Mercadona breaks tradition with extended summer hours in Axarquia and Costa Tropical

Mercadona are beginning to break with tradition with their Sunday opening rules. For decades, the massive chain of supermarkets that was born in Valencia and now has spread to be a staple of Spanish supermarket supplies has strictly kept to more or less traditional opening times from Monday to Saturday, and strictly staying closed on bank holidays.

This year, however, the company of Joan Roig has started to realise that it’s time to get with the times and not lose out to competitors like Lidl and Aldi, and to keep some of its stores selling all 7 days a week. So, those at this busy time of year preparing family meals, or packing a picnic for the beach can stock up on last-minute supplies from Mercadona.

Summer timetable change begins 22 June

Mercadona introduces extended daily trading from 9am to 10pm at certain branches between June 22 and August 30. This adds half an hour to the usual closing time of 9.30pm to match evolving customer routines when daylight stretches further into the evening.

Reasons behind the longer trading window

Store operators note the move responds directly to altered buying patterns in warmer months. Families and visitors make more evening trips for groceries, prompting this practical response across tourist-heavy zones.

Axarquia and Costa Tropical branches adopting the change

Only outlets in areas with strong visitor numbers or steady local demand will follow the new timetable. Confirmed locations appear below for Algarrobo, Nerja, Rincón de la Victoria, Torrox, Vélez-Málaga, Almuñécar, Salobreña and Motril.

• Algarrobo branch at Algarrobo Costa on C/ Casa Balate S/N joins the extended hours.
• Nerja sites in calle San Miguel and urbanización Sierra Mar welcome shoppers later each day.
• Rincon de la Victoria supermarkets at Urbanización de los Olivos, Cotomar and Torre de Benagalbón participate fully.
• Torrox outlet at Torrox Costa on Ctra. N340 S/N follows suit.
• Velez-Malaga stores in Chilches, El Tomillar and Torre del Mar operate until 22:00.
• Almuñecar features two branches on the new schedule.
• Salobreña location adopts the summer extension.
• Motril outlets number two in total for late evening access.

Practical benefits for holidaymakers and residents

Shoppers preparing beach picnics or evening meals gain extra flexibility without rushing. This adjustment helps local households and international visitors maintain routines comfortably during busy summer weeks. Regular checks on individual store pages remain advisable, since not every Mercadona supermarket in the region adopts identical schedules.

Overall the initiative demonstrates Mercadona commitment to customer convenience on the Costa del Sol. Many will appreciate the opportunity to complete essential purchases after typical daytime activities wind down.