Expats in Tenerife - Shopping Secrets
SHOPPING IN TENERIFE
Shopping in Tenerife is not exclusively a tourist activity and when expat families first take the plunge to move to the island, they are faced with a bewildering choice of supermarkets and stores. In the initial stages of taking up residency in Tenerife, some people like to be able to buy brands that they are familiar with from home. Iceland and UK Abroad are two chains that specialise in UK goods ' though you will find the prices reflect that the goods are imported.
The Spanish supermarkets are well stocked and there is no doubt that choosing Spanish products over imported ones makes for a cheaper monthly shopping bill. While supermarkets like Mercadona and Hyperdino offer a wide range of consumer goods, cost-conscuious shoppers or those buying for bars or restaurants can slash monthly bills by bulk-buying in the 'warehouse' stores like Symel or Jesuman.
There are more than seven regional commercial areas with major department stores. For the latest in fashions and newest stores, check out Carrefour one of the largest shopping centres which offers an adjoining 5.000 sq m supermarket with a large fresh vegetable and herb section. Situated in Santa Maria del Mar it is only a 40 minute drive from Los Cristianos on the motorway going towards Santa Cruz the capital.
To tackle the number of great shopping areas in Tenerife, it will require a good pair of walking shoes, time and transport. Whether you are hunting the best prices from an outlet store, or looking for that perfect antique, refurbishing your home the area offers a variety of shopping excursions that are sure to please your senses.
In Tenerife, shopping is taken very seriously. With more and more stores opening in all parts of island, savy shoppers find name brand merchandise at factory direct prices. Some of the best area outlets are found at Las Chafiras, situated just outside Golf Del Sur with a host of hardware, furniture and a full size Iceland supermarket for those missing their favourite British brand products.
The up and coming area of Adeje boasts of mega size outlets specialising in bathroom fittings, kitchens, electrical appliances and the new state of the art IKEA store.
Historic and antique shopping districts also offer one-of-a-kind gifts, as well as timeless collectibles from another time and place. The capital Santa Cruz have been well known for years for their unique and high-quality antiques and art shops.
With all these options to choose from, Tenerife is truly a shopper's paradise with enough variety to satisfy any interest.
About the author: Victor Lupain runs a successful estate agency in Tenerife specialising in finding the right property for families wishing to relocate from the UK. Visit Victor's website http://www.lupain.com for more information about buying property and relocating to Tenerife.