Everyday life in Andalusia: shops, pharmacies, health

Short answer. In a village like Vélez de Benaudalla, daily shopping is local and the bigger supermarkets are in Motril. In Andalusia general retail opening on Sundays and public holidays is limited to 16 authorised days a year, so plan your shopping. Pharmacies take turns to stay open (farmacia de guardia). With the European Health Insurance Card, public healthcare is free and prescriptions are paid at 50 %. The emergency number is 112. EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein and Norwegian SIMs roam like at home.

Shopping and opening days

In the village

Vélez de Benaudalla has its own shops and bars for everyday needs. The bigger supermarkets and most services are in Motril, on the coast.

Sundays and public holidays

In Andalusia, general retail may open on 16 authorised Sundays and public holidays a year (the 2027 calendar was published in BOJA on 16 June 2026); towns can swap up to two of them, and some types of shop have free opening hours. In practice, do your main shopping on Saturday.

Markets

Weekly markets and fresh-produce stalls are part of local life; ask the host which day the nearest market is held.

Cost of living: monthly budget
Food: local produce

Local public holidays also close shops: check the town’s calendar for your dates.

Pharmacies

How they work

Pharmacies are marked with a green cross. Pharmacists give advice and sell many medicines without prescription; others need a prescription.

Duty pharmacy (farmacia de guardia)

Outside normal hours, pharmacies take turns to stay open. The rota for Granada province is published by the national council of pharmacists’ associations, and each pharmacy displays the nearest duty pharmacy on its door.

Prescriptions with the EHIC

Prescribed medicines are paid at 50 % of the price, or 10 % for pensioners from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.

Healthcare and emergencies

Emergencies: 112

Free from any phone across the EU, for ambulance, fire and police.

With the European Health Insurance Card

Only public providers accept it: ask for “asistencia sanitaria pública”. If you are asked to pay upfront, you are being treated privately. Public care, including emergencies, has no co-payment; dental care is generally not covered.

Without the EHIC

Visitors from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland need travel insurance that covers healthcare in Spain.

Driving in Andalusia: breakdowns and 112

General information from the European Commission: check your own cover with your health insurer before you travel.

Phone, mobile data and internet

Roam like at home

With a SIM from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, calls, texts and data in Spain cost the same as at home, within your plan’s limits.

Long stays

Operators check use over four months: if you spend more time abroad than at home and roam more than you use at home, they may ask you to explain and then add small surcharges. Check your operator’s conditions before a long stay.

Other countries

If your SIM is not covered, compare your operator’s travel options with a Spanish SIM or an eSIM before you leave.

At the apartment

Rincón Salvaje has free Wi-Fi with a good connection suited to remote work.

Remote work: long stays and connection

The rhythm of the day

Meal times are later than in northern Europe, and in small villages many shops close for part of the afternoon. The most reliable way to know local hours is to ask the host or check the shop’s door.

In summer, people go out early in the morning and in the evening; in winter, the village is quieter and life moves to the middle of the day.

Vélez de Benaudalla: the village

Settling in at Rincón Salvaje

Rincón Salvaje has an equipped kitchen, heating and air conditioning, a high table and a low table, and free Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome at no extra charge, and there is a public car park nearby. For anything about local shops or services, ask the host through the booking platform.

Before you book: honest answers
Travelling with a pet: EU rules, beaches, car and a checklist
Preparing a long stay: 90/180 rule, registration, health and a checklist

Frequently asked questions

Are shops open on Sundays in Andalusia?

General retail can open on 16 authorised Sundays and public holidays a year; some shops have free hours. Plan your main shopping for Saturday.

How do I find an open pharmacy at night?

Look for the farmacia de guardia: every pharmacy displays the nearest one on its door, and the rota for Granada province is published online.

Is healthcare free for visitors in Spain?

With the European Health Insurance Card, public care is free and prescriptions are paid at 50 %. Without it, you need travel insurance.

What is the emergency number in Spain?

112, free from any phone.

Will my phone work at no extra cost in Spain?

Yes with a SIM from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, within your plan’s limits; long stays may be checked by your operator.

Sources · Facts checked on 8 November 2026

Everyday life in Andalusia: shopping, pharmacies, health and phone