Here's a selection of the things that are almost always cheaper in Gran Canaria than back at home.

Buying electronics in Gran Canaria

Cameras and high-end phones are often 10-20% cheaper in Gran Canaria and come with the same legal guarantees as they do at home. For camera equipment, we recommend pro photo specialists Duke Fotografia in Las Palmas. Don't buy electronics in small south Gran Canaria shops. Instead, go to Media Markt or Carrefour as they both sell quality phones, electronics and equipment at excellent prices. 

Buying tobacco in Gran Canaria

Cigarette prices in Gran Canaria are amongst the lowest in Europe: You pay just over three euros for a pack of 20 Marlboros (and that's in a machine in a bar). It's almost always cheaper to buy you ciggies in local supermarkets or shops than to wait for duty-free in the airport.

Buying alcohol in Gran Canaria

There's no added alcohol duty in the Canary Islands so prices are low. Branded spirits are great value and Spanish wine is almost free. Look out for local rum (La Aldea from La Palma is excellent) and even vodka (Blatt) and Gin (Macaronesia). Here's detailed info on Gran Canaria duty-free limits for when you head home. 

Buying perfume in Gran Canaria

With no luxury tax and low sales tax, Gran Canaria is a fantastic place to stock up on perfume and cosmetics. Shops like Fundgrube sell all major brands at great prices. 

Perfume in Gran Canaria is such a good deal that we've written a specific perfume buying guide. 

Clothes shopping in Gran Canaria

All the main European brand shops are in Gran Canaria and the island even has a couple of its own brands that are catching on. Prices are often lower than in Europe and you get slightly different ranges of clothes. Look out for Lenita XTG branded swimwear in the shopping centres and shopping districts. This local swimwear, underwear and sportswear brand is turning into the island's first fashion brand.

See our Gran Canaria clothes shopping guide.

Buying Aloe vera in Gran Canaria

Aloe vera grown in the strong Gran Canaria sunshine is known for its potency. Look out for lotions and cosmetics made with the local stuff as they are way better than the imported products. Aloe vera loses most of its benefits if it's over-processed and stored for too long. The best products are local brands made with the minimum of additives. 

Buying local Produce in Gran Canaria

Gourmet Canarian produce makes a great gift to take home. Look out for coffee and extra-virgin olive oil from Gran Canaria, palm syrup from La Gomera and salt from La Palma. Canary Islands wine has improved no end in the last 10 years ; it's now so good that we have our own wine section with reviews and tasting notes for many of the best and easiest to find bottles. 

Souvenirs

Here's our guide to ditching the (plastic) bull and finding authentic Gran Canaria souvenirs. Look out for artisan weaving, pottery, knives and jewellery at local markets and craft shops like the FEDAC.