Tenerife is a shopper’s paradise for two reasons. First: the Canary Islands’ special tax status (IGIC at 7% instead of the 21% VAT on the mainland) makes electronics, perfumes, alcohol, and tobacco significantly cheaper than in any other part of Spain or Europe. Second: there are unique local products here—mojo sauces, Canarian wines, cheeses, palm honey, and gofio—that can only be bought here and nowhere else.
Contents
- Shopping Centers and Stores
- Markets in Tenerife
- What to Buy: The Best Souvenirs and Goods
- Electronics and Appliances
- Alcohol and Delicacies
- Clothing and Fashion
- Hours of Operation
- FAQ
Shopping Centers and Stores
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (capital)
CC Meridiano is the island’s largest shopping center. It features over 100 stores, including Zara, H&M, Mango, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, and Media Markt (electronics).
El Corte Inglés is a legendary Spanish department store with sections for clothing, cosmetics, perfumes, and jewelry.
Southern Area
CC La Villa (Costa Adeje) — a premium shopping center featuring designer brands.
CC Gran Sur (Playa de las Américas) — a large shopping center with fashion stores, jewelry shops, and restaurants.
Markets in Tenerife
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África (Santa Cruz)
The island’s main market: tropical fruits, local cheeses, sausages, fresh fish, flowers, and spices.
What to Buy in Tenerife
Mojo Sauces
Mojo rojo (red) and mojo verde (green) are the main culinary symbols of the Canary Islands. Price: €2–4 per jar.
Gofio
Traditional Canarian flour made from roasted grains. Price: €2–4 per 500 g.
Canarian Wines
DO Tacoronte-Acentejo, DO Abona, DO Valle de la Orotava, DO Ycoden-Daute-Isora. Price: €4–12 per bottle at the supermarket.
Palm Honey (Miel de Palma)
A thick, dark brown syrup made from the sap of the Canarian date palm. Price: €5–10 per bottle.
Bienmesabe
Canarian almond cream. Price: €3–6.
Electronics and Appliances
Thanks to favorable tax policies, electronics in Tenerife are significantly cheaper:
- Apple iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks are 10–15% cheaper than in mainland Europe
- Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras and lenses
Where to buy: Media Markt (at CC Meridiano, Santa Cruz), Worten stores.
Clothing and Fashion
International brands (Zara, Mango, H&M, Pull&Bear, Bershka) are cheaper due to lower taxes.
Store Hours
| Store Type | Weekdays | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|
| Shopping Centers | 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Small stores | 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Closed |
| Supermarkets | 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
FAQ
Is it true that prices in Tenerife are lower than in Spain?
Yes. The 7% IGIC tax instead of the 21% VAT makes a real difference in price. This is especially noticeable on electronics (up to 10–15%), alcohol and tobacco (up to 25–30%), and perfume (up to 20%).
What are some must-buy gifts in Tenerife?
Top 5 gifts: 1) A set of mojo sauces; 2) A bottle of Canarian wine; 3) Palm honey; 4) A jar of bienmesabe; 5) A bag of gofio.
