Discovering a Taste of Home: Australian Beer in Tenerife
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a sun-drenched paradise known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious tapas. While the local Spanish wines and beers are fantastic, sometimes you just crave a familiar taste of home. If you’re an Aussie expat, a visitor from Down Under, or simply a beer enthusiast looking to explore unique brews, you might be wondering: where can I buy Australian beer in Tenerife?
As a local who’s explored every corner of this beautiful island, I know the quest for specific international products can be a challenge. But fear not! While Tenerife isn’t exactly overflowing with dedicated Australian beer shops, there are definitely places where you can find your favourite brews. It takes a bit of local knowledge and knowing where to look, but the reward of a cold XXXX, a crisp VB, or a craftier Coopers is well worth it.
Supermarkets with International Sections
Your first port of call for international goods is often the larger supermarket chains. While smaller local ‘supermercados’ might stick to Spanish staples, the bigger hypermarkets often have dedicated aisles for imported products. These are your best bet for finding mainstream Australian beers.
- Mercadona: While Mercadona is a Spanish chain, some of their larger stores, particularly those in tourist-heavy areas or larger towns like La Laguna or Santa Cruz, might carry a small selection of international beers. It’s hit or miss, but worth a quick look.
- HiperDino: This is the dominant supermarket chain in the Canary Islands, and their larger ‘HiperDino Express’ or ‘HiperDino Supermercado’ formats are your best bet. They often have a more extensive imported goods section than Mercadona. Look for their stores in major towns like Adeje, Arona, Puerto de la Cruz, and the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They are known to sometimes stock popular Australian lagers.
- Carrefour: If you can find a Carrefour hypermarket (more common in larger cities like Santa Cruz), they usually have a very broad selection of international foods and drinks, including a decent beer range. This is a strong contender for finding imported Australian beers.
Insider Tip: Don’t expect to find a huge variety of Australian craft beers in mainstream supermarkets. You’re more likely to find the big, well-known brands like Victoria Bitter (VB), XXXX Gold, Foster’s (though technically brewed globally now, it’s still an Aussie icon for many), and perhaps some Coopers. Keep an eye out during holiday seasons or when there might be specific promotions for imported goods.
Specialty Drink Stores and Wine Shops
Beyond the supermarkets, dedicated beverage stores are your next best bet. These shops often cater to a more discerning palate and are more likely to stock a wider range of international beers, including those from Australia.
- Local ‘Licorerías’ or ‘Vinotecas’: These are wine and liquor stores. While their primary focus is often wine and spirits, many have a surprisingly good selection of imported beers. You’ll need to do some exploring in the larger towns. Look for signs that say ‘Licoreria’ or ‘Bodega’ and pop your head in. Ask the proprietor – they might have stock in the back or be able to order it for you.
- Specialty Beer Shops: While rare, Tenerife is slowly seeing an increase in dedicated craft beer stores. These are the holy grail for beer lovers. These shops are more likely to stock a curated selection of international craft beers, and if there’s a demand, they might bring in Australian options. Keep an eye on local forums or social media groups for recommendations on the newest craft beer havens.
Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes with International Menus
Some establishments in Tenerife, particularly those catering to a more international clientele or with a specific theme, might offer Australian beers. This is more about enjoying a beer out rather than buying a pack to take home, but it’s a great way to sample Australian brews.
- Australian-Themed Pubs/Bars: While not widespread, there might be a few ‘Aussie pubs’ or bars that lean into the theme. These are your most likely bet for finding Australian beers on tap or in bottles. They often serve classic pub grub too! Search online for ‘Australian bar Tenerife’ or ‘sports bar Tenerife’ as they sometimes show AFL or NRL games.
- International Restaurants: Some restaurants that focus on international cuisine, particularly those with a more varied menu, might offer a small selection of popular international beers. It’s less common, but worth checking menus online or calling ahead.
- Beach Bars and Tourist Resorts: In popular tourist areas like Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and parts of Puerto de la Cruz, you might find beach bars or hotel bars that stock a wider variety of drinks to cater to diverse tourist preferences. It’s a long shot for specific Australian beers, but you might find a familiar name.
Online Retailers and Delivery Services
For the best selection and convenience, especially if you’re looking for specific brands or craft options, online shopping is often the way to go. Several platforms deliver directly to your door in Tenerife.
- Dropt.beer: This is a fantastic resource for beer lovers looking for a wide array of craft and international beers. They have a strong focus on quality and variety, and you can often find Australian craft breweries represented. Check out their selection at dropt.beer. They also have a shop where you can browse and purchase directly at dropt.beer/shop/. For those interested in the latest trends and news in the beer world, their insights section is invaluable: dropt.beer/insights-news-blog/. Ordering from an online specialist like Dropt.beer is often the most reliable way to get specific Australian beers delivered to your accommodation or home in Tenerife.
- Other Online Beverage Retailers: There are other general online stores that sell alcohol in Spain. While their beer selection might be less specialized than Dropt.beer, they can sometimes carry popular imported brands. Do a search for ‘cervezas internacionales online España’ to see what comes up, and ensure they deliver to the Canary Islands (delivery to the islands can sometimes be more complex due to logistics).
Specific Australian Beers to Look For
When you’re on the hunt, here are some of the most popular Australian beers you might be lucky enough to find:
- Victoria Bitter (VB): An iconic lager, often considered Australia’s national beer.
- XXXX Gold: Another hugely popular lager from Queensland, known for its smooth taste.
- Coopers: Particularly their Pale Ale and Original Pale Ale, which are highly regarded craft options.
- Carlton Draught: A classic Australian lager.
- Tooheys: Look for Tooheys New or Tooheys Extra Dry.
- Bondi Beer Co., Stone & Wood, Balter Brewing: If you’re incredibly fortunate, you might stumble upon some of Australia’s thriving craft beer scene in a specialty shop or online.
Tips for Your Beer Hunt in Tenerife
- Be Patient and Persistent: Finding specific international products takes time. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts are unsuccessful.
- Learn a Little Spanish: Knowing phrases like “¿Tenéis cerveza australiana?” (Do you have Australian beer?) or “¿Busco cerveza de Australia?” (I’m looking for beer from Australia) can be incredibly helpful when speaking with shopkeepers.
- Ask the Locals: If you strike up a conversation with bar staff or shop owners, ask them if they know where you might be able to find Australian beer. They might have insider knowledge.
- Check Online Groups: Search Facebook or other social media for expat groups or beer enthusiast groups in Tenerife. Often, members share tips on where to find specific products.
- Consider the Location: Your chances of finding imported beers are higher in larger towns and cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Arona, Adeje, and Puerto de la Cruz, rather than in small, remote villages. Tourist hotspots are also more likely to have international options.
- Factor in Price: Imported beers, especially from further afield like Australia, will almost always be more expensive than local Spanish beers. Be prepared for a higher price point.
Beyond Beer: Experiencing Tenerife’s Local Flavours
While the quest for Australian beer is understandable, don’t forget to immerse yourself in Tenerife’s incredible local drinks scene! Trying a ‘barraquito’ (a layered coffee with condensed milk, liqueur, and cinnamon), sampling local Canarian wines (especially the Malvasia from Lanzarote or the red wines from the north of Tenerife), or enjoying a refreshing ‘cerveza local’ like Dorada or Tropical is all part of the Tenerife experience. The local rum, ‘Ron Miel’ (honey rum), is also a must-try!
But for those moments when only a taste of the Land Down Under will do, armed with this guide, you’re well-equipped to find your beloved Australian beer in Tenerife. Happy hunting, and cheers!