Supermarkets in Spain

Spain is not only a country with a rich history and culture, but also a place where you can find a wide variety of grocery stores and supermarkets. In almost every city — from large metropolitan areas to small provincial towns — there are convenient shops where you can buy fresh products, ready-made meals, and everything needed for daily life.

For those who are visiting the country for the first time or just beginning to get familiar with local life, it is often interesting to learn what supermarkets are available in Spain, where it is more cost-effective to buy groceries, and which stores are considered the most popular among local residents. In different regions, you can find both large national chains such as Mercadona, Carrefour, or Lidl, as well as regional supermarkets that differ in their assortment and prices.

This article provides a detailed overview of the main supermarkets in Spain — from the most widespread and affordable ones to regional chains that can only be found in certain parts of the country. Such an overview will help you better navigate Spanish stores and choose the most convenient option for everyday shopping.

What Supermarkets Are Available in Spain

Here, as in any other country, there are certain favorite store chains. Some supermarkets are known for their wide assortment and convenience, others for high product quality or affordable prices, while some can only be found in specific regions of the country.

To make it easier to navigate among the large number of stores, below are the main categories of supermarkets in Spain:

• 🛒 Popular Supermarkets in Spain
• ⭐ Premium Supermarkets
• 💰 Cheap Supermarkets in Spain
• 📍 Regional Supermarkets in Spain

Popular Supermarkets in Spain

Popular supermarkets in Spain can be found across the entire country, and these are the places where local residents most often shop. These chains are known for their convenience, affordable prices, and a good selection of everyday products.

Mercadona

Mercadona is a leading Spanish supermarket chain founded in 1977 in Valencia. Initially, it was a small family business that over time grew into the largest retail chain in the country. Today, the company focuses primarily on shopping convenience and high quality of its own products.

The chain is well known for its private labels, among which Hacendado (food products), Deliplus (cosmetics and personal care), and Bosque Verde (household products) are especially popular. These brands offer good-quality products at more affordable prices than most well-known brands.

Mercadona has more than 1600 stores across Spain, so this supermarket can be found in almost every city. The company is also actively expanding beyond the country — today the chain is already present in Portugal.

What makes Mercadona interesting: many Spaniards value this supermarket for its consistent product quality, clean stores, and convenient product layout. The assortment here is designed in such a way that customers can quickly find everything needed for everyday shopping.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥗 ready-made meals and salads — especially popular among those who do not want to cook every day
• 🧀 cheeses and jamón under the Hacendado brand — a good price-to-quality ratio
• 🍰 desserts and yogurts — one of the most popular sections among customers
• 🧴 Deliplus cosmetics — considered one of the most successful budget lines in Spain
• 🧽 Bosque Verde household products — often chosen for their affordable prices and effectiveness

Carrefour

Carrefour is a French grocery chain that has long become a familiar part of everyday life in Spain. In 2023, Carrefour celebrated 50 years since opening its first supermarket in Spain. Today, it is one of the largest retail chains in the country with more than 1300 stores in various formats.

The name Carrefour translates as “crossroads,” which well reflects the format of the chain — here you can find almost everything you need: from fresh vegetables and fruits to electronics, household appliances, and clothing. Unlike many other supermarkets, Carrefour often combines a grocery store and a large shopping center.

A distinctive feature of the chain is the variety of store formats: Carrefour Hypermarket (large hypermarkets), Carrefour Market (medium-sized supermarkets), and Carrefour Express — small neighborhood stores. Thanks to this, Carrefour can be found both in large cities and in smaller towns.

Carrefour is known for its regular promotions, discounts, and the Tarjeta Carrefour bonus program, which allows customers to accumulate points and receive additional discounts. The chain also actively develops lines of organic and eco-friendly products, attracting customers who pay attention to the quality of their food.

What makes Carrefour interesting: many customers choose this supermarket for its wide assortment of goods and the opportunity to buy everything in one place — especially convenient for large shopping trips or before traveling.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥖 fresh pastries and bread — large Carrefour stores often have good bakeries
• 🐟 fish and seafood — especially in hypermarkets with large fish departments
• 🥩 meat on promotion — there are often great deals
• 🥣 products under the Carrefour brand — a good price-to-quality ratio
• 🛍 household goods and appliances — one of the best options for large purchases

Alcampo

Alcampo is another large and well-known hypermarket chain in Spain. It belongs to the French Auchan Group and started operating in the country in 1981. Today, Alcampo can be found in many major cities and shopping centers, where it often occupies large areas and offers a wide selection of goods.

The main feature of Alcampo is its large hypermarket format, where you can do full grocery shopping for a week or even longer. It sells not only food products but also clothing, household appliances, and goods for home and garden. Because of this, many families choose Alcampo for large purchases.

Alcampo is known for its affordable prices and regular promotions. The chain also offers private-label brands, where you can find budget-friendly products of good quality. Many customers note the convenience of buying products in large packages, which is especially cost-effective for families or those who like to stock up.

What makes Alcampo interesting: this supermarket is often chosen for large shopping trips thanks to its spacious stores, wide assortment, and competitive prices on everyday goods.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🛒 bulk packages of products — often more cost-effective than in smaller stores
• 🥩 meat and ready-to-cook products — good selection and regular promotions
• 🥫 long-shelf-life products — convenient to buy for several weeks at once
• 🧻 household goods and “family-size” packages — often cheaper than in regular supermarkets
• 🎒 seasonal products and promotions — especially before holidays and the school season

Premium Supermarkets in Spain

Although the popularity of supermarkets often depends on their accessibility and prices, many residents of Spain also pay attention to product quality. Some chains stand out for their high level of service, wide assortment, and special attention to supplier selection. Such supermarkets usually offer more expensive but also more diverse products, including delicacies and premium-level goods.

El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés is one of the largest and most well-known department store chains in Spain, which also includes high-end supermarkets. The company was founded in 1940 in Madrid and over time became a symbol of quality service and a wide selection of goods.

The grocery sections of El Corte Inglés are known for their extensive assortment of food products, including local delicacies, fresh seafood, and international cuisine items. Here you can find products that are difficult to encounter in regular supermarkets — for example, imported cheeses, rare types of jamón, or unusual sauces.

El Corte Inglés supermarkets stand out for their high level of service and neatly organized sales areas. They are often located in the centers of large cities, making them convenient for both local residents and tourists. Inside the stores, there is usually a calm atmosphere, more reminiscent of a gourmet boutique than a regular supermarket.

When shopping at El Corte Inglés, customers can expect a wide selection of not only Spanish but also international products. The chain also offers many ready-made meals and high-quality semi-prepared dishes — an excellent option for those who do not want to cook but appreciate good cuisine. However, the prices match the quality: most items here are noticeably more expensive than in regular supermarkets.

What makes El Corte Inglés interesting: many customers come here not so much for everyday shopping as for quality products, gifts, or delicacies for special occasions.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🧀 cheeses and delicatessen products — a large selection of Spanish and European delicacies
• 🍤 seafood and fresh fish — one of the strongest departments in the chain
• 🍰 ready-made meals and desserts — often high quality and beautifully presented
• 🎁 products in gift packaging — a great option for souvenirs
• 🌍 international products — convenient for finding ingredients for foreign cuisines

Hipercor

Hipercor is a large hypermarket chain that belongs to the El Corte Inglés group. The first Hipercor store opened in Spain in 1980, and the format was designed as a more spacious hypermarket with a wide assortment of food and household goods.

Unlike classic El Corte Inglés supermarkets, Hipercor stores usually have large areas and resemble modern hypermarkets where you can buy almost everything: from fresh products to household appliances, clothing, and home goods. Hipercor is most often located next to shopping centers or major El Corte Inglés department stores.

Hipercor is considered a store with good product quality and higher prices compared to most regular supermarkets. Many customers choose it for large purchases or when they need to find rarer or higher-quality products.

What makes Hipercor interesting: this hypermarket is valued for its spacious shopping areas, wide assortment, and quality fresh products. It is often seen as a more affordable alternative to El Corte Inglés, but with the same level of quality.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🐟 fresh fish and seafood — usually a good selection and high freshness
• 🥩 meat and meat products — quality items and delicacies are often available
• 🍱 ready-made meals — a convenient option for a quick dinner
• 🧀 delicatessen and imported products — a good selection of unusual items
• 🛒 home goods and bulk purchases — convenient for shopping for several days or a week

Cheap Supermarkets in Spain

You can easily find many budget-friendly supermarkets offering goods at affordable prices. These chains attract customers with their pricing policies and the opportunity to significantly save on everyday purchases without sacrificing product quality.

Lidl

Lidl is a German supermarket chain that appeared in Spain in 1994 and has since become one of the most popular among customers looking for good prices. Although Lidl belongs to the discount category, this does not prevent it from offering fairly high-quality products and regularly expanding its assortment.

Lidl pays great attention to supplier selection and quality control, thanks to which its private-label products have gained a good reputation among customers. Among the most well-known brands are Milbona — a line of dairy products, Cien — cosmetics and personal care products, and W5 — household cleaning products. The Cien cosmetic line is especially popular, often receiving high ratings in independent quality tests and considered one of the most successful budget brands among European supermarkets.

The Lidl assortment includes fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy products, as well as seasonal items that regularly appear in stores. One of the chain’s distinctive features is its weekly promotions, during which limited-edition products appear in stores — from kitchen appliances to clothing and gardening equipment. Thanks to these promotions, Lidl often attracts customers even if they had not originally planned to visit.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥐 fresh pastries — one of the most popular sections in Lidl
• 🧀 Milbona dairy products — good quality at an affordable price
• 🧴 Cien cosmetics — a popular budget-friendly alternative to expensive brands
• 🧽 W5 household cleaning products — effective home products at an affordable price
• 🍫 chocolate and sweets — especially German brands and seasonal offers
• 🧺 seasonal promotional products — from household items to kitchen appliances

ALDI

ALDI is another German discount chain with a well-developed network of supermarkets across Spain. The company began operating in the country in 2002, although the chain itself was founded in Germany back in the mid-20th century. Since then, ALDI has been actively expanding, offering customers quality products at affordable prices.

Unlike some other supermarkets, the assortment in ALDI is usually more compact, which makes shopping faster and more convenient. ALDI supermarkets are widely known for their promotions and private-label products, which help maintain low prices while keeping good product quality.

Among the popular private labels are Milsani — dairy products, GutBio — organic goods, and Milfina — butter and dairy products. These brands are well known among customers and are often chosen as affordable alternatives to more expensive products.

The assortment includes fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy products, frozen foods, confectionery, and everyday goods. Many customers note that ALDI is convenient for quick shopping without spending extra time choosing.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🧈 Milfina butter and dairy products — often good quality at an affordable price
• 🥛 Milsani dairy products — a popular budget-friendly option
• 🌱 GutBio organic products — one of the strong sections of the chain
• 🥬 vegetables and fruits — often competitively priced
• 🍕 frozen foods — a convenient option for quick dinners

Dia

Dia is one of the largest discount supermarket chains in Spain. The first Dia supermarket was opened in 1979 in Madrid, and the chain became one of the first “hard discount” format stores in the country. Over time, Dia expanded significantly and today includes several thousand stores across Spain, especially in residential areas of cities.

The main feature of Dia is accessibility and convenient location — many stores are located close to residential areas, so customers often visit for quick purchases. The chain offers a wide range of private-label products that help keep prices at a minimum level.

Among Dia’s private labels, the Dia brand itself is most commonly found — basic everyday products, as well as Imaqe — personal hygiene and care products, including soap, deodorants, and shampoos. These products usually cost less than well-known brands and are often chosen by customers for everyday shopping.

Although Dia is already considered one of the most affordable supermarkets, regular promotions and discounts are held here, allowing customers to save even more. Many shoppers use the chain’s mobile app, where they can find personalized coupons and special offers.

What makes Dia interesting: this supermarket is often chosen for its convenience and proximity to home — it is ideal for quick shopping and everyday products without extra expenses.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥛 basic products under the Dia brand — usually the most affordable in price
• 🍞 bread and pastries — convenient to buy close to home
• 🥫 long-shelf-life products — often cheaper than in other chains
• 🧴 Imaqe personal hygiene products — budget-friendly everyday items
• 🛒 promotional products — often very good deals can be found

Regional Supermarkets in Spain

Spain is a large and diverse country, and the location of supermarkets here largely depends on the region. Although large chains such as Mercadona or Carrefour are widespread across the country, many areas also have their own local stores that are especially popular among residents.

Regional supermarkets often differ in having a more “local” assortment: here you can find locally produced goods, traditional dishes, and products from small producers. That is why many residents prefer such stores, even if large national chains are located nearby.

Supermarkets in Catalonia

In Catalonia, you can find many different stores. However, local residents also often choose supermarkets such as Bonpreu-Esclat and Caprabo, which offer a wide selection of Spanish and Catalan products and are well known for their attention to the quality of local goods.

Bonpreu-Esclat

Bonpreu-Esclat is one of the most well-known regional supermarket chains in Catalonia. The company was founded in 1974 and over time grew into a large chain of stores focused on product quality and support for local producers.

The name of the chain reflects the store formats: Bonpreu usually refers to medium-sized supermarkets, while Esclat refers to larger hypermarkets with an expanded assortment. Here you can find a wide selection of locally produced products, including Catalan cheeses, meat products, and fresh vegetables.

What makes Bonpreu-Esclat interesting: the chain is known for its focus on local products and a good selection of fresh goods, making it especially popular among residents of Catalonia.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🧀 Catalan cheeses and meat delicacies
• 🥖 fresh pastries and locally produced bread
• 🥗 fresh vegetables and fruits from local suppliers
• 🍷 regional wines, drinks, and gourmet products

Caprabo

Caprabo is one of the oldest supermarket chains in Spain. The first store was opened in 1959 in Barcelona, and since then the chain has become well known in Catalonia. Today, Caprabo is part of the Eroski group, while still maintaining its regional focus and assortment.

Caprabo supermarkets are known for their attention to local products and cooperation with Catalan producers. Here you can often find regionally sourced goods — from fresh vegetables to traditional meat products. Stores regularly offer promotions and discounts on local products, making them popular among residents of the region.

What makes Caprabo interesting: the chain is valued for its good selection of local goods and convenient store locations, especially in residential areas of large cities.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🧀 local Catalan cheeses and meat products
• 🥗 fresh vegetables and fruits from regional producers
• 🥖 bread and pastries — often of good quality
• 🍷 regional products and Catalan wines
• 🛒 promotional products — good deals on local goods are often available

Supermarkets in Andalusia

Andalusia, famous for its sunshine and fresh products, also offers a wide selection of supermarkets. In addition to large chains such as Mercadona or Carrefour, the region also has local stores that are popular among residents due to their affordable prices and convenient locations. Among these chains, Dani and Masymas are especially well known.

Dani

Dani supermarkets are considered among the most budget-friendly in Andalusia and are well known among local residents for their low prices. The first store in the chain was opened in Granada, and today Dani supermarkets can be found in provinces such as Granada, Jaén, Almería, and Málaga.

Dani stores usually have a simple format without unnecessary decoration, which helps keep prices at a minimum level. Despite the more modest interior, you can find all the essential products for everyday shopping here — from fresh vegetables and fruits to groceries and household goods.

What makes Dani interesting: this supermarket is especially valued for its low prices and the opportunity to save on everyday purchases, which is why it is often chosen by families and residents of areas where reducing grocery expenses is important.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥬 vegetables and fruits — often at very affordable prices
• 🥫 basic long-shelf-life products — one of the most budget-friendly options
• 🧻 household goods — usually cheaper than in large chains
• 🛒 everyday products — convenient for regular purchases

Masymas

Masymas is a fairly well-known grocery chain that can be found in different regions of Spain. Stores under this name operate in Andalusia, Valencia, and in the north of the country, including Asturias. Although stores may vary slightly in assortment depending on the region, they share a common approach — proximity to customers and a focus on fresh products.

Interestingly, several regional companies operate under the Masymas name, so stores in different parts of Spain may look slightly different. Nevertheless, they all follow a similar concept of convenient neighborhood supermarkets.

The chain’s motto is «Más cerca, más fresco» (“The closer — the fresher”), and it reflects the main idea of the stores: offering fresh products and convenient shopping for nearby residents.

Masymas also has its own brands, which can be found not only in these stores but also in some other regional supermarkets. Among the most well-known brands are Alteza (food products), Selex (household goods), Crowe (cosmetics and hygiene products), and Tandy (pet products). These brands usually offer a good value for money and are often chosen for everyday shopping.

What makes Masymas interesting: this supermarket is often seen as a convenient “neighborhood store,” where you can buy fresh products without the need to travel to a large hypermarket.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥬 fresh vegetables and fruits — usually a good selection of local products
• 🥩 meat and meat products — often of high quality
• 🥖 fresh bread and pastries — a popular daily choice
• 🥛 dairy products from local producers
• 🛒 everyday products for quick shopping

Supermarkets in Valencia

In Valencia, you can find many supermarkets — from large national chains to regional stores. Although Mercadona, Carrefour, and other well-known brands are present here, the region also has its own popular chains that enjoy strong trust among local residents. One of these chains is Consum.

Consum

Consum is one of the largest cooperatives in Spain, founded in 1975 in Valencia. Unlike most supermarket chains, there is no single owner — the company belongs to customer-partners and employees who participate in its development and management.

The name of the chain is related to the word «consum», which comes from the Spanish consumir (“to consume”) and reflects the idea of everyday shopping and goods for daily life. This approach fits well with the store format focused on daily purchases close to home.

Today, the Consum network includes more than 900 stores, both company-owned and franchised under the Charter brand. The stores are mainly located along the Mediterranean coast — in Valencia, Catalonia, Murcia, Aragon, Andalusia, and Castilla-La Mancha.

Consum is known for its good balance between price and product quality. Many customers note the convenient discount system and loyalty program for regular clients, which allows them to receive additional bonuses and personalized offers.

The chain also has its own brands, among which Kirey is especially well known — a line of cosmetics and hygiene products, including shampoos, creams, and shower gels. In addition, a wide range of food products is produced under the Consum brand, often chosen for its good price-to-quality ratio.

What makes Consum interesting: this supermarket is often chosen for its consistent product quality, convenient store locations, and attractive offers for loyal customers. Thanks to its cooperative model, the chain focuses on long-term relationships with customers and local suppliers.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥬 fresh vegetables and fruits — often good quality at reasonable prices
• 🥩 meat and chilled products — one of the strong departments of the chain
• 🥖 fresh bread and pastries
• 🧴 Kirey cosmetics — popular budget-friendly care products
• 🛒 products under the Consum brand — good price-to-quality ratio
• 💳 loyalty program products — often available with good discounts

Supermarkets in Northern Spain

In northern Spain, in addition to popular national chains, you can also find regional supermarkets that enjoy strong trust among local residents. Many of them focus on fresh products and cooperation with local producers.

Alimerka

The first Alimerka supermarket appeared in 1987 in Oviedo — the capital of Asturias. Over time, the chain expanded significantly and today includes more than 170 stores, mainly located in northern Spain — in Asturias, León, and Castilla y León.

Alimerka is known for its attention to product quality and support for local producers. Stores often feature regionally sourced goods, including meat products, dairy items, and fresh vegetables. Many customers value the chain specifically for its consistent quality and wide selection of fresh products.

The fresh meat and fish departments at Alimerka are especially popular and considered among the chain’s strengths. The stores also offer products under their own brand and regularly hold promotions that help customers save on everyday purchases.

What makes Alimerka interesting: this supermarket is often chosen for the quality of fresh products and its focus on local goods, making it especially popular among residents of northern regions.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🥩 fresh meat — one of the strongest departments of the chain
• 🐟 fish and seafood — good selection and freshness
• 🧀 local products from northern regions
• 🥖 fresh bread and pastries
• 🛒 products from local producers

Eroski

In northern Spain, especially in Navarre and the Basque Country, you can often see large Eroski signs. The name of the chain comes from words in the Basque language: «erosi» — “to buy” and «toki» — “place,” which can be translated as “place for shopping.”

Eroski is one of the largest retail chains in Spain, founded in 1969 in the Basque Country. Like Consum, it operates under a cooperative model, meaning employees and partners participate in the company’s management.

Today, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and small stores of various formats operate under the Eroski brand. They are especially widespread in the Basque Country, Navarre, Galicia, and the Balearic Islands, but can also be found in some areas of Madrid, Andalusia, Cantabria, and La Rioja.

What makes Eroski interesting: the chain is known for its wide assortment of products and focus on local producers, especially in the northern regions of the country. Stores often feature regional products and locally produced goods.

What is worth trying or buying:

• 🧀 local cheeses and delicatessen products from northern regions
• 🐟 fresh fish and seafood — especially in coastal areas
• 🥖 bread and fresh pastries
• 🥗 products from local producers
• 🛒 products under the Eroski private label

Which Supermarket to Choose in Spain

The choice of supermarket in Spain largely depends on what kind of purchases you plan to make. Each type of store has its own characteristics, so it is convenient to use the following recommendations:

• 🛒 For everyday shopping — Mercadona or Consum. These stores are convenient for buying daily groceries, and the assortment suits regular home cooking well.
• 🛍 For large shopping trips — Carrefour or Alcampo. These hypermarkets are especially convenient if you need to buy many products at once or purchase household goods.
• 💰 For saving money — Lidl, ALDI, or Dia. In these stores, you can find the most affordable prices for basic products and often take advantage of promotions.
• ⭐ For high-quality and unusual products — El Corte Inglés or Hipercor. A great option if you want to buy delicacies or ingredients for special dishes.
• 📍 For local products — regional supermarkets such as Consum, Eroski, Alimerka, or Masymas. These stores often offer goods from local producers and fresh products.

💡 Good to know: many residents of Spain combine different supermarkets — for example, they do their main shopping at Mercadona and visit Lidl or Carrefour for promotions or special products. Just keep in mind that shopping bags are usually paid, so it is better to bring a reusable bag. It is also worth noting that most supermarkets are closed on Sundays.