Shops in the Canary Islands keep different opening hours. The general rule is that larger shops, including department stores, fashion outlets and commercial centres, tend to open between 10.00 and 22.00 from Monday to Saturday.
Smaller shops, such as little supermarkets and convenience stores selling assorted items, either open at 9.00 or 10.00 and close at 13.00 for a lunch break, re-opening at 16.30 and closing at 20.30. However, stores in busy resorts can stay open until 22.00 or even later. Larger supermarkets open from 9.00 to 20.00.
Many governmental offices only open in the mornings. Apart from the major tourist resorts, shops remain closed on Sundays.
Museum opening times also vary and churches are totally unpredictable. Theme parks and gardens are generally open seven days a week and some close on public holidays.
Usually restaurants serve lunch between 13.00 and 16.00 and dinner between 20.00 and 23.00. Of course, there are some restaurants that stay open all day.
Now, a word of advice if you fancy going clubbing. Bear in mind that nightclubs do not get busy until much later than in most of Europe. Many people do not even turn up before 01.00 and the party goes on all night!
