{
  "id": 5083953,
  "title": "Costa Blanca Supermarkets Begin Switch to Winter Opening Hours",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/costa-blanca-supermarkets-begin-switch-to-winter-opening-hours",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T12:28:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Leader",
    "slug": "the-leader",
    "url": "https://theleader.info/2026/09/02/costa-blanca-supermarkets-begin-switch-to-winter-opening-hours/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Supermarkets in the Costa Blanca region are gradually returning to their usual winter opening hours as the peak summer tourism season concludes. However, shoppers are urged to verify the specific opening times of individual stores, as variations persist among different chains and even within branches belonging to the same company. Mercadona has implemented the most significant change, reverting to its standard winter schedule from the start of September. Generally, Mercadona supermarkets are open from 9am to 9.30pm, Monday through Saturday, and remain closed on Sundays and most public holidays. Throughout July and August, certain Mercadona stores in popular coastal towns remained open until 10pm on weekdays and some offered morning trading on Sundays; these arrangements have since ceased.\n\nCarrefour’s Torrevieja hypermarket operates from 9am to 10pm, Monday through Saturday, with potential opening on select Sundays and public holidays, subject to regional trading regulations. Customers are advised to verify specific dates. Consum has not yet fully resumed winter trading across its local area, with several branches in Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa maintaining Sunday morning operations from 9am to 2.30pm in September. Aldi and Lidl's opening hours are still based on the individual store. Some branches in Torrevieja and Orihuela Costa continue to trade on Sundays, while others are closed on weekends, with varying closing times between nearby supermarkets.\n\nOverseas and The Food Co stores maintain their own schedules. The San Fulgencio branch in Torrevieja currently opens from 9am to 8pm, Monday through Saturday, and from 9am to 4pm on Sundays. Dialprix also continues Sunday trading at some locations, with its Calle Ulises supermarket in Torrevieja opening from 9am to 9.30pm on weekdays and 9am to 8.30pm on Sundays. DIA supermarkets have varying schedules depending on their location and format, with some branches still providing reduced hours on Sundays. The commencement of September does not automatically signify an immediate and consistent end to Sunday shopping. While Mercadona has returned to its winter timetable, several other chains are still offering extended or Sunday trading at select coastal branches. Opening hours may also alter due to regional, national, and local public holidays. Customers are advised to consult the respective supermarket’s website, application, or store notice before embarking on a special journey.",
  "summary": "Supermarkets across the southern Costa Blanca are beginning to return to their normal winter opening hours as the peak summer tourism season draws to a close. However, shoppers are being advised to check individual stores before travelling, as Sunday opening arrangements continue to vary considerably between chains—and even between branches operated by the same company. […] The post Costa Blanca…",
  "key_points": [
    "Costa Blanca supermarkets shifting to winter hours as summer tourism ends.",
    "Mercadona returns to standard schedule from September 1st, 9am-9:30pm Mon-Sat.",
    "Carrefour Torrevieja hypermarket retains 9am-10pm Mon-Sat, with Sunday hours pending."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}