Mercadona Expands Summer Hours Along Andalusia's Coast in 2026

Shoppers and visitors along Spain's southern coast will notice a shift in routine this summer, as Mercadona — the country's largest supermarket chain — adjusts its long-standing schedule in parts of Andalusia. According to Euro Weekly News, the retailer is rolling out extended summer hours across the Axarquia region and the Costa Tropical, including a notable departure from its traditional Sunday closure policy.

A Break From Decades of Tradition

For many years, Mercadona has kept its doors shut on Sundays, a practice rooted in Spanish retail customs. The new summer schedule signals a softening of that rule in tourist-heavy coastal zones, where demand from holidaymakers and seasonal residents tends to spike between June and September. The change is being applied selectively to stores serving towns popular with both Spanish and international visitors.

What This Means for Travelers

If you are planning a trip to the Costa del Sol's eastern stretch — think Nerja, Torre del Mar, Vélez-Málaga — or heading further east to Almuñécar and Salobreña on the Costa Tropical, the updated hours should make stocking up on groceries, beach essentials, and household basics considerably easier during your stay. Travelers renting holiday apartments or villas, in particular, often rely on supermarket access for self-catering, and weekend closures have historically been a common frustration.

Practical Tips

• Check store-specific hours: Not every Mercadona branch in the region will follow the same timetable, so confirm opening times for your nearest location before heading out.
• Plan for peak times: Mid-morning and early evening tend to be the busiest periods at coastal supermarkets in summer.
• Bring your own bags: Spanish supermarkets charge for plastic bags, and reusable totes are the norm.
• Cash vs. card: Mercadona accepts major cards, but smaller purchases at nearby shops may still require euros in cash.

The adjustment reflects a broader trend among Spanish retailers responding to the realities of summer tourism in 2026, when coastal communities see their populations swell dramatically. For anyone visiting Andalusia this season, the extra flexibility is a welcome convenience.