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Mercadona Extends Opening Hours at 320 Stores for Summer Tourist Season

Costa Blanca / 5 June 2026

Mercadona has announced extended summer opening hours at more than 320 supermarkets across Spain, including many stores along the Costa Blanca, as the country prepares for another busy holiday season.

The supermarket giant will introduce the seasonal timetable from 22 June to 30 August, with selected stores in major tourist destinations remaining open until 10pm, half an hour later than normal. Many participating supermarkets will also open on Sundays and public holidays from 9am to 3pm, providing greater flexibility for residents and holidaymakers during the peak summer months.

The initiative is aimed at areas that experience a significant increase in population during the summer, including coastal resorts, island destinations and popular second-home locations.

Costa Blanca Stores Among Those Benefiting

Several Costa Blanca destinations are expected to be included in the summer schedule, including Benidorm, Dénia, Jávea, Gandía and Cullera, where visitor numbers traditionally surge throughout July and August.

The extended opening hours will be particularly welcome for tourists staying in apartments, villas and holiday accommodation, many of whom arrive during weekends when supermarket access can be more limited.

Responding to Growing Summer Demand

Mercadona says the changes reflect the seasonal shopping habits of both residents and visitors. During the summer months, customers often shop later in the day after returning from the beach, sightseeing trips or work, leading to increased demand during the evening hours.

Spain continues to enjoy strong tourism growth, with the country expecting another record-breaking summer. Popular destinations across the Costa Blanca, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands and Andalucía are preparing for high visitor numbers, prompting businesses and services to expand operations.

Check Local Store Hours

While 320 supermarkets will operate under the summer timetable, Mercadona has stressed that not every store will participate. Opening hours may vary by municipality, local regulations and tourism demand.

Customers are therefore advised to check their nearest branch before travelling, particularly during local fiestas and public holidays, when opening times can differ.

With more than 1,600 stores nationwide, Mercadona remains Spain's largest supermarket chain and one of the most important retail providers for both residents and the millions of tourists who visit the country each year.

The extended summer timetable is designed to make shopping easier during the busiest period of the year while helping stores manage increased demand in Spain's most popular holiday destinations.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.