Finding a reliable pharmacy is one of those essential tasks that often becomes urgent at the least convenient moment. Whether you are a resident managing a long-term prescription or a traveler who has just realized they forgot their medication at the hotel, knowing where to go matters. The historic city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna offers a dense network of well-stocked, professional pharmacies ready to assist.
Navigating the healthcare system in a foreign country can feel daunting, but Spanish pharmacies are generally very accessible and highly regulated. Pharmacists here are trained to offer clinical advice for minor ailments, often saving you a trip to a medical center. They can also help you source specific brands or generic equivalents that are common within the European Union.
La Laguna is a university city with a vibrant mix of locals, students, and international visitors. Because of this demographic diversity, you will find that staff in many central pharmacies are accustomed to speaking English or can quickly adapt to help you communicate your needs. This makes the process significantly smoother for non-Spanish speakers.
Most pharmacies in the city operate on standard business hours, typically from early morning until late evening, with a break for lunch. However, the system for after-hours care is strictly organized by the local College of Pharmacists. There is always a "Farmacia de Guardia" (duty pharmacy) open overnight and on weekends to ensure continuous access to medicine.
If you are staying in the historic center, you will notice that pharmacies are well integrated into the beautiful, colorful architecture of the old town. You do not need to travel far to find one, as they are evenly distributed across the main pedestrian streets and the outer neighborhoods.
When visiting a pharmacy here, it is helpful to know the exact name of the active ingredient you need, rather than just a brand name from your home country. This allows the pharmacist to match you with the correct Spanish equivalent. For prescription medication, ensure you have a valid physical prescription or a digital one that complies with EU regulations.
Below is a selection of reputable pharmacies located throughout La Laguna to help you find assistance quickly, whether you are near the Cathedral or in a residential suburb.
Farmacia Viana, La Laguna
| Address | C. San Agustín, 9, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Phone | 922 25 97 11 |
I like this pharmacy, the service is friendly and speaking English. They tried to help me and find liquid ibuprofen, thanks for that. A lot of cosmetic and cremes, good design.
A wonderful place where empathy reigns and the service is outstanding. Products of the highest quality and variety. Special mention for Lucía... her passion for what she does makes all the difference. I highly recommend this spectacular pharmacy.
This pharmacy is amazing. They have everything: supplements, homeopathy, dermatology, orthopedics, etc. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They always try to help you find what you're looking for, and if they don't have it, they'll order it for you. 100% recommended.
Good pharmacy and good staff.
Friendly service.
Es algo más que una farmacia. Lo mejor, el personal, te tratan con mucha profesionalidad, no exenta de una empatía muy cercana, con gran amabilidad y alegría.
Gran disponibilidad de productos, también de homeopatía.
Para mí es un lugar entrañable, de La Laguna.
Recomendable.
Farmacia el Camino - Lcda. Emilia Pilar Modino Basante
| Address | C. Arzobispo Elías Yanes, 1, 38206 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 922 25 88 05 |
Lovely pharmacist with helpful friendly staff.
Very good service. Works until very late in the evening.
It's a pharmacy I keep going to even though it's not the closest to my house (there are three). From the first day I went, they've treated me wonderfully. Plus, the professional service is excellent.
They have a wide variety of products, and if they don't have something in stock, they'll get it for you within a few hours.
The staff is very attentive, friendly, and polite.
This pharmacy is open 24/7, every day of the year. The technicians and pharmacists, most of whom are women, are very friendly. They've given me advice whenever I've asked. They have a small parking lot outside with 3 or 4 spaces. There's always so much traffic that there's always a spot available. For me, it's my go-to pharmacy.
Farmacia Carmen Maria Bencomo Pérez
| Address | Plaza Junta Suprema, 4, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 922 25 77 55 |
Para nosotros un lugar de visita obligada, nos resuelven siente y lo que más nos hace tenerla presente es que contamos con ella en un horario extendido hasta un poco más tarde y que los domingos siempre abre y cuando hemos tenido que resolver una urgencia, sabemos que están ahí. Muchas gracias.
Kind, very professional, and pet-friendly.
I went with my sick dog, whom I can't leave alone, and the staff were incredibly kind. They let us in and gave us excellent service. It's perhaps the friendliest pharmacy I've ever seen...
I want to highlight the excellent service I always receive at Bencomo Pharmacy. The staff is very friendly, attentive, and always willing to help with a smile. They also offer fast and professional service. In addition to medication, they have a variety of beauty products for face, body, and hair care, which makes me feel confident and well taken care of on every visit. Without a doubt, it's a place where customer service makes all the difference.
Good pharmacy with easy street access.
Good service.
Good staff.
I felt completely cheated. I went looking for a product I always buy, and they assured me that the item was no longer available. They then sold me the supposed "substitute" for over 30 euros. I was shocked when I went to another pharmacy and they had the original product I always buy. I asked around and researched online, and it's still being sold as usual. I find this incredibly unprofessional, especially considering these are products for specific skin treatments. I felt completely deceived and ripped off, and I will never go back.
Farmacia Pestano - Lcda. M.ª Del Pilar Galván García
| Address | C. San Juan, 49, 38203 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 25 87 16 |
I've never felt so uncomfortable. The lady with glasses is actually in one of the pictures. From the moment she started serving me, she kept saying "no, no, no" and wouldn't let me explain the situation, all because of some damn heavy compression stockings the doctor wanted to put on the prescription. She even told the guy on the phone (I assume he was from the stockroom) that I was asking for them because I didn't want to pay for them. I've NEVER, EVER been treated like that at that pharmacy. Anyway, I didn't even bother going to pick them up because when she saw the code she gave me to give to the doctor, she gave me the extra-large ones, and they weren't going to be tight at all. In short, a very bad experience with that woman. The rest of the staff has always been very polite and friendly. I understand we can have a bad day or not get along with someone, but problems and bad moods should stay at home and not be brought to work. And if you can't... retirement or the Minimum Living Income (IMV) is a viable option. I won't be back, and I doubt you'll need me. Best regards and good luck.
After years of being a customer of the pharmacy, I am the least known; my in-laws, wife, son, daughter-in-law, all delighted with the service, great professionals.
Excellent pharmacy, good prices on items that don't have fixed or marked prices, and a great variety of pharmacy, over-the-counter, and hygiene products. 100% recommended. Great service even during night shifts. Thank you for your kindness.
I couldn't be happier with my visit to Pestano Pharmacy. I arrived a little worried about some skin reactions, and the pharmacist, July, not only reassured me but also gave me wonderful advice on dermopharmacy. Furthermore, her warmth and professionalism made me completely confident in her. Thank you so much!
I went to Pestano Pharmacy today since it was the one on duty. The pharmacists, Lucía and July, are lovely and very professional.
Besides having a pleasant time at the pharmacy, they answered my questions about medication and gave me advice. I now have a new pharmacy I trust—I highly recommend it!
Farmacia Anchieta.
| Address | C. de José María Balcells, 16, 38203 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 922 25 07 69 |
Llevo tiempo acudiendo a esta farmacia y siempre he recibido un trato excelente.
Lo que más valoro es la profesionalidad y la cercanía de todo el equipo, que siempre está dispuesto a resolver cualquier duda con paciencia y una sonrisa.
Es una farmacia muy completa, con una gran variedad de medicamentos y productos de parafarmacia, por lo que casi siempre encuentro todo lo que necesito sin tener que ir a otro sitio.
Además, si algún producto no está disponible, hacen todo lo posible por conseguirlo rápidamente.
También es muy cómoda por su amplio horario de atención, lo que resulta de gran ayuda cuando surge una necesidad fuera del horario habitual de otras farmacias. El establecimiento está bien organizado, limpio y la atención es rápida incluso cuando hay bastante afluencia de clientes.
Se nota que les importa ofrecer un buen servicio y cuidar a cada persona que entra por la puerta. Sin duda, es una farmacia de confianza que recomiendo a cualquiera que busque un trato profesional, amable y eficaz.
No pongo las dos estrellas por el personal que me parece amable y correcto,pero si por una crema que compré, para aliviar el dolor de espalda y me pareció muy cara, aun así la compré,pero me quedé mal y pregunté en otra farmacia, costaba casi 6 euros menos. No me parece correcto.
Like all pharmacies, 100% recommended. Although the shorter, dark-haired woman seems a bit wary of customers, the other one is very friendly and tries to help you as much as possible. Blessings.
They have zero empathy and a tremendous lack of professionalism. When I went to buy my pills from the pharmacist, I told her that the ones she suggested weren't working for me because they were giving me side effects, but she said no, that it was the only one they had and gave me this one. Just in case, I said, "Okay, I'll take this one." After about four days, I did indeed get side effects. I went back to ask them to exchange them and explain that I was having side effects. The manager told me it couldn't be done, that it wasn't their fault, that they had given me what the doctor had prescribed, even though I had warned them that this one was giving me side effects. He made me feel like a liar and showed zero tact. He told me I had lied repeatedly, which isn't the case.
I left there crying. We are patients and customers, and I felt like crap: first, I still don't have my pills, and second, he treated me like I was a criminal trying to scam them…
I strongly advise against that pharmacy.
I've been going to this pharmacy for years.
They have a wide selection of over-the-counter medications and other products. If they don't have something, they'll find it and get it for you right away.
The staff are excellent, and they've even gone above and beyond to help me.
FARMACIA LOS MAJUELOS
| Address | Av. la Libertad, 11, 38108 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 922 82 00 73 |
To the attention of Los Majuelos Pharmacy, located on Avenida de la Libertad:
I wish to express my dissatisfaction with the service I received today at your establishment. After waiting in line for several minutes at the pharmacy door, having arrived before closing time, an employee literally closed the door in my face, claiming that she "had a family" and that they would only serve those already inside, even though the pharmacy was completely full and the rest of us were waiting outside.
I consider this situation entirely inappropriate, especially in a pharmacy, where many people go out of necessity or even for emergencies. In addition to refusing to serve me, when I asked for information about the nearest 24-hour pharmacy, the response I received was simply to "read outside," demonstrating a complete lack of tact, empathy, and professionalism.
You should have more humane staff.
I fully understand that there are closing times and that staff also have family lives, but that does not justify the treatment I received or the manner in which customers were treated. A pharmacy should be characterized not only by healthcare professionalism, but also by humanity and respect for people.
It is truly a shame to find pharmacists with so little empathy in a service so vital to the community.
I hope this complaint will prompt reflection and lead to improved customer service in the future.
I was really excited to go today. Let me explain... I had my ears pierced at this pharmacy four years ago, and besides recommending it many times, I went back today not only to get another piercing for myself but also to get one for my mother.
Well, I arrived at 4:34 and besides there being no customers, only one being served, the person who helped me said they don't do piercings until 5:00. The person who does them had told him, in my presence, that they didn't do them until 5:00. I asked him if he could help me right away because I had to go to Puerto de la Cruz. He said no, so I waited and came back at 5:00. He told me he doesn't do piercings where I asked because it was cartilage, even though I had one done at that same pharmacy four years ago, but it closed up. Anyway, this man had no desire to work. I've never seen anything like it. I'm never going back to this pharmacy, and I never recommend it. The service was poor, and there was little desire to work, plus a bad attitude from both this guy and the girl who helped me. I hope they don't keep hiring staff like that because they'll lose all their customers.
It's a small pharmacy, but you can find everything there. I love it because some of their cosmetic products have something almost no other pharmacy has: testers. Plus, their prices are great. Highly recommended.
The staff were professional and friendly, except for one employee who didn't want me to take photos and asked me, "Why do you want the photos?" I always go there because I'm satisfied with the personal service; they're efficient and fast, especially one really nice guy who gives lots of information about recipes, upcoming dates, etc.
The best pharmacy in the area, open from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. A very modern and well-organized pharmacy; the service was excellent the day I visited, and there's usually parking available nearby.
Elena Delgado pharmacy Pardillo
| Address | C. Juan de Vera, 2, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 25 95 14 |
The people who work here are so kind and friendly and really helpful. Good prices and they always give free samples, which is really nice. Already my second time back in a week - love them especially Olga & angel!
I would love to go again.
This has been our go-to pharmacy since we moved to La Laguna; they're always attentive and friendly.
What keeps us coming back is their excellent service. They've answered all our questions and suggested the best options. We really appreciate it.
I like going to that pharmacy because of the service. The last time I went, a young woman helped me, and when I asked for a medication, she told me they didn't have it. When I asked her colleague and he found the product, he said I should have told him the manufacturer's name. It was a common tool in the pharmacy, nothing out of the ordinary. I just couldn't be bothered...
Excellent customer service. The young man who helped me was patient and didn't hesitate to check different products related to the one I was looking for to offer me the best option, since the exact item I came for wasn't available at that moment. He also mentioned that I could order it and it would arrive the next day. My sincere congratulations to the employee who helped me; he even gave me some samples of melatonin gummies. I will definitely be back.
I am very grateful for the care and guidance we received. It's wonderful to find healthcare professionals who make life easier for patients. They are a gem in the heart of La Laguna's historic center.
Farmacia La Laguna - Lcda. Rosa Mª Rodríguez Ibáñez
| Address | Calle Heraclio Sánchez, 13, 38204 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 25 38 53 |
BUENOS PROFECIONALES
I was at this pharmacy today and met the lovely Rosi!! She gave such personalized and friendly service!! I'll be back!! It's so hard to find people so kind to others!! Thank you!! 💜
A good pharmacy. The staff is friendly and the service is adequate. I found what I needed without any problems. It met my expectations.
The best pharmacy on the island!! I've been going for years and the service has always been excellent. The staff are very friendly and they have everything you need.
Tomorrow I plan to go to the pharmacy in person to file a complaint and take action against the employee who was on the 1:11 a.m. shift. He refused to give me the medication, telling me I needed my health card. I told him I had just left the emergency room and didn't have it with me, but I did have the doctor's prescription, and he refused to give it to me. Even after showing him the virtual card, he refused to give me the medication. However, he did give the medication to my mother, CHARGING HER, since she could get it for free with the prescription and he wasn't interested. I find it LAMENTABLE to leave the emergency room sick and have to go through all this.
Farmacia María José González Rodriguez
| Address | C. Marqués de Celada, 71, 38202 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 25 83 78 |
This pharmacy has everything, lots of interesting brands. Very attentive staff.
We came to this pharmacy because it was the one on duty on October 19th, and we knocked for quite a while, but no one answered. The cross was lit up, and there was a sign right on the door saying it was the one on duty. They're nice to have for an emergency…
I'd always been treated well, but I won't be going back since an older woman served me in a very rude and unfriendly manner. To work in this field, you have to be patient and courteous to people.
Today was my first time at this pharmacy, and from now on it will be my regular pharmacy.
The staff were wonderful.
I called first and the service was excellent.
Then, once I was there, I had a coughing fit and the staff were incredibly understanding and attentive. They encouraged me to calm down and gave me water and lozenges.
They made me feel very comfortable, even in an uncomfortable situation like not being able to stop coughing.
Thank you so much for being so kind!
It's the neighborhood pharmacy, the people are friendly and incredibly kind, they know their stuff and can help you at any time.
Farmacia Saavedra
| Address | C. Obispo Rey Redondo, 48, 38201 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 25 98 12 |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I live right across the street from Farmacia Saavedra, which has allowed me to get to know it very well, both in my daily life and in situations where I've needed urgent help. And I can say with complete confidence that it's one of the best pharmacies I've been lucky enough to have so close by.
The service they offer is excellent, friendly, and very personal. They don't just dispense medication: they listen, offer advice, patiently explain how to take the treatments, and genuinely care about each person's health. This difference in treatment makes a huge difference because you feel like you're not "just another customer," but someone they care about.
The staff is very professional and attentive; if they don't have a product in stock, they always look for alternatives or order it quickly, giving you confidence and peace of mind. You can also tell there's a very organized work environment: everything is clean, tidy, and they have a good selection of products, both pharmacy items and personal care, hygiene, and cosmetic products.
Living right across the street has given me the advantage of seeing that they always provide the same high-quality service, no matter the time. Even near closing time, they maintain their friendliness and respect. Furthermore, their hours are very convenient, as they are open continuously from morning until late afternoon, making it very easy to go whenever a need arises.
For me, Farmacia Saavedra is synonymous with trust, excellent service, and quality care. Having it right across the street is a huge blessing, because I know that when I need something, they will always assist me with professionalism and a personal touch. I recommend this pharmacy to anyone looking for a reliable, trustworthy place with exceptional service in La Laguna.
On Monday around 2 pm I went to buy a cream. A very friendly girl helped me and gave me great advice. It's so nice when you go into a place and don't feel like you're bothering anyone, which is what I often feel in stores lately. In the end, I bought a kit that I really liked.
Always very kind and attentive. They give very sensible advice and have enough staff so you don't have to wait to be served. My go-to pharmacy in La Laguna.
The staff were rude and unpleasant when I asked for something as simple as the price of a cream. There are many other pharmacies in La Laguna; I would go to another one.
El farmacéutico se tomo su tiempo para darme a probar varias plantillas antes de comprarlas. Fue extremadamente amable
Farmacia Finca España / Farmaten
| Address | Av. las Palmeras, 53, Loc 2, 38205 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 64 68 16 |
Clean and tidy, very well distributed and friendly staff assistance.
Fatal
Thank you so much for the attention you gave me. Ana, the pharmacist, is absolutely lovely and was so patient in guiding me and helping me improve my skincare routine, as well as answering all my questions.
A special hug to Dévora, who didn't want to leave my baby's side the whole time and always wanted to hold her, haha. Truly, the staff is very kind.
I had a facial dermoanalysis with Ana and it was fantastic. She's a true professional and you can tell she's passionate about her work. She made me feel super comfortable throughout the entire session, answering every question I had about my skincare routine, both for my face and body. She recommended several products that I'm using daily, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the results. No one else has given me any advice or help with my skincare routine, and here, finally, I felt listened to and really well taken care of. It was a pleasure having Ana for this.
I want to leave a very positive review for dermatologist Ana, who treated me. From the very first moment, she was very friendly and approachable, which made me feel very comfortable during the consultation.
She helped me tremendously with my problem and, moreover, explained everything very clearly and patiently, answering all my questions. It's clear that she's a great professional and that she truly cares about the well-being of her patients.
Without a doubt, I recommend her 100%. Thank you for everything!
Farmacia Los Valles
| Address | Av. de los Menceyes, 280, 38320 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 64 25 55 |
Excellent service, friendly, they call you and provide all kinds of information. I give a 100% to the staff who are very helpful to everyone....
Lack of organization. I ordered a cream and specifically asked if I needed a prescription, and they told me no. When they called to let me know it had arrived, it turned out I did need a prescription, even though I've bought that cream several times without one. They wasted my time absurdly. They have a limited product selection, making it difficult to choose options with acceptable value. For example, they tried to charge me €5 for five simple gauze pads, and that was all they had. The pharmacy upstairs has a much wider variety, and above all, they don't waste your time waiting for something they can't even sell you. It's only redeemed by its location, but I won't be going back.
I bought an injectable pen for a treatment that contains four doses, and when I went to inject the third dose, the pen was empty. When I went to the pharmacy to explain what had happened, the pharmacist's only explanation was that "someone else had probably used the pen." Yes, my pet poodle had used it. I went to my doctor to discuss the situation, and he told me that sometimes the pens are defective and that I was using the pen correctly. I bought the same product at the pharmacy upstairs and haven't had any problems; they told me that if there was an issue, they would resolve it. The pharmacist was a disgrace; he didn't even blush when he made such a comment. I wasn't going to begrudge him a product like this; what I told him was absolutely true, but don't worry, I'll never go back.
Complete lack of responsibility. They told me my treatment had expired, which was NOT true. This mistake left me in a dangerous situation because I thought I wouldn't be served at other pharmacies, and I had to abruptly stop the treatment, something the leaflet itself states should not be done.
Friendliness and good professionals
Tips for Using Pharmacies in La Laguna
Understanding a few local customs and regulations will make your visit to a pharmacy in La Laguna much more efficient and stress-free. Spanish pharmacies operate under specific rules regarding medication dispensing and insurance, which may differ from what you are used to in the UK, the US, or elsewhere in Europe. The following practical tips will help you get the care you need without unnecessary delays.
Keep Your EHIC or Travel Insurance Handy
If you are a visitor from the EU, carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the newer GHIC if you are from the UK. While you usually still have to pay a percentage of the cost for prescription medication, having this card ensures you are charged the correct subsidized rate rather than the full retail price. For non-EU visitors, keep your travel insurance details accessible, as you may need to claim expenses later.
Look for the Green Cross Sign
Every legitimate pharmacy in Spain displays a distinctive illuminated green cross outside the entrance. This is the universal symbol for a "Farmacia." Do not confuse them with "Parafarmacias" or health stores, which sell cosmetics and supplements but cannot dispense prescription medication or offer clinical consultations.
Locate the "Farmacia de Guardia" for Late Nights
If you need medicine after 10 PM or during a public holiday, not every pharmacy will be open. Every pharmacy door displays a printed schedule listing the nearest duty pharmacies for that month. You can also search online for "Farmacia de Guardia La Laguna" to find the exact location currently open 24 hours.
Ask for the "Genérico"
Medication prices in Spain are heavily regulated, but generic versions are often significantly cheaper than name brands. Pharmacists are legally required to offer you the most affordable generic option unless your doctor has specifically written "no sustituible" (do not substitute) on the prescription. Always ask for the generic to save money.
Prepare for the Siesta Break
While many central pharmacies in La Laguna may stay open through the afternoon, smaller neighborhood pharmacies often close between 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM. Plan your visits outside of these hours to avoid waiting. If you are in urgent need during the siesta, you will need to visit the designated duty pharmacy rather than waiting for the local one to reopen.
As you walk through the streets of La Laguna, you will likely pass several of these establishments without even realizing it, hidden behind the beautiful facades of the old buildings. The pharmacists here take pride in their work, offering personalized advice that goes beyond simply handing over a box of pills.
Whether you need emergency contraception, antibiotics for a sudden infection, or simply a rehydration solution for a child, the pharmacy network in La Laguna is robust and reliable. With the information above, you can approach any counter with confidence, knowing exactly what to ask for and how the local system works.
