Public Holidays in Andalusia 2026 – Complete Travel Planning Guide

Planning a trip to southern Spain in 2026? Knowing the public holidays in Andalusia 2026 can make a real difference to your travel plans.

Public holidays affect shop opening hours, transport schedules, museum access, and accommodation availability. This guide with a Andalusia public holidays 2026 calendar gives you a clear, up-to-date overview of all official Andalusia public holidays in 2026, plus practical tips to help you plan around them.

Overview: Public Holidays in Andalusia 2026

Below is an overview of the official public holidays in Andalusia in 2026, including their practical impact on you Andalusia travels.

Date	Holiday	Type	What this means for travelers
1 January	New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)	National	Most shops and offices closed
6 January	Epiphany (Día de Reyes)	National	Parades, shops mostly closed
28 February	Andalucía Day	Regional	Museums often free, local events
3 April	Good Friday (Viernes Santo)	National	Processions, limited transport
1 May	Labour Day	National	Businesses closed
15 August	Assumption Day	National	Tourist areas busy
12 October	National Day of Spain	National	Reduced services
8 December	Immaculate Conception	National	Popular travel period
25 December	Christmas Day	National	Almost all services closed

Important: Some cities may replace certain Spanish holidays with local alternatives, so opening hours may vary by destination.

Good to know: Public holidays can vary across Spain

The Spanish public holidays listed above apply specifically to Andalusia and do not necessarily apply to all of Spain.

For example:

• In regions such as Catalonia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, Navarre and La Rioja, Easter Monday is a public holiday.

• In Andalusia, Easter Monday is not a public holiday.

• Other regions celebrate additional patron saint days or regional events.

  
  

Even within Andalusia, individual cities and towns may declare extra local holidays, especially during major festivals such as Ferias, which take place at different times depending on the city.

Special features of public holidays in Andalusia and Spain

If a public holiday in Spain falls on a Sunday, it is usually moved to the following Monday. The celebration still takes place on the actual date, but the additional day off allows for longer weekends.

Another common tradition is the “Puente” (bridge):

• If a Spanish public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many employers grant the Monday or Friday off, creating a long weekend.

• These puente weekends are very popular for short trips and can significantly increase travel demand.

Free museum entry on Día de Andalucía (28 February)

Día de Andalucía, always celebrated on 28 February, commemorates the 1980 referendum that granted Andalusia autonomous status within Spain. Día de Andalucía celebrates the region’s autonomy and cultural identity.

What travelers should know:

• Andalusian flags decorate balconies and public buildings

• Families and friends gather to celebrate regional culture

• In some cities (for example Málaga), schools may close for the entire week

• Some administrative services and shops close

  
  

To promote Andalusian heritage, many museums open for free on Día de Andalucía.

This often includes popular institutions such as the Picasso Museum Málaga, though availability can vary by city.

It’s a great cultural day to be in Andalusia, especially if you enjoy local atmosphere rather than shopping.

Semana Santa 2026: Holy Week in Andalusia

Semana Santa, the Holy Easter week, is one of the most significant periods of the year in Andalusia:

• Maundy Thursday (2 April 2026)

• Good Friday (3 April 2026)

  
  

During this week:

• Large religious processions take place, especially in Seville, Málaga, and Granada

• City centres may have road closures and limited transport

• Hotels book up far in advance

  
  

If you plan to visit during Semana Santa, book accommodation early and expect crowds, but also a unique cultural experience.

Summary: Public Andalucia holidays 2026

In short: Public holidays in Andalusia in 2026 can influence travel logistics, but they also offer a very authentic cultural experiences. With good basic planning, travellers can avoid disruptions and even benefit from local festivities.

FAQ – Public Holidays in Andalusia 2026

What is Spain’s national public holiday?

Spain’s national public holiday is Día de la Hispanidad (Fiesta Nacional de España), celebrated every year on 12 October. In addition, each autonomous region has its own official holiday; in Andalusia, this is Día de Andalucía, celebrated on 28 February.

Are shops open on public holidays in Andalusia in 2026?

On major public holidays such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Easter, most shops and banks are closed. Large supermarkets usually remain closed, while some small shops, museums, and tourist attractions may open with reduced hours. Opening times vary by location, so checking locally in advance is recommended.

Is Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) a public holiday in Spain?

No. Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) is not a public holiday in Andalusia or elsewhere in Spain.

Which museums are free on Día de Andalucía?

On 28 February, many state-run and municipal museums in Andalusia offer free admission for visitors. This varies by city and institution, so it’s advisable to check locally beforehand.

Which local holidays affect travel the most in Andalusia?

The biggest impact on travel comes from Semana Santa, Día de Andalucía, and major local Ferias. During these public holidays in Andalusia, accommodation prices may rise, traffic increases, and city centres become very busy. Booking tickets and hotels early is recommended.

Are public holidays in Andalusia 2026 also school holidays?

Yes. Most official Andalucia bank holidays 2026 are school-free days. In addition, local Andalucia holidays 2026 and city festivals can result in extra days off. School holiday calendars are set at regional level.