Quick answer: Benidorm has all the main Spanish chains, including Mercadona, Consum (and its smaller Charter stores), Lidl, Aldi, Dia and Carrefour, plus British and international supermarkets in the Rincón de Loix. Most supermarkets close on Sundays and public holidays, but in tourist areas such as Benidorm some Mercadona stores open on summer Sundays, usually until 15:00, and convenience shops open daily. Spanish chains are much cheaper than British import shops.
The main chains
| Chain | Best for |
|---|---|
| Mercadona | Spain's biggest chain: own-brand basics, fresh fish and ready meals |
| Consum and Charter | Fresh counters and gluten-free ranges; Charter is the smaller neighbourhood format |
| Lidl and Aldi | Budget weekly shop and Northern European products |
| Dia | Small, local shops with long hours |
| Carrefour and Carrefour Express | Bigger range and convenience stores |
| British and international supermarkets | Familiar brands from home, at higher prices |
Lidl and Aldi opened their first stores in the Rincón de Loix more recently, after years of the area being served mainly by smaller shops (Alicante Plaza).
British and international food
The Rincón de Loix has British supermarkets stocking favourites from home (Hotels.com), and the Overseas (Food Co) chain specialises in British and international products along the Costa Blanca (The Leader). Expect imported brands to cost noticeably more than in Spanish chains. For bacon, sausages or tea bags you cannot live without, these shops are useful; for everything else, shop Spanish.
Sunday and holiday opening
Spanish supermarkets traditionally close on Sundays. Benidorm is a tourist area, so there are exceptions:
Mercadona opens some stores in tourist towns, including Benidorm, on Sundays in summer, usually until 15:00 (Valencia Plaza).
Charter (Consum) stores in Benidorm have traded full or near-full hours on recent public holidays.
Convenience shops, petrol-station shops and small "supermercados" near the seafront open daily, at higher prices.
On national holidays such as 1 May, 15 August and Christmas, hours change store by store. Check the chain's online store finder the day before.
Markets for fresh food
For fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, Benidorm's indoor market is often fresher and cheaper than supermarkets. The weekly outdoor markets also sell produce alongside clothes and souvenirs.
Tips for saving money
Buy own-brand products at Mercadona (Hacendado) and Lidl; they are good quality and cheap.
Use the ready-meal counters for roast chicken, paella and croquetas on nights you do not want to cook.
Bring a bag: supermarkets charge for plastic bags.
Shop by Saturday evening for Sunday meals.
Long-stay visitors on campsites should note that many sites have a small shop but prices are higher than in town.
For wider costs, see our Benidorm prices guide.
Supermarkets in Benidorm: FAQs
Are supermarkets open on Sundays in Benidorm? Most are closed, but some Mercadona stores open on summer Sundays until about 15:00, and convenience shops open daily.
Is there a British supermarket in Benidorm? Yes, in the Rincón de Loix, and Overseas stores sell British and international brands on the Costa Blanca.
Is there a Lidl in Benidorm? Yes, including a newer store in the Rincón de Loix.
Which is the cheapest supermarket in Benidorm? Lidl, Aldi and Mercadona's own brands are usually the cheapest.
Do I need to bring a bag? It helps. Supermarkets charge for bags.