Gerry T. Says:
What do I need to know about pharmacies in Spain?
IL Contributor Marsha Scarbrough Writes:
Pharmacies in Spain are often signposted with a large green cross above the door—they’re easy to spot. Pharmacists are well trained and knowledgeable—ou can often consult them (many speak English) for minor ailments and avoid a doctor’s visit. Many medicines that would be by prescription only in the U.S. or elsewhere in Europe are available over-the-counter in Spain.
Pharmacies are normally open Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. They normally close in the afternoon for siesta, which is still a custom in Spain, and they close for the weekend on Saturdays at about 2 p.m.
For after-hours pharmacy service, each town maintains at least one pharmacy on 24-hour call, known as the farmacia de guardia. The address and phone number of the nearest farmacia de guardia are listed in local newspapers and often posted outside pharmacies.
Read more about healthcare in Spain here.
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