Shopping in Alicante: Primark, Zara & El Corte Inglés
Complete shopping guide: Primark (Plaza Mar 2), Gran Vía (shopping mall), Avenida Maisonnave (shopping street), El Corte Inglés, Zara, Sephora, and outlets. Opening hours, prices, and how to get there.
Best Shopping in Alicante
Alicante features 2 main shopping areas: Gran Vía (shopping mall) and Avenida Maisonnave (city center shopping street). Gran Vía is the Costa Blanca's largest shopping center, housing Primark, Zara, H&M, Sephora, Massimo Dutti, and 150+ other stores. Maisonnave is Alicante's premier high street with classic standalone stores (Zara, Mango, Bershka, Pull&Bear) and 2 massive El Corte Inglés department stores. Both locations are just 15–20 minutes from the airport.
First-time visitors should head to either Gran Vía (for convenience – everything in one place) or Maisonnave (for an authentic city vibe with high street shops). For Primark (budget fashion), you have two options: inside Gran Vía or at Plaza Mar 2 (near the beach). If you are looking for high-end luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton), you will need to travel to Marbella or Madrid – Alicante does not have standalone luxury boutiques.
Primark Alicante: Plaza Mar 2 & Gran Vía
Primark operates 2 large stores in the Alicante area: Plaza Mar 2 (2,500 m², 10 mins from the airport by El Altet beach) and Gran Vía (inside the mall, 20 mins from the center). The Plaza Mar 2 location is larger and newer (opened in 2017), while Gran Vía is more convenient if you are already visiting the mall for other brands. Primark sells budget clothing, homeware, and cosmetics – prices generally range from €3–25 (t-shirts €5, dresses €10–15, shoes €10–20).
Primark Plaza Mar 2 – Alicante's largest budget fashion store (2,500 m²)
Practical Info: Primark Plaza Mar 2
- Address: Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2, Avenida de las Naciones, El Altet, Elche (10 km south of Alicante airport)
- Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 11:00–21:00
- Size: 2,500 m² (larger than Gran Vía)
- Departments: Women, men, kids, baby, home, cosmetics, shoes, accessories
- How to get there: Bus C-6 from Alicante center to El Altet (30 min, €1.50), or by car (free parking). It's a 10-minute walk from the airport.
- Parking: Free (Plaza Mar 2 has a huge parking lot)
- Other stores in Plaza Mar 2: Zara, H&M, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Mercadona (supermarket), Media Markt (electronics)
- Price examples: T-shirts €3–7, jeans €10–15, dresses €10–20, shoes €10–20, bedding €15–30
- Best for: Budget shoppers, families, and those arriving at/leaving for the airport
Practical Info: Primark Gran Vía
- Address: Centro Comercial Gran Vía, Avenida de Elche 106, Alicante
- Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 11:00–21:00
- Size: 1,800 m² (smaller than Plaza Mar 2)
- How to get there: TRAM L1/L2/L3 to "Gran Vía" station (15 min from the center, €1.50), or bus 04/11/22/30/31
- Parking: Gran Vía parking (€2/h, first 2 hours free with a purchase over €20)
- Best for: Visitors already shopping at the Gran Vía mall
Which Primark should I choose? Plaza Mar 2 is larger and feels more modern, but requires a slight detour (10 min from the airport, 30 min from the center). Gran Vía is far more convenient if you plan to shop at other stores in the mall. Both stores offer the same prices and core items, but Plaza Mar 2 has a slightly wider selection.
Gran Vía: The Costa Blanca's Largest Mall
Centro Comercial Gran Vía is the largest shopping center on the Costa Blanca – boasting 150+ shops, a cinema, restaurants, a supermarket, and a children's play area under one roof. Here you will find fast-fashion giants like Zara, H&M, Primark, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, and Mango. You'll also find Sephora, Douglas (beauty), Fnac (electronics/books), Carrefour (a massive supermarket), and over 50 restaurants and cafés. It is the ultimate "one-stop shop". Easily accessible via TRAM (20 mins) from the center.
Gran Vía – The Costa Blanca's largest mall (150+ stores)
Avenida Maisonnave – Alicante's elegant and vibrant shopping street
Practical Info: Gran Vía
- Address: Avenida de Elche 106, Alicante
- Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 11:00–21:00
- Stores (selection): Zara, H&M, Primark, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Mango, Sephora, Douglas, Fnac, Carrefour, Decathlon, Ikea (Home), Women's Secret, Intimissimi, Nike, Adidas, JD Sports, Springfield, Lefties
- Restaurants: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Ginos (Italian), Vips, Foster's Hollywood, Lizarran (tapas), 100 Montaditos, La Tagliatella
- How to get there: TRAM L1/L2/L3 to "Gran Vía" (15–20 min from the center, €1.50). Departs every 10 mins. Or local buses 04/11/22/30/31.
- Parking: €2/h (first 2 hours free if you spend over €20). 3,000 parking spaces available.
- Facilities: Cinema (Yelmo Cines), indoor play area (Magic), baby changing rooms, free WiFi, wheelchair accessible
- Best for: Families, convenient one-stop shopping, avoiding carrying heavy bags around town
- Tips: Visit on a weekday to avoid the worst crowds. Sundays tend to be very busy. Don't forget to keep your receipt for free parking!
Why visit: Gran Vía is the perfect choice if you want to get all your shopping done quickly and comfortably. Having 150 stores, a cinema, and plenty of dining options makes it incredibly comprehensive. It lacks the genuine Spanish street vibe, but the sheer variety makes up for it.
Avenida Maisonnave: Alicante's High Street
Avenida Maisonnave is Alicante's premier high street – a 1 km long avenue right in the city center lined with over 100 standalone shops (Zara, Mango, H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Sephora) as well as two massive El Corte Inglés department stores. This is where the locals love to stroll. It offers a much more authentic Spanish city experience than Gran Vía, even if the selection is slightly less consolidated (there is no Primark here). Perfect for combining shopping bags with coffee on a sunny terrace.
Practical Info: Maisonnave
- Length: 1 km (From Plaza de los Luceros down to Plaza de la Montañeta)
- Opening Hours: Shops: Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 11:00–20:00. El Corte Inglés: Mon–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 11:00–21:00.
- Stores (selection): Zara (4 different stores), Mango, H&M, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Massimo Dutti, Springfield, Women's Secret, Sephora, Douglas, Intimissimi, Oysho, Tous (jewelry), Pandora, Adidas, Nike (inside El Corte Inglés only)
- El Corte Inglés: 2 department stores on the same street – Moda (fashion, 8 floors) and Hogar (home/electronics, 6 floors). Covers everything from fashion and beauty to electronics and gourmet food.
- How to get there: A 10-minute walk from Plaza de la Constitución (main square), or TRAM L2 to "Luceros" (a 5-minute walk to the street).
- Parking: Can be difficult and expensive (parking garages cost €2–3/h: Parkia Maisonnave, Mercado Central). Public transport is highly recommended!
- Nearby: Rambla Méndez Núñez (cozy boulevard), Plaza Luceros, Mercado Central (main food market)
- Best for: Those who love city vibes, high street shopping, and stopping at local tapas bars between purchases.
- Tips: Start at Plaza Luceros (the northern end) and work your way south toward Plaza Montañeta. Be sure to pop into El Corte Inglés for excellent service and tax-free shopping.
Why visit: Maisonnave offers by far the most inviting and genuine shopping experience in Alicante. Even though it doesn't have everything under one roof like Gran Vía, the atmosphere makes it a joy to walk here. A visit to the luxurious El Corte Inglés department stores is highly recommended.
El Corte Inglés: Spain's Largest Department Store
El Corte Inglés is a Spanish institution – and Alicante proudly boasts 2 large branches along Maisonnave (Moda + Hogar). This is Spain's equivalent to Selfridges or Macy's. You get full-service shopping and an incredible selection of clothing, shoes, cosmetics, technology, home decor, gourmet food, and restaurants all under one roof. The perfect place for more exclusive shopping.
El Corte Inglés Maisonnave – Spain's premium department store known for its superb service
Practical Info: El Corte Inglés
- Locations in Alicante:
• Maisonnave Moda (Avenida Maisonnave 53) – 8 floors: fashion, shoes, beauty, perfume, accessories, supermarket
• Maisonnave Hogar (Avenida Maisonnave 7-9) – 6 floors: electronics, homeware, sports equipment, toys, books, gourmet food - Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–22:00, Sun 11:00–21:00
- Departments: Fashion (Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein), Beauty (Sephora, Chanel, Dior, Clinique), Tech (Apple, Samsung, Sony), Home (kitchen, bath, bedroom), Food (Gourmet Experience – deli)
- Tax-free shopping: Since Brexit, UK tourists are eligible for Tax-Free shopping! Bring your passport and you can claim up to 10% VAT back on your purchases at a dedicated desk. (This also applies to visitors from the US, Norway, etc. EU citizens pay the standard VAT).
- Services: Personal shopper (free to book), home delivery, gift wrapping, tailoring/alterations.
- Restaurants: Gourmet Experience (a lovely rooftop restaurant on the 8th floor of Moda), Supercor (supermarket with take-away).
- Best for: Premium shopping, gifts, and those expecting impeccable service.
- Tips: Do not miss the Gourmet Experience on the 8th floor of the Moda building. The outdoor terrace offers breathtaking views of the city and is a phenomenal spot for a lunch break.
Why visit: El Corte Inglés is simply a must for anyone looking for quality, famous brands, and personal service. Although average prices are higher than in fast-fashion stores, the selection is unbeatable. The rooftop terrace is a hard-to-beat bonus!
The Outlet Stores: Alicante's Outlet Village
The Outlet Stores Alicante is located in the suburb of Sant Vicent del Raspeig (approx. 10 km north of Alicante's city center). It consists of about 40 outlet stores offering 30–70% discounts on major sports and fashion brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Pepe Jeans, Desigual, Tous, and Samsonite. It is much smaller than massive outlet villages (like Bicester Village or La Roca), but a solid stop for the dedicated bargain hunter.
Practical Info: The Outlet Stores
- Address: Avenida Ancha de Castelar 26, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Alicante
- Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–21:00, Sun 11:00–20:00
- Stores (selection): Nike, Adidas, Puma, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, Pepe Jeans, Desigual, Tous, Samsonite, Springfield, Cortefiel, Pedro del Hierro, Bimba y Lola
- Discounts: Typically 30–70% lower than normal prices (varies by brand and sale season)
- How to get there: Driving is easiest (10 km north, takes 15 mins, excellent free parking). Bus L7 runs from Alicante center to Sant Vicent (takes 30 mins, costs €1.50) followed by a 15-minute walk.
- Parking: Completely free!
- Best for: Bargain hunters, sports enthusiasts (large Nike and Adidas stores), families with a rental car.
- Tips: If you are in the area, it can be nice to take a stroll through the Universidad de Alicante (university campus), which is quite beautiful.
Is it worth it? They have great discounts, but the variety of stores is somewhat limited. It is mostly worth it if you already have a rental car and happen to be passing by. The selection at Gran Vía and along Maisonnave is significantly better for a broader shopping day.
Quick Comparison: Shopping in Alicante
| Location | Type | Selection (Highlights) | How to get there? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gran Vía | Shopping Mall | Primark, Zara, H&M, Sephora, Massimo Dutti, Fnac, 150+ stores | TRAM L1/L2/L3 to Gran Vía (15 min, €1.50) | One-stop shopping, families, convenience |
| Maisonnave | High Street | Zara, Mango, H&M, Bershka, 2x El Corte Inglés, 100+ stores | 10 min walk from the main square (Plaza de la Constitución) | City vibe, street shopping, cozy atmosphere |
| Primark Plaza Mar 2 | Primark (Mall) | Primark (2,500 m²), Zara, H&M, Pull&Bear, Media Markt | Bus C-6 to El Altet (30 min, €1.50) or rental car | Heavy budget shoppers, pre-flight shopping |
| El Corte Inglés | Department Store | Premium fashion, makeup, tech, home decor, fine food | Along Maisonnave (located in 2 different buildings) | Designer brands, excellent service, gifts |
| The Outlet Stores | Outlet Village | Nike, Adidas, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger, 40 total stores | Car (10 km north) or Bus L7 + a walk | Bargain hunting (30–70% off), sportswear |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a Primark in central Alicante?
Primark has 2 locations just outside the direct city center: Plaza Mar 2 (in El Altet, about 10 minutes from the airport) and Gran Vía (a large shopping center about 20 minutes by tram from the center). The store at Plaza Mar 2 is the largest.
Is it cheaper at Gran Vía or on Maisonnave?
Chain stores (like Zara, Mango, H&M) have the exact same prices regardless of where they are located. However, Gran Vía has a Primark, which brings the average price down. Maisonnave, on the other hand, features the more luxurious El Corte Inglés department stores.
Are shops open on Sundays in Spain?
As a designated tourist zone, many large stores and malls in Alicante (such as Gran Vía, Maisonnave, Plaza Mar 2) are open on Sundays, usually between 11:00 and 20:00/21:00. However, smaller independent street boutiques are often closed.
Where can I buy Sephora skincare in Alicante?
There are three Sephora locations: inside the Gran Vía shopping center, as a standalone store along Maisonnave street, and inside the cosmetics department of El Corte Inglés (in the Moda building).
Are there stores like Gucci, Prada, or Louis Vuitton in Alicante?
No. Alicante does not have standalone high-end luxury boutiques. If you are looking for true high-end fashion, the nearest places are Puerto Banús (Marbella) or the Serrano/Salamanca districts in Madrid.
Can I shop Tax-Free in Spain?
Yes, if you live outside the EU! Following Brexit, tourists from the UK (along with Americans, Norwegians, etc.) can claim VAT refunds on their shopping. Simply ask for a Tax-Free form at the till (especially easy at El Corte Inglés) and validate it at the airport before you fly home.
How much does it cost to park at Gran Vía?
The standard rate is €2 per hour, but the parking garage offers the first two hours completely free if you show a receipt proving you spent at least €20. There is plenty of space (3,000 spots).
Updated: February 2026. Prices, opening hours, and other details may vary over time and by season. Always check the official websites of the stores before your trip. Images in this guide are from Unsplash (free for commercial use).