In Spain's dynamic retail landscape, shopping centres do not only stand out for their size but also because they attract millions of visitors every year thanks to their varied retail, leisure and restaurant offerings. Here's a detailed analysis of the 10 largest shopping centres in Spain, ranked from largest to smallest in Gross Lettable Area (GLA), which is the space each of these complexes allocates to their commercial activity. Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza and La Maquinista in Barcelona take the gold and silver.
Port Venice (Zaragoza)
With a gross leasable area (GLA) of 206,000 m2, Puerto Venecia is the largest shopping centre in Spain. It opened in 2012 and combines shopping areas with a resort including a lake with row boats and a family leisure area known as "Nederland".
The centre is home to over 200 shops, including leading brands such as Primark, El Corte Inglés and Zara. The complex is owned by Intu Properties and is estimated to receive approximately 19 million visitors per year.
La Maquinista (Barcelona)
Located in Barcelona, La Maquinista covers a GLA of 250,000 m2 with 90,000 m2 dedicated to retail and leisure. This open-air shopping centre opened in 2000 and has been extended several times. With more than 220 shops, including Apple Store, Decathlon and Fnac, La Maquinista is owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. This destination attracts more than 15 million visitors annually.
La Maquinista shopping centre has ambitious plans to grow and improve its offer. The centre's future expansion, which is expected to be completed in the next few years, will add 17,000 m2 of gross leasable area. New shops and brands will be added, and the leisure and restaurant areas will be extended.
Marineda City (A Coruña)
Marineda City is the largest shopping centre in Galicia and the third largest in Spain, with a GLA of 190,000 m2. It opened in 2011 and houses over 200 shops such as Ikea, Primark, and Media Markt, as well as cinemas and a bowling alley. Owned by Merlin Properties, Marineda City receives around 17 million visitors a year.
Parquesur (Leganés, Madrid)
Interestingly, there is no mention of Madrid until the fourth spot! Parquesur is located in Leganés, Madrid, and has a surface area of 153,000 m2. This shopping centre was opened in 1989 and expanded in 2005. With over 230 shops, including brands such as H&M, Zara and Mango, a hotel and a lake with cyber fountains, Parquesur is owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and attracts approximately 18 million visitors a year.
Madrid Xanadú (Arroyomolinos, Madrid)
Madrid Xanadú, known for its indoor ski slope, has a GLA of 145,000 m2. This shopping centre, which opened in 2003, has more than 220 shops, including brands such as Apple Store, Hollister and Desigual, as well as the Atlantis Aquarium. Owned by Intu Properties, it receives around 13 million visitors annually.
Bonaire (Aldaia, Valencia)
With 136,000 m2, Bonaire is the largest shopping centre in the Valencian Community. Since opening in 2000, Bonaire has grown to include almost 120 shops such as Carrefour, H&M and Leroy Merlin, as well as 31 restaurants and cinemas. Owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the centre attracts more than 15 million visitors a year.
Gran Plaza 2 (Majadahonda, Madrid)
Gran Plaza 2, located in Majadahonda, Madrid, has a GLA of 135,000 m2. This shopping centre opened in 2012 and stands out for its architectural design and more than 180 shops, including El Corte Inglés, Primark and Zara. Owned by Sociedad de Centros Comerciales de España (SCCE), it receives approximately 12 million visitors a year.
L'illa Diagonal (Barcelona)
L'illa Diagonal in Barcelona has a GLA of 138,000 m2. It has been open since 1993 and is known for its avant-garde design and its wide range of more than 170 shops and restaurants, including brands such as Nike, Zara and Fnac. It is owned by Grupo Sanahuja and attracts some 12 million visitors a year.
Intu Asturias (Oviedo, Asturias)
Intu Asturias, with a GLA of 120,000 m2, is one of the leading shopping destinations in northern Spain. It opened in 2001 and has more than 130 shops, including Fnac, H&M and Primark, and entertainment options including cinemas and restaurants. This shopping centre is owned by Intu Properties and attracts around 10 million visitors a year.
Nevada Shopping (Granada)
Nevada Shopping, with a GLA of 120,000 m2, is one of the largest shopping centres in southern Spain. It opened in 2016 and offers more than 200 shops, including Primark, Media Markt, and Zara, as well as cinemas and restaurants. Owned by General de Galerías Comerciales, it attracts more than 11 million visitors annually.
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