Pharmacies In Spain - La Farmacia

Introduction to pharmacies in Spain

If you decide to move to Spain permanently or even come here for your holidays, you will almost certainly need to visit a pharmacy at some point. Because the Spanish farmacia is such an integral part of life here, it’s helpful to understand how they work, what they sell, and how they differ from pharmacies in other countries.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using a Spanish farmacia, including:

• How to find the nearest farmacia
• Opening hours and out-of-hours services
• Which medicines require prescriptions
• Alternatives to Calpol for children
• Useful Spanish phrases to help you communicate

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect when you walk through the door, how to explain what you need, and how to avoid common misunderstandings around prescriptions and over-the-counter treatments. Whether you rely on the public system, private insurance, or a mix of both, farmacias are a key part of day-to-day healthcare in Spain.

Let’s take a look.

What you can buy at a Spanish pharmacy

Over-the-counter vs prescription medicines

Nearly all medicines in Spain must be purchased at a pharmacy. Unlike some countries, Spanish supermarkets do not sell medication. Everyday medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and codeine are only available from a farmacia. Certain medications such as ibuprofen 600 mg, omeprazole, some cough mixtures, and antihistamines require a prescription under 2015 legislation. Lower-dose versions can be obtained over the counter with pharmacist approval.

Medicine safety and EU verification system

Since 2019, Spanish pharmacies use the EU-wide verification system that tracks and authenticates medicines to prevent counterfeits. More details are available from CAB Spain:

Prescription requirements for certain medications

The farmacia as a community hub

In many towns, the farmacia is more than a place to pick up prescriptions — it’s a social hub where locals chat with pharmacists, seek informal advice, and get help with minor ailments. Pharmacists in Spain are highly trained and often act as a first point of contact before visiting a doctor. However, note that antibiotics such as amoxicillin cannot be purchased without a prescription.

For newcomers and expats, this means you can usually get quick guidance on common problems — colds, stomach bugs, minor injuries or skin rashes — without needing to book a GP appointment. If the pharmacist believes you need further assessment, they will advise you to see a doctor or go to urgent care.

Children’s medicines: Calpol alternatives in Spain

Can you buy Calpol in Spain? No — Calpol is not sold in Spain. However, two popular Spanish equivalents are:

• Dalsy – an ibuprofen-based infant suspension
• Apiretal – a paracetamol-based infant suspension

Both are widely available at pharmacies. Ask the pharmacist if you are unsure which is most suitable.

Dosages and age ranges may differ slightly from what you are used to in the UK or Ireland, so always check the label and follow the pharmacist’s advice. If your child has allergies, is on other medication, or has a chronic condition, make sure you mention this before buying anything over the counter.

Spanish pharmacy opening times

Most pharmacies open from 9:30–14:00 and 17:00–21:30 Monday to Friday, and 9:30–14:00 on Saturdays. Larger towns will have several pharmacies offering 24-hour or out-of-hours cover (farmacia de guardia). Closed pharmacies normally display the address of the nearest one on duty.

In tourist areas and big cities, you’ll often find at least one farmacia open late or overnight, especially in central locations. In smaller towns, the farmacia de guardia may rotate between different pharmacies, so it’s worth checking the noticeboard in advance if you know you may need medication outside normal hours.

Getting and paying for prescriptions

If your doctor issues a prescription (receta), simply show it at the pharmacy. Your contribution depends on your income and pension status.

In many regions, prescriptions are now electronic, so your health card is scanned and the pharmacist can see the medicines authorised by your GP or specialist. You still pay your contribution at the counter, but you no longer need to carry paper forms for each prescription unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

For a full breakdown of all contribution bands and exemptions, see our guide to prescription co-payments in Spain.

Do Spanish pharmacists speak English?

In tourist areas, many pharmacists speak English. Inland or rural areas are less likely to. Learning a few basic phrases can help ensure you receive the correct medication.

If you struggle with Spanish, it can help to write down your symptoms, bring the original packaging of any medication you already take, or show a note from your doctor. Some pharmacies also use translation apps or have multilingual staff, particularly in cities and coastal regions popular with expats.

Free health check-ups at the farmacia

Many pharmacies offer free health checks such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and basic heart monitoring. These services are convenient alternatives to booking a GP appointment.

Some farmacias also offer smoking cessation support, weight management advice, and seasonal campaigns such as flu information or blood sugar checks. While these services don’t replace full medical assessments, they are a useful way to keep an eye on your general health and catch potential issues early.

Do you need to wear a face mask in Spanish pharmacies?

No — face masks are not currently required in pharmacies. Mask rules introduced in hospitals and health centres in early 2024 do not apply to pharmacies.

That said, some people still choose to wear a mask if they have cold or flu symptoms, or if they are in a high‑risk group. Pharmacies may also display temporary notices if local health authorities recommend extra precautions during peaks of respiratory illness.

Finding your local farmacia

If you're moving to a new area, you can use the official search tool to find nearby pharmacies:

Search for pharmacies in your area

This tool is particularly useful for locating farmacias de guardia outside normal hours, or checking the exact address and phone number of a pharmacy before you visit. Many listings also show whether accessibility options are available.

Online pharmacies in Spain

How to verify a legitimate online pharmacy

Online purchase of non-prescription medication is allowed in Spain, but only through authorised pharmacies. Legitimate websites display the official EU safety logo, which links to the Spanish Ministry of Health’s database.

Official registry of authorised online pharmacies

Always avoid websites that offer prescription-only medicines without a valid prescription, or that do not clearly show the EU logo and contact details in Spain. Using the official registry helps you avoid counterfeit products and ensures the pharmacy is properly supervised.

Common Spanish phrases for the farmacia

I think I've eaten something bad – Creo que he comido algo en mal estado

Have you got anything for it? – Tiene algún remedio?

I have a headache – Me duele la cabeza

I have stomach pain – Tengo dolor de estómago

What are the symptoms? – Cuáles son los síntomas?

When can I collect my medicine? – Cuándo puedo recoger mi medicamento?

More useful phrases: Guardian guide to pharmacy Spanish

Pharmacy cover with HealthPlan Spain

Prescription costs can add up, especially for families. Our pharmacy option allows you to claim back 50% of prescribed medicines up to €200 per year.

This can be particularly useful if you or your children need regular medication for chronic conditions, allergies or ongoing treatments. Instead of absorbing the full cost of repeat prescriptions, you recover part of what you spend each year, helping to keep your overall healthcare budget under control.

Learn more about pharmacy cover

Private medical insurance in Spain for expats

If this guide helped you, share it with others who may need it.

View our quick guide for a full range of private health insurance plans underwritten by Bupa, all suitable for Spanish residency visa applications.

Whether you are applying for a non‑lucrative visa, digital nomad visa or other residency route, having the right private cover ensures you meet the legal requirements and gives you faster access to doctors, specialists and hospitals throughout Spain.