Don’t forget the bank holiday on the Costa del Sol this October 12, what you need to know

Monday, October 12 is a bank holiday in Spain, with official ceremonies happening across the country, creating a three-day weekend for anyone who doesn’t usually work Saturdays and Sundays. Beware though, the day isn’t a one day fits all, some shops do stay open unlike other holidays over the course of the year.

Banks and offices shut

Banks, town halls and most government offices will be closed on Monday, along with schools and most businesses that run at normal office hours. Anyone with paperwork to do should get it sorted before Friday evening or wait until Tuesday.

Shops mainly open, but not all of them

October 12 is an authorised trading day in Andalucia, so larger shops and supermarkets can legally open, but each chain and branch decides for itself. Sunday, October 11 is not on the list of authorised trading dates, so expect most shops to be shut that day as usual.

Mercadona is listed as closed on the 12, however Lidl, Carrefour,Aldi and Alcampo often open on holidays, and most are listed as being open but operation holiday hours. Shopping centres La Cañada, Miramar and Plaza Mayor are all listed as opening their shops on October 12.

Restaurants, bars and cafes are generally able to open, and many will be filled with Spanish families celebrating the day, so best to book ahead for lunch, especially on Sunday and Monday.

Transport and services

Public transport will run on a holiday schedule, with Renfe’s C1 train line (Malaga–Fuengirola) operating every 20–30 minutes and buses such as the M‑110 (Malaga–Torremolinos–Benalmadena) running on a Saturday‑level timetable. Expect heavy traffic on the A‑7, with people coming to the coast to enjoy the long weekend. Most health centres will operate reduced, often morning‑only hours (typically around 8am–3pm), while urgent primary care is available 24 hours at SUAP points across Málaga

What’s happening on the coast

Monday, October 12 brings with it a proper mix of fiestas, live music and community celebrations. Fuengirola’s week‑long Feria del Rosario reaches its grand finale with all‑day fairground fun and a big open‑air concert. In Benalmadena, Arroyo de la Miel wraps up its Oktober Fest with more beer, German‑style food and live rock music in the square by the mosque. Over in San Pedro, the neighbourhood marks the day with flag‑raisings, a church service and a traditional procession through the Barrio del Pilar, while back in Marbella town there’s a festive pre‑fair performance by Davinia Escalona at Boulebar Cafe. Torremolinos hosts a colourful horse parade and harness competition along the seafront, Estepona’s old town fills with street music, crafts and an octopus‑themed food fair.

The date is also especially important for the Guardia Civil in Malaga province as the day is also Dia del Pilar, the force’s patron day.  So stock up on groceries by Saturday and always check store and centre websites before setting out incase of any changes