When are the shops due to open all weekends including Sundays on the Costa del Sol?

According to Spanish law, the Costa del Sol enjoys designation as a “zone with high tourist numbers” that permits retail premises to carry out business on selected Sundays of the year and public holidays during 2026. Shopping peaks usually concentrate around Christmas and summer sales periods, but Sunday openings occur at various points in the full yearly timetable.

Sunday, May 3 will be the soonest chance for supermarkets and shopping centres throughout the province to unlock entrances, with several opting for modified timetables. Friday, May 1, does not feature among approved trading occasions despite its designation as a public holiday, generally due to this being a highly socially respected day off for the workers in Spain.

Costa del Sol 2026 Sunday opening schedule

Mercadona aside, which rarely opens on Sundays, shops can open on these other days after May 3: Sunday, July 5; Sunday, July 26; Sunday, August 2; Saturday, August 15 (bank holiday, the Assumption of the Virgin); Monday, October 12 (bank holiday for Spain National Holiday); Monday, November 2 (after the All Saints bank holiday); Sunday, November 29; Sunday, December 13; Sunday, December 20; and Sunday, December 27. But, what about the shopping centres?

Both La Cañada shopping centre in Marbella and Miramar in Mijas/Fuengirola will be open every Sunday throughout summer. The centres operate under extended summer hours from June 1 to September 30, when they stay open every day of the week, including all Sundays and public holidays. Shops typically trade from 10am to 10pm, while the restaurants and leisure areas stay open later, often until midnight.

Malaga high tourist influx zones explained

Twelve areas in Malaga province hold status as zones of great tourist inflow, awarded by the Andalusian government at the request of their respective town halls. Localities qualify based on defined criteria such as substantial visitor volumes, World Heritage listing or location near harbour districts, among other conditions. This recognition applies to complete towns or specific sections that meet exact requirements set by regional authorities.

Andalucia rules for large-scale shopping options

Andalucian regulations authorise major supermarkets and shopping centres to attend to the public on exactly 16 days, consisting of Sundays or public holidays annually. Malaga Province takes full advantage of this provision given its consistent draw for visitors throughout the year. People planning visits can organise schedules around these dates to maximise available shopping time in the province and a welcome respite from the blistering heat outside in the air-conditioned passageways of the shopping centres.