Mercadona to open selected stores this Sunday – here’s where you can still shop before the World Cup final

For many households across Spain, Sunday usually means planning ahead because most supermarkets close their doors. This weekend will be a little different. Mercadona has confirmed that a selection of its stores will open on Sunday 19 July with special summer opening hours, giving shoppers a chance to stock up before Spain takes on Argentina in the World Cup final at 9pm.

The temporary Sunday openings are not linked to the match itself. They form part of Mercadona’s usual summer timetable for stores located in areas with high tourist activity, where demand is much higher during the holiday season. Even so, for anyone who suddenly realises they’re missing drinks, snacks or barbecue essentials before kick off, the timing couldn’t be better.

Only selected supermarkets will open and they will operate on reduced hours from 9am until 3pm, so shoppers will need to plan accordingly.

Why some Mercadona stores are opening on Sundays this summer

If you’ve ever tried to do a last minute food shop on a Sunday in Spain, you’ll know it can be frustrating.

Unlike many other European countries, large supermarkets generally remain closed on Sundays and public holidays, unless they are located in officially designated Tourist Zones (ZGAT).

Every summer, Mercadona adjusts its opening policy to reflect the increase in visitors arriving in Spain’s coastal destinations.

From now until 31 August, selected supermarkets in tourist hotspots will remain open on Sundays with shorter trading hours.

The aim is to make shopping easier for both residents and the millions of holidaymakers spending the summer on Spain’s beaches.

This Sunday simply happens to coincide with one of the biggest sporting events of the year, meaning many people who left their shopping until the last minute will still have a chance to visit participating stores before the evening’s World Cup final.

Which Mercadona stores will open on Sunday 19 July?

Not every branch will open, so it’s worth checking before making a special journey.

In the Valencian Community, the stores operating this Sunday include:

Alicante Province

Alicante (Avenida de las Naciones)

Altea

Benidorm

Calpe

El Campello (Avenida Germanias)

Dénia (Avenida Miguel Hernández and Paseo Saladar)

El Poble Nou de Benitatxell

Finestrat

Guardamar del Segura

L’Alfàs del Pi

Villajoyosa (Calle Cervantes)

Orihuela (Carretera Dehesa Campoamor and Calle Turmalina)

Pilar de la Horadada

San Fulgencio

Santa Pola

Torrevieja (Avenida de las Cortes Valencianas, Avenida Rosa Manzón Valero, Calle Antonio Machado and Calle Tritón)

Jávea

Valencia Province

Valencia

Canet d’en Berenguer

Gandía (Calle La Goleta)

Cullera (Calle Corbera)

Oliva (Paseo Gregori Mayans)

Castellón Province

Benicàssim (Avenida Jaume I)

Benicarló (Avenida Papa Luna)

Oropesa

Peñíscola

Moncofa

All of these stores will open between 9am and 3pm.

Don’t leave your shopping until the last minute

The World Cup final kicks off at 9pm, leaving plenty of time after stores close to get everything ready for the evening.

However, shoppers should remember that these reduced hours are shorter than Mercadona’s normal weekday schedule.

Anyone planning a barbecue, family gathering or match night with friends may want to visit earlier in the day, particularly in busy coastal towns where supermarkets are likely to be much busier than usual.

It’s also worth remembering that only selected stores are participating in the summer Sunday opening programme. Branches outside designated tourist areas will continue operating under their usual Sunday closure policy.

Mercadona‘s seasonal timetable has become a familiar part of summer for residents in Spain’s busiest holiday destinations. While the company refers to its customers as its “jefes” or “bosses”, the objective is straightforward: making it easier for people living in or visiting tourist areas to shop when demand is at its highest.

This Sunday, the arrangement comes with an added bonus for football fans. If you’ve forgotten the crisps, soft drinks or ice for the big match, you may still have one final opportunity to pick them up before Spain and Argentina step onto the pitch.