This is yet another branch of the ubiquitous supermarket chain in Vilanova, and the branch we used…read morewhen we first started coming here. It's large enough to cater for just about all your needs in terms of groceries and food, and has a fresh fish counter and delicatessen. The interior is a slightly odd shape, so navigating takes a little while to get used to. The choice of fruit and veg is a bit more limited than we're used to at home quite a lot of stuff is pre-packed, and there are certain things they don't have but then the market is only a few minutes away with several greengrocers to choose from. Other than that, it stocks most things: of course, the choice and brands reflect Spanish tastes, so there are a few things they don't have that we're used to the in UK, and vice-versa. It's a popular branch, and has customer parking and (useful, this) lockers to stash your bags or other shopping while you are going around.

Bonpreu is a small in-town supermarket on the main Rambla in Vilanova between the centre and the…read moresea, with an in-store bakery, meat counter and fruit and veg section. It's a pleasantly laid-out store, with a slightly more up-market feel than Mercadona or Caprabo, though it's not as large as its competitors and the range is a bit more limited. There's not much parking in the surrounding area, so it's not much use if you shop by car, although the local Vilanova town bus stops nearby. Usefully, it's open during the siesta, every week-day.

A small and slightly chaotic, old-fashioned town-centre supermarket of the type rarely now found in…read morethe UK (it feels like the one I worked in as a teenager in the 1970s). Prices are reasonably competitive for a small supermarket, and it's usually fairly busy, being located adjacent to the town's main covered food market. The range and quality of goods is OK for a limited shop, or to stock up while on holiday (especially if you buy your fresh food from the market next door), but for anything more substantial the rather larger branches of Caprabo or Mercadona 5 minutes' walk away are more likely to suffice. Quite large queues can form at the three tills at busy times but the staff seem jolly enough. Parking nearby is limited, unless you pay to use the underground car park in the adjacent square.

The main branch of the Caprabo supermarket chain in Vilanova, which is usefully open throughout the…read moresiesta. The branch is large enough to have small sections for clothing and household goods, including bedding and towels, and often has special offers on these - the quality varies, but we've picked up some bargains in things like beach towels, flip-flops and table linen. It also has fresh meat and fish counters, and an unusually good fruit and vegetable section for a Spanish supermarket, if you prefer to choose your own (although the town's market is generally better value for fresh stuff). There's a good section for health-food items (eg dairy-free milk) and a wider range of breakfast cereals than many places - great if you want something without chocolate (to which Spain seems addicted - where else does Special K and All-bran comes in versions with added chocolate?). The only downside is that paying by credit cards with Chip-and-PIN - although possible - is a bit of a performance (and separate photo ID is needed). It's no real problem, though, so long as you are comfortable holding up the queue for a few minutes!

A small supermarket with probably the least imaginative shop-front name ('Supermercat'), tucked…read moreaway on the edge of town in a small side street. It's larger inside than it looks from the outside, and has a reasonable selection of groceries for a quick visit or an emergency, but not a great deal of choice for a main weekly shop. Their fruit and veg section always looks a bit tired, as well. Friendly staff, though.