Easter supermarket hours in Spain: What to expect from Mercadona, Carrefour and Lidl
Most supermarkets across Spain will adjust their opening hours this April 17, 18 and 21
Holy Week, or Semana Santa, in Spain brings with it more than just processions, holidays and family outings. It also means adjusting everyday routines, especially your shopping plans. With many supermarkets changing their hours over the Easter period, it’s important to plan ahead so you’re not caught without essentials like bread or milk when the shops are shut.
Mercadona
True to its usual policy, Mercadona will remain closed on national holidays and Sundays, with just a few exceptions:
- Holy Thursday (April 17): Most Mercadona stores across Spain will be closed, except in Catalonia and the Valencian Community, where they’ll open as usual. Some tourist-area stores in other regions might open until midday.
- Good Friday (April 18): Nationwide closure, with very few exceptions. A handful of stores in coastal tourist areas like Denia, Jávea and Lloret de Mar may open for a few morning hours, depending on visitor demand.
- Saturday (April 19): The best day for grocery shopping. Stores will be open as usual from 9am to 9.30pm. Stock up early, as the next few days may bring more closures.
- Easter Sunday (April 20): All Mercadona stores will be closed, in line with their no-Sunday-opening policy (except in a few tourism-heavy areas).
- Easter Monday (April 21): In regions where it’s a public holiday, such as Catalonia, the Valencian Community, La Rioja, Navarra and the Basque Country, stores will remain closed. Elsewhere in Spain, it’s business as usual.
To avoid surprises, you can use the store locator on Mercadona’s website to check your local opening hours.
Carrefour
Unlike Mercadona, Carrefour is far more flexible during holidays. Many of its stores will stay open on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, generally following their regular hours of 9am to 10pm, depending on regional laws and local demand.
Again, it’s best to confirm your specific location’s hours on their website or app before heading out.
Lidl
Lidl has traditionally kept most of its stores open during Easter, even on public holidays. While they haven’t issued a formal announcement for this year, expect regular hours (9am to 10pm), especially in high-traffic areas.
Don’t get caught out
Each supermarket chain sets its own opening hours during the Easter holidays and those can vary widely by region. If you're planning to shop over the long weekend, check your store’s schedule in advance using its official website or postcode search tool.
Leaving it too late might mean you’re stuck raiding the pantry for those long-forgotten cans of tuna—so plan ahead and shop smart this Semana Santa.
You might also like: What on earth is a torrija? Spain’s most irresistible Easter treat explained
Image: Pexels
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