The Best Grocery Stores in Valencia

Going to the grocery stores in Valencia can be a fun experience for travelers (or is that just me?) Whether you’re moving here permanently or you just want to save some money while traveling, I’ll help you learn which supermarkets to choose and what to expect. 

Quick Resources:

• Looking to move here? Check out this guide. 
• Traveling on a budget? Check out this one.
• Just love food? Here’s the guide you need.  

Major Supermarket Chains in Valencia

Most of the grocery stores in Valencia are all chains. Of course, you do have your local fruit and produce stands, farmer’s markets, etc. 

But I would say most people rely on the grocery stores to get most of their shopping done. 

So I’ll break down the top grocery stores for you to shop at. 

But if you have any other questions or concerns – just send me a message!

➡️ Looking for other food-related adventures? Check out my post on the best food tours in Valencia. 

Mercadona

Mercadona is Spain’s most popular supermarket chain, with its headquarters right here in Valencia. 

For the most part, you’ll be able to find fair prices. I would say this is most people’s go-to supermarket. 

They also have their own-brand products (called “Hacendado”), which is nice if you’re looking to save some money. 

Mercadona is among the least expensive supermarkets in Valencia and probably the most popular, making it your best bet for weekly basics, cleaning supplies, and household essentials. 

They also have ready-made meals which is a big perk for travelers!

You can find them in just about every neighborhood, so there’s likely one within walking distance of wherever you’re staying. The only exception would be La Ciutat Vella, which doesn’t have too many grocery stories. 

Consum

Consum is my go-to grocery store in Valencia. 

It’s a cooperative and one of the favorites among Valencians. 

Overall, they have an excellent quality for the price, especially if you’re looking for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free options.  I would say they are on-par with Mercadona in terms of selection. For a lot of people — it just comes down to personal preference. 

I also prefer Consum primarily for its business model. They’re particularly strong in fresh produce and offer a good selection of organic and health-conscious products without the premium pricing you’d find at specialty stores.

And Mercadona’s owner is infamous for having some far-right tendencies… so I usually stick to Consum whenever possible. 

Tip: Consum also has a ready-made meal section. You can expect to pay around 5€ for a full meal. It’s a great way to explore Valencia on a budget. 

Carrefour Express

Inside of the city of Valencia, there are not really any full Carrefour stores, but instead Carrefour Express. 

These smaller format stores from the French retail giant are perfect for convenience shopping when you need basics but don’t want to do a full grocery run.

Basically, they’re slightly more expensive — but they’re open on Sundays. 

So this is where you go if you forget something or just need one/two quick ingredients. 

Plus, since these stores are typically much smaller, you can find them in the city center. 

Lidl & Aldi

Lidl & Aldi are some of my favorite grocery stores. In Valencia, there aren’t too many of them. And sadly, they’re far away from my house. 

But I do quite like the variety of their products and the seasonal specials. 

They typically are the cheapest out of all the options, as well. 

So if you have one nearby, then I recommend it! Otherwise, try and find a Consum.

El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés is situated centrally on the main shopping street in La Ciutat Vella, This premium department store has a supermarket in the basement that caters to those looking for upmarket foods and international products.

For most people, I wouldn’t recommend them to come here. 

But if you live here, you can typically find specialty ingredients. Some American-made products, international foods, and some slightly higher-end cheeses can all be found here. 

So I definitely don’t recommend it as your normal grocery store. But it has some perks for the occasional item!

Herbolario Navarro

This is the go-to “Health Store” if you’re looking for all-organic, natural foods. They sell lots of fruits, vegetables, vegan and vegetarian items, as well as health supplements. 

They also have a small restaurant, so you can come here to get a quick lunch as well. 

While it’s definitely a more expensive option, it’s great for people who prioritize eating organic. 

Key Differences from US/International Shopping

So shopping in the Valencian grocery stores can be a little different from what you’re used to. 

Unlike in the US – you don’t have these enormous stores that take 10 minutes to walk from one side to the next. They’re typically much smaller. 

So here are a few travel tips to keep in mind if this is your first time shopping at a grocery store in Valencia:

Smaller, Frequent Shopping Trips

I would say it is much more common for people to take more frequent trips, buying in smaller quantities.

There are a few reasons for that:

• People have smaller fridges
• Grocery stores are always nearby
• People value fresh food 

I always go grocery shopping once a week — and a lot of people will find that strange! A lot of Valencians will go multiple times a week. Or even, once a day! 

Plus, many people will still take trips to el forn (the bakery) for fresh bread. 

It’s certainly a different lifestyle, but it has its own charm! 

Different Store Hours

Most grocery stores in Valencia are closed on Sundays. 

Store hours are generally shorter than what many international visitors expect, with most supermarkets closing between 9-10 PM. 

So there is no late-night Walmart trips or Sunday-morning shopping! 

A lot of travelers can find this frustrating (especially if you travel on the weekend). And it can be annoying if you forget something for a Sunday lunch! 

But personally, I really appreciate that workers are allowed to enjoy their Sundays, too. So make sure to plan ahead and you’ll be fine! 

Shopping Logistics

Here’s a few things you’ll need to know:

• Grocery bags in Valencian supermarkets usually cost around €0.10 apiece. 
• In Lidl & Aldi, you’ll also need a €1 coin for shopping cart deposits, which you get back when you return the cart. 
• Unlike many countries, there’s no bagging service – you’ll bag your own groceries.
• Put your shopping bags from other stores in lockers in some small stores without security. You’ll need to put €1 coin into the locker, which you can get back once you’re done using the locker. 

I think the shopping bags are going to be the biggest shock for Americans! 

Because most people use re-usable bags for their shopping trips. Or they’ll even use their own shopping cart from home. 

But even more than that — the plastic bags here are a LOT sturdier than in the US. I remember sometimes needing 2-3 bags just so they wouldn’t rip. But here, they can hold a lot more weight than you’d expect. 

So you’ll need to bag your own groceries. And if you can — use a reusable bag!

Essential Things You Should Know

Now let’s talk about a few things you should know about shopping for groceries in Valencia. There are some surprising culture shocks, so here’s what you need to know:

What You Won’t Find

They don’t sell medicine in grocery stores, unlike in the US. Even for something like ibuprofen — you can only buy it at pharmacies. 

You’ll also notice that there isn’t a huge amount of international foods. Each grocery store usually has a small section. But for the most part, you’ll primarily find Valencian (or Spanish) products. 

And for some stores, you’ll find basic health and beauty supplies. Things like shampoo, toothpaste, etc., are available. I’d say the supermarkets have the essentials, but not “fancier” skincare products. 

So if you want specialty skincare, you may need to go to a pharmacy. 

Store Layout Differences

You’ll find that Valencia supermarkets are MUCH smaller than what you’d be used to in the US. For European travelers, this won’t be as much of a shock. But this is a big culture shock for Americans.

So be ready for smaller isles and tighter spaces. This also means that people are more likely to be more “in your bubble”. 

You’ll also notice that some products aren’t where you may think. 

• Milk and eggs are NOT refrigerated. They are all shelf stable. Typically, people put milk in the fridge when opened, and the eggs as soon as they get home. 
• Fresh bread is in one section. Sliced sandwich bread is in another. 
• Almost every store will have a dedicated deli counter

So they’re not huge differences, but still something to be aware of!

Basic Valencian for Shopping

Here are a few phrases you may need when shopping:

• On està el…? — Where is the…?
• Em poses una bossa? Em poses dos bosses? — Can I have a bag? Can I have two bags?
• Amb targeta, per favor — Pay by card, please

And I can almost guarantee that the cashier may say to you, “Tens targeta Consum?”. That is just asking if you have a Consum card. You can just respond with, “No, no tinc”. 

That should be all you need for grocery shopping! But if you have any other questions, just send me a message or look into these other Valencian travel phrases. 

Bring a €1 Coin

Always bring a €1 coin for deposits. Some stores require it for shopping carts, while others may require it to leave your bags in a locker.  This system encourages you to return your cart when you’re done with it! 

Supermarket Alternatives

Now let’s say you don’t want to go to a major grocery store chain in Valencia. You still have some options to get your shopping done!

Here are some places you can go to. 

Traditional Markets

El Mercat Central is one of the best market experiences in the city, with colorful displays of fruit and vegetables, endless rows of local shops, and the scent of fresh bread and coffee. 

The massive market covers 8,160 square meters and houses over 1,000 vendors.

Other neighborhood markets worth exploring include the Mercat de Russafa in one of Valencia’s trendiest neighborhoods, housed in a colorfully painted building. 

Actually, many of the major neighborhoods will have a large market for you to shop at. 

And on almost every street, you’ll be able to find a small fruit market. These are convenience stores that have local fruits and veggies. And many times — they are at a really good price! 

Specialty Shops

Unlike in the US, it’s still very common to go shopping in specific specialty stores. Need bread? Go to a bakery.

So here’s what you can look for:

• Forns – Fresh bread baked daily, an essential for Valencians
• Carnisseria – Quality meat with personalized service
• Pescateria – Fresh seafood, especially important in this coastal city
• Fruiteria – Seasonal produce, often locally sourced

Digital Shopping Options

If you have accessibility needs (or just want someone to do the shopping for you) — then you have a couple digital options. 

• Supermarket delivery – Both Mercadona and Consum offer delivery for bulk orders 
• Quick delivery – Glovo provides 20-minute delivery for immediate needs

Just remember that for major grocery shopping — you’ll want to order in advance. Again, this is great if you aren’t able to shop yourself, or perhaps you’re going to a more rural area. 

Bon viatge

Have fun exploring the local supermarkets! 

I would say there aren’t too many culture shocks. 

Well, besides the fact that you can grab a SINGLE can/bottle of soda out of the box…in the middle of the store…

But besides that, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to get used to! I always enjoy visiting grocery stores while I travel and seeing all the new foods. 

So enjoy the experience!

Fins ara,

Kevin

More Travel Resources

Need some more help navigating the city? Here are some other resources that might be useful

• Valencian Travel Phrases
• Valencia Neighborhood Guide
• How to Use the Public Transport
• Best Restaurants in Valencia
• Do you need to tip? 
• Top Hotels in Valencia
• Best Tours in Valencia

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Want me to plan out the perfect itinerary?

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Then look into my travel consultation services and we’ll make sure you enjoy your time in Valencia!