Tenerife has many wonderful places to shop, both in the north and the south. The island is partly a tax free area so prices are much cheaper on perfumes, tobacco and spirits than in the average EU country. When you return from the Islands to the mainland you’ll be treated by customs as if you are a traveler from outside the EU.
Santa Cruz is an adventure; shops are mostly in the streets instead of a central shopping area. You can browse the shops and people watch while relaxing in small shaded parks and squares or luncheon at one of the many cafes. You’ll find lots of cheap electronics from name brands such as cell phones, CD players, car stereos, cameras and an endless variety of watches and perfumes.
Santa Cruz is also home to the African Market (Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa), a bazaar with over 300 stalls selling fresh local produce. Get there early for the best choices. On Sundays here you’ll find the El Rastro Flea Market on the edge of the Market where you can get high quality hardware, crafts and leather at bargain prices.
El Corte Ingles is in the Avenida de Tres de Mayo in Santa Cruz. The indoor shops carry brands from internationally renowned companies that specialize in furs, shoes, perfumes, jewelry, music and other fine merchandise. There is also a historic center near the port with the widest variety of stores and shops on the island. Palm, Laurel and Dragon trees shade the streets and the peaceful parks and squares. All shops are closed on Sundays.
If you prefer the upscale experience go to Plaza del Duque shopping center in the area of Adeje. There are over 40 shops carrying exclusive designer merchandise both local and international. Nearly all the hotels here have their own shopping areas. You’ll find most of the shopping areas here are modern, bright and cheery.
Arona has beautiful shopping areas in the tourist resorts of Playa de los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas. The shops are open every day of the year and have something for everyone. The décor is reminiscent of an older era; there are street lamps as added touches and beautiful fountains yet it is very modern and spotlessly clean.
La Laguna is more traditional, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There is a variety of shops with traditional and modern goods, both designer and local. Here you will also find art galleries and bookshops, colorful older buildings, small shaded parks with places to sit and cafes and restaurants for snacks or a meal.
In north Tenerife you will find La Orotava, a lovely ocean-side preserved historical center with scores of shops. They sell everything but you’ll find a lot of Cararian crafts. Most shops are closed on Sat afternoon and all day Sunday. You’ll love the old world feel, bell towers, steeples, balconies, red/brown tiled roofs and swaying palm trees.
Puerto de la Cruz is another historic center with a large range of merchandise at competitive prices. You’ll enjoy the lively street atmosphere, open air cafes, restaurants, and colorful crowds. Because of the number of tourists most shops are open on Sundays.