland or into the capital itself.

If you are planning a self-catering stay, finding a good supermarket can make all the difference to your holiday. HiperDino (and its smaller sibling, SuperDino) is the main supermarket chain here on Lanzarote, with branches in every resort and several more in Arrecife. The selection depends on the size of the store, but even the smaller ones offer fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bakery treats, a decent choice of wine and beer, household basics and toiletries. The larger HiperDino stores in Arrecife and on the edge of the resorts have an even wider range, including international favourites, a deli counter and a broader choice of fresh produce.

Lidl has a couple of stores on the island, one in Arrecife and another close to the airport. If you are used to shopping at Lidl back home, you will find the same good value and familiar layout, but with a distinctly Spanish and Canarian flavour in the fresh produce and bakery aisles. Spar convenience stores are scattered throughout all the resorts and are handy for picking up a few bits and pieces, though they tend to be a little pricier than the bigger supermarkets.

Mercadona is another favourite among locals and visitors alike, with a large store in Arrecife and another near Playa Honda. Both are easy to reach if you do not mind a short drive from the main resorts. As Spain’s biggest supermarket chain, Mercadona offers an impressive range, with a particularly good bakery, a deli counter, plenty of fresh meat and fish, and shelves full of their own Hacendado brand products, which are reliably good quality and excellent value.

A little local tip: wine, beer and spirits are much more affordable in Lanzarote supermarkets than in most of northern Europe, thanks to the low Canary Islands tax. You can pick up a lovely bottle of Lanzarote wine from La Geria for around 5 to 8 euros, and Spanish Rioja or Ribera del Duero wines are often under 5 euros. Beer is also very reasonably priced compared to the UK or Scandinavia. If you stock up at HiperDino or Lidl for your apartment, rather than buying drinks out every night, you will notice the savings by the end of your stay.

Lanzarote’s markets are a real treat, even if you are just browsing rather than buying. The Teguise Sunday Market is the largest and best known, taking over the historic town every Sunday morning. The cobbled streets come alive with hundreds of colourful stalls offering everything from handmade crafts and jewellery to local foods, ceramics and all sorts of curiosities. There is always a lively, friendly buzz, with music drifting through the air and street performers entertaining the crowds. It feels as if the whole island gathers here for a few hours. If you prefer a quieter wander, it’s best to arrive early, before the heat and the crowds build up.

The Rubicon Market at Marina Rubicon in Playa Blanca is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and has a more upmarket, boutique feel. Here you’ll find artisan goods and local products in a lovely marina setting. Over in Costa Teguise, the Pueblo Marinero market takes place on Friday evenings and is always a pleasure to visit, with its cosy craft stalls and live music in the heart of the whitewashed square. 

For something smaller and truly local, Haría’s Saturday morning market in the Valley of a Thousand Palms is a favourite of mine. It is a charming spot to browse local crafts and organic produce, surrounded by some of the island’s most beautiful scenery.

The farmers’ market by the Charco de San Gines in Arrecife is held on Saturday mornings and is a great place to pick up fresh local produce, cheeses, wines, honey, gofio and other Canarian specialities at local prices. It’s always a pleasure to chat with the producers and sample the authentic flavours of the island straight from the source.

Lanzarote is home to a wonderful selection of local products that make thoughtful souvenirs or gifts to take home. Aloe vera thrives here, and you will find a variety of skincare products, creams and gels in specialist shops and at the markets. I always recommend choosing those made with Lanzarote-grown aloe vera, as the quality is excellent and you are supporting local producers.

Wine from the La Geria region is something truly special and unique to Lanzarote. The volcanic Malvasia whites are especially distinctive, grown in small hollows in the black ash, each vine sheltered by its own low stone wall. Bringing home a bottle or two is a lovely way to remember your time here. If you have the chance, visiting one of the local bodegas for a tasting is a memorable experience in itself.

No visit to Lanzarote is complete without trying the famous mojo sauces, those vibrant red and green accompaniments you will find with almost every Canarian meal. You can pick up jars to take home from most supermarkets or specialist food shops. Gofio, a toasted grain flour that is a staple in local kitchens, is another authentic taste of the island. I am also a fan of the local goat's cheese, especially the semi-cured varieties you will find at markets and supermarkets. For something a little different, look out for volcanic rock ornaments, olivine gemstones and handmade ceramics, all inspired by Lanzarote’s unique landscapes.

If you enjoy shopping, you will notice that the Canary Islands’ lower tax rate often means prices are a little kinder than on the mainland. Perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, electronics and branded clothing are all available at good prices, especially in the larger shopping centres and in Arrecife. I would just suggest taking a little care with electronics, as some of the cheaper outlets may not offer warranties or genuine products. It is always best to buy from reputable shops for peace of mind.

Shopping in Lanzarote tends to follow the relaxed Spanish rhythm, with a few local twists. In the main resorts, most shops and commercial centres welcome visitors from around 10 in the morning right through to 10 at night, and sometimes even later during the busy summer months. In Arrecife, you’ll notice that many shops open from about 9.30 or 10am until lunchtime, then close for a well-earned siesta before reopening in the late afternoon until around 8.30pm. This tradition is slowly changing as more shops move towards staying open all day, but the midday break is still part of daily life here. On Sundays, you’ll find most shops in Arrecife closed, but in the resorts and shopping centres, Sunday shopping is very much the norm.

You’ll find that card payments are welcome almost everywhere, but it’s always handy to keep a little cash on you, especially if you’re browsing the smaller shops, local markets or some of the more traditional businesses in Arrecife. ATMs are easy to find in all the resorts and in Arrecife itself, and they usually dispense euros without any unpleasant surprises on charges, though it’s always worth checking with your own bank. Haggling isn’t really part of the shopping culture here, but if you’re picking up a few things from the same market stall, a gentle bit of negotiation is sometimes appreciated.

The Canary Islands are part of Spain and the European Union, but have their own special tax status.

Here on Lanzarote, the local sales tax, known as IGIC, is just 7 percent. That’s much lower than the 21 percent you’ll find on the Spanish mainland and in much of northern Europe. The good news is that this lower tax is already included in the prices you see, so there are no surprises at the till. While there isn’t an extra duty free allowance for EU visitors, the lower prices mean that shopping here often feels like a treat, and many visitors find the island offers excellent value.

If you’re self-catering, it’s well worth heading out of your resort now and then to visit one of the larger supermarkets like Superdino, Mercadona or Lidl. You’ll often find that your shopping goes much further, and it’s a great way to pick up local produce and a few bargains along the way.