Shopping on the Costa Blanca
Shopping on the Costa Blanca – the best shopping malls and shopping districts
The Costa Blanca is, of course, known for its beaches and Mediterranean climate, but it also offers a surprisingly wide variety of options for those who enjoy shopping. Large open-air shopping centers, indoor malls, outlet stores, city centers, and local markets on the Costa Blanca are scattered throughout the region.
While in the Netherlands or Belgium you often go straight to the city center for a day of shopping, centros comerciales in Spain are an important part of daily life. They often combine stores with restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, movie theaters, and other forms of entertainment.
For people who are moving to Spain permanently, these shopping centers are also very convenient. You’ll find not only clothing and shoes there, but often also electronics, home furnishings, sporting goods, and everyday necessities.
In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of popular shopping areas in Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, Elche, Alicante, and the surrounding region.
La Zenia Boulevard in Orihuela Costa
La Zenia Boulevard is undoubtedly one of the best-known shopping centers on the Southern Costa Blanca.
It is located in Orihuela Costa, close to La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, and Villamartín, and attracts visitors from much of the southern Costa Blanca.
The shopping center features an open-air layout with a wide selection of fashion, sports, electronics, home furnishings, beauty, and dining options. The current list of stores includes Zara, C&A, Adidas, Decathlon, Bimba y Lola, Desigual, and various other well-known brands.
In addition, you'll find, among other things, a large supermarket and stores for home decor and DIY.
More than Just Stores at La Zenia Boulevard
La Zenia Boulevard is designed to be a place where you can easily spend several hours.
In addition to stores, there are:
- restaurants and cafes;
- the terrace;
- children's activities;
- events;
- sports stores;
- home decor;
- and all kinds of services.
The selection changes regularly. For example, new restaurant and retail concepts were added again in 2026.
For residents of Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja, and San Miguel de Salinas, it is therefore not only a destination for a day of shopping, but also a practical commercial hub.
La Zenia Boulevard Hours of Operation
In principle, regular store hours in 2026 will be Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..
On Sundays, opening hours vary by season. During the summer season and on certain designated Sundays and holidays, the stores are open. In July and August, opening hours may also be extended until 11:00 p.m. Restaurants and bars have their own opening hours.
Therefore, always check the current calendar if you want to shop specifically on a Sunday or a Spanish holiday.
Shopping at Habaneras in Torrevieja
The Habaneras Shopping Center is located in Torrevieja.
The center has an open layout and combines fashion stores, beauty services, dining, and entertainment.
Habaneras is especially convenient for people who live in Torrevieja itself, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, Los Montesinos, or La Mata.
The shopping center has undergone several changes in recent years. In 2026, the top floor was redesigned to include new dining and entertainment options, including a bowling alley. New stores and brands were also added.
Combine Habaneras with a day in Torrevieja
A visit to Habaneras can easily be combined with other places in Torrevieja.
For example, you can go shopping first and then head to:
- center;
- boulevard;
- port;
- Playa del Cura;
- of La Mata.
That makes it a great destination if you don't want to go to the city just to shop.
If you'd like to learn more about the town itself, you can read our comprehensive guide on living, vacationing, and investing in Torrevieja.
Shopping in downtown Torrevieja
Not all shopping in Torrevieja takes place in a shopping mall.
There are also many in the city center:
- clothing stores;
- shoe stores;
- perfume shops;
- specialty stores;
- cell phone stores;
- hospitality industry;
- and local businesses.
Those who enjoy combining a walk, some shopping, and lunch by the sea may therefore find the city center more pleasant than a traditional shopping mall.
L'Aljub in Elche
The L'Aljub Shopping Center is located in Elche.
This is a large indoor shopping mall featuring fashion, technology, dining, entertainment, and various services.
An indoor shopping mall is especially pleasant on hot summer days or rainy winter days.
There you'll find a mix of well-known Spanish and international chains, as well as local concepts. For example, the mall now even houses the official Elche CF store.
Why go to Elche to shop?
Elche is a much larger city than many of the coastal towns on the Costa Blanca.
As a result, in addition to L'Aljub, you'll also find:
- shopping streets in the city center;
- department stores;
- specialty stores;
- furniture stores;
- car dealerships;
- and other major commercial areas.
For residents of Santa Pola, La Marina, Crevillent, and surrounding towns, Elche is therefore a convenient place to shop.
You can also combine a day of shopping with a visit to the famous palm gardens and the historic center.
The Outlet Stores Alicante
If you're mainly looking for deals on well-known brands, check out The Outlet Stores Alicante.
This outlet area is located near Alicante and features a variety of fashion, sports, and lifestyle brands offering outlet collections and discounted prices.
Outlet stores operate differently from regular stores.
The product line often includes:
- subject to availability;
- from previous collections;
- varies by season;
- and may not always be available in all sizes.
That makes it particularly appealing to people who like to hunt for bargains and aren't looking for any one specific item.
Shopping in Alicante
Alicante itself, of course, has many more shopping options.
In the city center, you'll find major shopping streets featuring:
- mode;
- shoes;
- department stores;
- beauty;
- electronics;
- and local specialty stores.
For an afternoon of shopping in the city, Alicante might even be more interesting than any single shopping center.
You can combine shopping with:
- Explanada de España;
- old town;
- port;
- boulevard;
- restaurants;
- at Santa Bárbara Castle.
Maisonnave Avenue in Alicante
One of Alicante's main commercial areas is located around Avenida Maisonnave.
Here you'll find many well-known retail chains and large stores located close to one another.
For those who prefer to visit a real city center rather than a shopping mall, this is one of the most logical destinations on the Costa Blanca.
Public transportation also makes it relatively easy to reach the city center.
Shopping in Orihuela
The city of Orihuela also has a traditional shopping district with local shops and restaurants.
Orihuela has a completely different character than Orihuela Costa.
While La Zenia Boulevard focuses on large international chains, you'll find much more in the historic city:
- local stores;
- small fashion boutiques;
- traditional hospitality industry;
- and streets with a truly urban Spanish character.
For those who live in Orihuela Costa, it can be fun to combine these two completely different shopping experiences.
Ociopia Shopping Center
Ociopia is located in Orihuela and focuses on a combination of retail, dining, and leisure activities.
The center is smaller and serves a different purpose than La Zenia Boulevard.
For residents of Orihuela and the surrounding villages, it can be a convenient place to combine shopping with dining or entertainment.
Those looking exclusively for a very wide selection of shops are more likely to head to La Zenia Boulevard, Elche, Alicante, or Murcia.
Shopping in Guardamar del Segura
Guardamar del Segura doesn't have a mega-mall like La Zenia Boulevard.
Shopping there is much more centered around the downtown area.
There you will find:
- local clothing stores;
- shoes;
- household matters;
- supermarkets;
- specialty stores;
- and the hospitality industry.
That's more than enough for everyday shopping.
For a day of extensive shopping, many residents drive to Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, or Elche.
Shopping in Ciudad Quesada
Ciudad Quesada doesn't have a large, traditional shopping mall either.
However, you'll find plenty of the following scattered throughout Quesada:
- supermarkets;
- home furnishing stores;
- specialty stores abroad;
- clothing;
- beauty;
- services;
- and the hospitality industry.
For larger retail chains, Habaneras and La Zenia Boulevard are relatively close by.
That's one of the reasons why living in Ciudad Quesada can be practical: you live in a quiet area, but several large commercial districts are easily accessible by car.
Shopping on the Northern Costa Blanca
The northern Costa Blanca also offers a wide variety of shopping options.
Places like Benidorm, Calpe, Altea, Dénia, and Jávea all have their own shopping districts.
The selection ranges from large shopping centers around Benidorm and Finestrat to smaller boutiques in historic districts.
La Marina Shopping Center in Finestrat
On the northern Costa Blanca, the commercial area around Finestrat is a major shopping destination.
Here you'll find major retail chains, supermarkets, home furnishings stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.
For residents of Benidorm, Villajoyosa, Altea, and La Nucía, this is a natural place to make larger purchases.
If you're looking for a home in this area, you can also check out our pages on Benidorm, Villajoyosa, and La Nucía.
Small boutiques in Altea
Altea is fun precisely because of its smaller shops.
In the historic center, you'll find:
- boutiques;
- art;
- jewelry;
- ceramics;
- decoration;
- and local products.
Here, shopping is much more about the atmosphere than about large international retail chains.
A visit here can easily be combined with a tour of the old town and the restaurants around the church.
Shopping in Dénia
Dénia has a lively downtown area with many mainstream stores.
You'll find fashion, shoes, beauty products, local specialty shops, and restaurants.
The city is larger and more of a year-round destination than some smaller tourist towns.
As a result, the shopping options are also appealing to permanent residents.
Shopping in Jávea
Jávea has several commercial districts.
The historic center, the harbor, and Arenal each have something different to offer.
In the old town, you'll find mostly traditional and smaller shops.
In the Arenal area, many businesses cater more to international residents and vacationers.
For large shopping malls, it's better to drive from Jávea to Dénia, Ondara, or further on toward Benidorm.
Portal de la Marina near Ondara
For residents of Dénia, Jávea, and the Marina Alta, the Portal de la Marina shopping center near Ondara is a popular destination.
Here you'll find a variety of international and Spanish chains, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The center is located near the main roads, making it easily accessible from several towns along the Northern Costa Blanca.
Markets on the Costa Blanca
Those who prefer shopping outdoors to shopping at a mall have a huge selection to choose from.
Almost every day, there's a market somewhere along the Costa Blanca.
There, you can go for, among other things:
- fruits and vegetables;
- clothing;
- shoes;
- bags;
- plants;
- household items;
- local delicacies;
- as souvenirs.
You can find well-known markets, for example, in:
- Old Tower
- Guardamar;
- Rojales;
- Benijófar;
- Almoradis;
- Alicante;
- Benidorm
- Calpe;
- Jávea;
- Denia
- in Jalón.
Check out our complete guide to markets on the Costa Blanca for an overview by day of the week.
Nueva Condomina in Murcia
If you live on the southern Costa Blanca, you can also drive to Murcia for a day of shopping.
Nueva Condomina is a large shopping center on the north side of the city of Murcia, offering a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and services. The official website features a comprehensive list of stores, and the center also offers charging stations for electric cars.
For residents of Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, Pilar de la Horadada, and the Costa Cálida, Murcia can therefore be a nice alternative to Alicante.
IKEA and home furnishings stores
Someone who has just bought a home in Spain often has very different shopping needs than someone who is on vacation.
The following are particularly interesting:
- furniture stores;
- bed stores;
- home decor;
- lighting;
- garden furniture;
- home improvement stores;
- and electronics.
You'll find many of these stores around Murcia, Alicante, Elche, and various major shopping districts along the Costa Blanca.
This may be particularly relevant for new construction, since not every new construction project is delivered fully furnished.
Outlet Shopping
Outlet stores can be a great option if you're mainly looking for well-known brands at lower prices.
Just keep in mind that outlet collections change frequently.
The chances that you'll find exactly the same selection as you did a month ago are slim.
So be sure to visit an outlet if you enjoy browsing and are open to different brands and collections.
When is the best time to go shopping?
On weekdays, large shopping malls are generally less crowded than on Saturdays.
In the summer, it can actually be nice to spend the hottest part of the day inside a shopping mall.
Please also keep the following in mind:
- Spanish holidays;
- local holidays;
- Sunday openings;
- Summer hours;
- and special sales periods.
Hours of operation vary by shopping center and season.
Therefore, always check the shopping center's website before making a special trip that involves a longer drive.
Are stores open on Sundays?
It depends.
Spain has rules regarding Sunday and holiday hours, and tourist areas may have more flexible options.
For example, La Zenia Boulevard is not fully open every Sunday of the year. In 2026, there will be various periods and exceptions.
Therefore, don't automatically assume that the opening hours are the same as in the Netherlands.
Rebajas: The Spanish Sales
In Spain, you'll often see the word rebajas.
That means a clearance sale.
Traditionally, there are major sales periods after Christmas and during the summer, but these days, stores also offer promotions and discounts outside of those periods.
During major sales weeks and Black Friday, shopping centers like La Zenia Boulevard and Habaneras can get very crowded.
Shopping While on Vacation or Living There Permanently
When it comes to vacation shopping, it's all about having fun.
When it comes to permanent residence on the Costa Blanca, the level of amenities becomes much more important.
For example, you might want to know where to go for:
- furniture;
- electronics;
- building materials;
- clothing;
- grocery shopping;
- car maintenance;
- medical products;
- and daily services.
This could even influence your choice of where to live.
Which places are good for shopping enthusiasts?
If you like having plenty of stores nearby, you might want to consider larger towns or residential areas near commercial centers.
On the southern Costa Blanca, for example, there are:
practical options.
On the northern Costa Blanca, you can visit:
Consider Shopping When Choosing a Home
It may not sound like the top priority when choosing a home in Spain, but proximity to stores can be quite important in everyday life.
People who live there year-round have different needs than those who come on vacation for four weeks a year.
That is why, when searching for a home, we don't just look at:
- distance to the beach;
- swimming pool;
- number of bedrooms;
- and the view,
but also to practical matters such as supermarkets, restaurants, medical facilities, and stores.
For someone who wants to live without a car, an apartment in Torrevieja or Alicante, for example, can be much more practical than a villa in a remote residential community.
Combine shopping with visiting markets
A fun way to experience both sides of Spain is to combine a large shopping mall with a traditional market.
For example:
Friday: market in Torrevieja + Habaneras.
Saturday: market in Playa Flamenca + La Zenia Boulevard.
Tuesday: market in Benijófar + shops in Ciudad Quesada.
Thursday: market in Rojales + commercial areas around Quesada.
This way, you can combine large international chains with the local Spanish market scene.
Buying a home near good amenities
Are you not just on vacation on the Costa Blanca, but would you also like to live there?
Casas Palmeras assists Dutch and Belgian buyers with purchasing a home in Spain.
We're not just looking for a beautiful home, but also for a location that fits your daily life.
View the current listings, discover the available new construction projects, or learn more about our approach.
Are you planning to move to Spain permanently? If so, be sure to check out our information on emigrating to Spain, health care in Spain, and NIE and residencia.
Would you like us to help you find a home with good shops and everyday amenities nearby? If so, please fill out the questionnaire for your home search or feel free to contact Casas Palmeras.
Shopping on the Costa Blanca goes far beyond just one large shopping center. From La Zenia Boulevard and Habaneras to Alicante, Elche, local markets, and small boutiques in coastal towns, the region offers plenty of options for both a day of shopping and everyday life if you live here permanently.
