Mercadona will revert to its standard schedule in 320 supermarkets, mainly in tourist hotspots, ending the extended summer hours and Sunday openings. The change, effective August 31, means stores will now close at 21:30 instead of 22:00.
From Monday, August 31, Mercadona will shorten opening hours in 320 of its supermarkets, primarily those located in Spain’s busiest tourist destinations. After a summer of extended trading, these stores will now close at 21:30, half an hour earlier than during the peak season, as the company returns to its regular schedule.
The adjustment marks the end of Mercadona’s special summer timetable, which had allowed selected stores in coastal towns and popular holiday areas to remain open until 22:00 from late June through August. According to information provided by the company, the standard hours of 9:00 to 21:30 from Monday to Saturday will once again apply, with exceptions only for certain holidays or local regulations.
Who Is Affected
The change impacts supermarkets that adopted the summer schedule, particularly in destinations such as Marbella, Benidorm, Cullera, Salou, Sanxenxo, and Benicàssim. These locations saw a surge in demand from both residents and tourists, prompting the temporary extension. Now, customers accustomed to late-evening shopping will need to adjust, as the doors will close thirty minutes earlier each night.
For the rest of Mercadona’s network, which already operated on the 9:00 to 21:30 timetable, there will be no noticeable difference. The company emphasizes that not all stores participated in the summer extension, so the update is not uniform across Spain.
Sunday Openings End
Alongside the earlier closing time, Sunday trading will also come to an end for most of these 320 stores. During the summer, some locations opened on Sundays from 9:00 to 15:00, a rare exception for Mercadona. With the end of the holiday season, the general rule returns: stores will remain closed on Sundays and public holidays, unless local laws or tourist status allow otherwise.
Customers should be aware that exceptions may still apply, especially in regions with specific commercial regulations or during local festivities. For example, opening hours can vary during Easter, Christmas, or regional holidays, and it is not uncommon for Mercadona to adjust schedules accordingly.
How to Check Your Store’s Hours
To avoid confusion, Mercadona recommends checking the official store locator, which provides up-to-date opening times for each location. By entering an address, town, or postal code, shoppers can confirm whether their local supermarket has any special hours or closures.
This tool is particularly useful for those living in tourist areas, shopping late in the evening, or planning visits on Sundays. It also helps clarify whether a local or regional holiday will affect store hours, as these can differ significantly from one municipality to another.
As the summer campaign ends, Mercadona’s move signals a return to routine for both staff and customers. The company’s approach to seasonal scheduling reflects broader trends in Spanish retail, where flexibility is often required to meet the demands of tourism and local regulations. For context, Mercadona has previously delayed the rollout of new initiatives, such as the 10-cent deposit scheme for beverage containers, as reported in recent coverage on changes to store policies.
Ultimately, the shift back to standard hours underlines the importance of checking local information before heading out, especially as Spain’s retail landscape adapts to seasonal and regional needs.
