Shopping in Alicante: Between Stores and Shopping Centers

A trip to Alicante deserves to reserve a day for shopping in the city’s various shopping centers, whether it’s to update your wardrobe, buy a piece of clothing in local shops to show off on the beach, or indulge yourself with gastronomic delights at markets and flea markets. Whether for pleasure or necessity, there are plenty of shopping opportunities in Alicante. Are you up for a shopping adventure in this lively city?

Alicante’s Shopping Centers

Escaping the summer heat or seeking shelter from the cold and rain are excellent reasons to visit a shopping center in Alicante. Additionally, the convenience of finding all stores within a few meters, the opportunity to grab something to eat at their restaurants, and even enjoy a variety of leisure activities make there no excuses not to visit them. Here we present the best shopping centers in Alicante:

Centro Comercial Gran Vía Alicante

Opened in 1998, Centro Comercial Gran Vía Alicante is one of the city’s oldest and most recognized shopping centers in the entire province. Over more than 20 years, it has maintained its popularity thanks to its wide range of fashion, leisure activities, and dining options. It is accessible by car, bus, or even on foot from the city center in about 40 minutes. In Gran Vía, you will find over 100 stores, including a hypermarket, fashion stores, home furnishings, leisure activities, and multiple dining options.

Plaza Mar 2 Alicante

Located in the heart of the city, just a few meters from the Conference Palace, the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ), and only a 15-minute walk from Postiguet Beach, Plaza Mar 2 is one of Alicante’s most modern shopping centers. It stands out with its stores, restaurants, 16 cinema halls, and excellent facilities. It is ideal for families as it offers workshops and attractions for children as well as services like wheelchair rentals for the elderly. Additionally, it has numerous information stands, parcel points, and rest areas, making it the perfect place for a family shopping day.

Centro Comercial Puerta de Alicante

Located in the western end of the city, in the La Florida neighborhood, Centro Comercial Puerta de Alicante is smaller than the aforementioned ones but offers a large hypermarket, cinema, and fitness center. Although the selection of stores is not as extensive, it is a good option if you are looking for a quieter shopping experience. If, however, you prefer a larger selection, it might be a good idea to explore other alternatives in the city.

The Outlet Stores Alicante

Located in the Santa Isabel neighborhood, this outlet is a paradise for great deals for both locals and tourists. It offers free parking and significant discounts in well-known fashion, sports, accessories, home, and technology stores. Additionally, it has children’s areas, leisure facilities, and dining spots, as well as well-maintained outdoor areas, allowing you to enjoy shopping in an unparalleled atmosphere.

Shopping in Alicante’s Center

Alicante is an ideal city to combine tourism with shopping. The city center shifts between traditional small businesses and large franchises as well as fashion chains. If you want to optimize your time and focus on the most prominent shopping areas, you should not miss visiting the following areas:

Calle Gerona and Calle San Francisco

Start your tour on Calle Gerona, where you will find a large selection of specialty shops selling party and ceremony clothing. This area is a reference point for achieving the perfect look for any event.

Then continue to Calle San Francisco, where, in addition to admiring the distinctive large mushrooms decorating the sidewalk, you can buy traditional gastronomic products like wine, turrón, and cheeses, as well as fashion items and accessories in the charming shops that alternate with various bars and restaurants. Undoubtedly, this is one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

Mercado Central, Rambla Méndez Núñez, and Explanada de España

Rambla Méndez Núñez, popularly known as La Rambla, is a large avenue that divides the city’s historic center and connects several important shopping areas: Mercado Central and Paseo de la Explanada de España.

Mercado Central: A large food market, ideal for gourmet shopping. With almost 300 stalls, you can taste typical Alicante products like turrón de Jijona, Villajoyosa chocolate, Pan de Elche, and fruits with protected designation of origin such as Mollar pomegranate or níspero from Callosa d’en Sarrià.

La Rambla: Its wide sidewalks and benches invite you to a walk at any time of the day. Enjoy the shops and take a strategic break at the busy restaurants, cafes, and ice cream bars to recharge your energy.

Explanada de España: A pleasant promenade along the sea, where in the warmer months a famous craft market is set up with stalls selling clothing, leather goods, decorative items, and perfect souvenirs for your visit to the city.

Avenida Maisonnave

If you are looking for the largest and most well-known fashion franchises, Avenida Maisonnave is the right place. It is undoubtedly Alicante’s most commercial and busy avenue. Along its approximately 500 meters, from Plaza de Calvo Sotelo to Glorieta de la Estrella, you will find large supermarkets, bars and restaurants, banks, and two large El Corte Inglés buildings adorning each end of the avenue.

Alicante offers a wide range of options for shopping enthusiasts, from modern shopping centers to charming pedestrian streets filled with traditional shops. Whether you are looking for the latest fashion trends, gourmet products, or simply want to enjoy a day with the family, Alicante has everything you need for an unforgettable shopping experience.

Pack your bags and discover everything Alicante has to offer for your next shopping trip!