Pharmacy Basics for Your First Week

Your first week on the Costa Blanca is smoother when you know how farmacias work — including weekends and public holidays.

1. Look for the green cross

Pharmacies are widespread in Altea, Calpe and Benidorm centres. Many close for lunch and on Sundays — duty (de guardia) pharmacies cover out-of-hours needs.

2. What pharmacists can help with

• Sunburn, insect bites and mild stomach bugs — describe symptoms clearly
• Repeating travel meds if you have packaging or a prescription photo
• Pointing you to the right urgent-care option if it is beyond OTC

3. Emergencies vs pharmacy

Chest pain, high fever in kids, or serious allergic reactions are not pharmacy visits — use emergency numbers / hospital. Keep EHIC/GHIC or travel insurance details handy.

Bottom line

Save a nearby farmacia and the duty roster on your phone in week one. Small issues stay small; you will know when to escalate.