20th March 2026 
Leave a commentDiscover with us the most popular Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in April.
The province of Malaga, with its mild climate, has the great fortune to be producing fruit and vegetables practically all year round. And every month you can try other local delicacies, prepared in the traditional way, which are handed out free of charge.
Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in April
This month’s events will take you to the coastal town of Fuengirolaand the inland white villages. These villages of Moorish origin are located in the mountain ranges of Malaga such as the Axarquia, with the highest peaks of the province.
Combine a visit to the interior where time is slower, many traditions are still preserved and of course with excellent local gastronomy!
Cheese Fair – Estepona
Cheese lovers have a great date in Estepona’s old town from April 17th to 19th. Enjoy tastings and direct sales at more than thirty producers’ stands featuring cheeses and products from Malaga, wines, and Andalusian sweets.
Among the attractions are ham carving competitions and other traditional gastronomic contests. Free admission.
If you are a foodie, the Cheese Fair Sabor a Málaga 2026, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Andalusia in the heart of Estepona.
Our tip
For several years now, Estepona has earned its own nickname: “the Garden of the Costa del Sol.” The town council is putting great care into decorating the streets and squares of the old town with plants, flowers and colourful pots.
The result is truly delightful and has transformed the historic centre into one of the most beautiful in the province. Take advantage of your visit to stroll around, discover charming corners and enjoy a refreshing drink on one of the central terraces.
- When: April 17-19, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Where: Calle Real, Estepona
- How to get there
Countryside Celebration – Benamargosa
The white village of Benamargosa is located in the Axarquia, about 50 km from Malaga. The small village of about 1500 inhabitants is situated in a valley surrounded by hills and ridges.
Due to this microclimate the municipality abounds with orchards, orange and lemon trees and subtropical crops such as avocados, mangos and custard apples.
Every spring Benamargosa pays homage to its organic farm produce. The locals offer visitors the best of the local gastronomy.
You will be able to taste local delicacies such as avocado or batycate milkshake, ‘ensaladilla cateta’, ‘limón pera’, cherry tomatoes, tripe or garlic-cod. There will be a large paella for all those attending and various musical performances to liven up the day.
Our tip
The village is situated only 15 km from the La Viñuela reservoir. This spring it is especially beautiful and full of water after all the rain.
- When: 26 April from 12 noon onwards
- How to get there
Verdial Oliveoil Day – Periana
Periana is situated in the upper Axarquia at about 550 metres above sea level and offers an impressive wealth of scenery. Situated about 50 km from Malaga, this village is well known for the production of extra virgin Verdial olive oil.
Every year, at the end of the olive harvest, Periana celebrates its Verdial Olive Oil Day. Visitors will be able to taste different olive oils.
There will also be a food market with products from the Upper Axarquia. In addition to oil you can buy sweets, muscatel wine, sultanas and dried fruits and nuts. And you can also visit the oil mills where traditional utensils and tools used in the production of olive oil are on display.
To liven up the day, there will be traditional verdiales music.
Periana Olive day in English
Additionally, the Periana town council invites you to discover the culture of olive groves and olive oil. This is a free activity, but booking is essential. To reserve your place, please call +34 635 425 077.
Programme
The day will begin with delicious breakfast at the Era of Cortijo Las Monjas at 9:30 am. Followed by Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting Workshop at 10.30 am and a visit to the San José Artesano Cooperative and the Monumental Olive Trees in Mondrón.
Our tip
Also this village is situated very close to the La Viñuela reservoir (about 13 km). Take the opportunity when you are in Periana to see the reservoir after the heavy rains we had this winter.
- When: 11 and 12 April
- How to get there
Day of the Bean – Villanueva de la Concepción
Villanueva de la Concepción is situated in the north of the province at the foot of El Torcal at an altitude of 530 metres above sea level.
Particularly now in springtime, it is remarkable for its vast fertile plains of lively green tones and fields of wheat olive and almond trees. All presided over by the mighty massif of El Torcal.
Broad beans are usually harvested around the second half of April and the village pays homage to its most appreciated vegetable.
During the day, visitors can taste different dishes made with this vegetable.
There is also a large market with local products such as cold meats, ceramics, sweets or extra virgin olive oil. And you can even find ceramics, antiques and articles made from esparto grass.
Our Tip
Just 10 minutes from Villanueva de la Concepción stands the spectacular karst formation of El Torcal de Antequera. If you are a nature lover, you should not miss a visit there.
It is situated at 1,100 metres above sea level, something to bear in mind to bring warm clothes, even in summer: every 100 metres the temperature drops by one degree.
In the natural site of El Torcal you can see some fantastic eroded stones, ammonites and there are also two short and easy routes. The area has a visitor centre, restaurant and car park.
- When: 26 April
- How to get there
Asparagus Day – Sierra de Yeguas
Sierra de Yeguas is situated in the north of the province of Malaga in the direction of Seville at about 450 metres above sea level. The village is known as ‘the capital of asparagus’.
Every year it celebrates a gastronomic day dedicated to its star product, with free tasting of about 2,000 kilos of asparagus prepared with different recipes: asparagus cooked in the traditional way, in omelette, scrambled. There will also be a large Paella.
During the day there will be a large food market, with more than thirty companies from the region. Visitors will be able to buy asparagus, sausages, artisan cheeses, extra virgin olive oil, regional honey and confectionery.
The afternoon will be enlivened from 5:30 pm with a live concert at the Plaza de Andalucía. There will also be bouncy castles for the little ones.
Our Tip
Only 14 km from the village is the nature reserve Laguna Fuente de Piedra.
It is a large lagoon of saline waters that is home to the largest colony of flamingos on the peninsula. In the reserve there are several bird watching trails and a visitor centre.
- When: April 25 and 26
- How to get there
Black pudding Day – Canillas de Aceituno
Canillas de Aceituno extends at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Sierra Tejeda mountain ranges, in the Axarquia region. It is located 51 km from Malaga.
The “Día de la Morcilla” is a very popular gastronomic day during which large quantities of black pudding, the typical sausage of the area, are handed out free of charge.
In addition, you can sample local wine and beer, all accompanied by musical performances on the stage in the square.
Our Tip
Naturelovers and hikers, attention! Almost everybody knows the Caminito del Rey, which has become very touristy, and you have to pay an entrance fee.
Still very few know that there is another, no less spectacular path which includes the longest suspension bridge in Andalusia: El Saltillo.
The start of the hanging bridge trail is located on the outskirts of Canillas de Aceituno. The path requires a certain level of fitness and skill.
- Where: Canillas de Aceituno
- When: 26 April
- How to get there
“Taste Casares” – Casares
Take advantage of this culinary event to discover the beautiful white village of Casares. The small, idyllic white mountain village lies 430 metres above sea level, framed by the Sierra Bermeja and Sierra Crestellina mountains, just 17 kilometres from Estepona and the Costa del Sol.
The small village with its whitewashed houses is visible from afar. Casares sits majestically atop a rocky hill, crowned by an old Moorish fortress.
This Gastronomic and Cultural Fair will take place on April 18th and 19th, featuring a craft market, a historical route, craft and cooking workshops, show cooking and live music.
- When: April 18 and 19, starting at 11:00 am
- Where: Casares
- How to get there
In the municipality is also located Finca Cortesín, which has been converted into a luxury resort and is a top address for golf on the Costa del Sol.
Our Tip: Zip line and Via Ferratas in Casares
Are you adventurous and do you enjoy a dose of adrenaline? Then take advantage of your visit to Casares to try one of these activities without leaving town.
Urban zip line
Dare to fly over Casares on a zip line? This zip line is 330 metres long and runs at a height of about 80 metres above the historic centre. It’s suitable for all ages and anyone weighing between 40 and 110 kg.
Vias Ferratas
Below Casares Castle, there are two public via ferratas of low difficulty. Each takes 35 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 62 and 50 metres, and a length of 81 and 98 metres respectively. The second via ferrata includes two single-rope bridges.
Important: These routes are not suitable for those without prior climbing experience or equipment.
You can book a guided tour here. It includes guide, all technical equipment, insurance, snacks and drinks, as well as videos and photos.
International Fair of Countries – Fuengirola
And last but not least in our journey of Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in April we also include the International Fair of Countries in Fuengirola.
Although it is not a typical local gastronomic festival, it is nevertheless a great occasion to take a culinary tour of the globe.
This colourful and lively multicultural festival attracts over a million visitors each year and is one of the most popular events on the Costa del Sol calendar. In our special edition International Fair of Countries Fuengirola 2026 we tell you everything you need to know!
- When: From 30 April to 4 May
- Where: Fuengirola Fairgrounds
- How to get there
Typical dishes of Malaga during Lent & Easter
This year, Holy Week takes place from Sunday, March 29th to Sunday, April 5th, 2026. Right after Carnival, Ash Wednesday, Lent begins and lasts until Easter in Malaga.
During these 40 days, you have the opportunity to try some typical dishes from the province, characterized by a reduced consumption of meat in favour of fresh garden vegetables and fish from the Alboran Sea.
In this short special on “Lenten dishes” we present the classic delicacies of Malaga which you will be able to find in many traditional bars and taverns.
Main dishes
During Lent and Holy Week in Malaga, fish from the Alboran Sea is used a lot in their dishes, especially cod.
Dogfish broth
It’s a light yet very flavourful soup made with this small shark from the Alboran Sea off the coast of Malaga and other crustaceans. It’s a very typical soup during Lent and Holy Week in Malaga.
Chickpea stew with cod and spinach
This tasty stew is very easy to make; however, it’s so delicious that you can enjoy it outside of these special occasions.
Ajobacalao
This means garlic with cod. It’s a flavourful reddish paste for spreading on bread, made with breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil from the Axarquía, salt cod, garlic, lemon juice, paprika and chili pepper.
Cod fritters & Fried Fish
The Bay of Malaga is heaven on earth for fresh fish lovers. Fried fish is a very typical dish here. In fact, you can find it all year round, especially in the bars near the sea and beach bars. During Easter week, cod fritters are plentiful—you’ll be licking your fingers!
Malaga salad with cod and orange
The orchards of Malaga are abundant with fresh oranges and lemons during the colder months. So, it’s no surprise that they are often used in recipes, combining contrasting flavours. One example is this fresh salad made with cod and oranges, to which are added boiled potatoes, spring onions and olives.
A delicious dish that you can also try outside of Lent and Holy Week in Malaga, as there are usually fresh oranges from the tree from December to May.
Sweet Pastries
Those with a sweet tooth shouldn’t miss out on these little sweet treats, traditionally prepared only at this time of year. It’s very typical in Andalusia to fry these sweets in olive oil.
You’ll have no trouble finding them in many bakeries, confectioneries and pastry shops.
Torrijas are the highlight of Holy Week and there is practically no house that does not smell of freshly made Torrijas at this time of year. They are made from a slice of bread soaked in milk, syrup, or wine, dipped in egg, and fried in oil. They are then drizzled with honey, molasses or sugar and cinnamon.
Wind fritters (Buñuelos de Viento) are small doughs made with wheat flour, lard and eggs, fried in hot oil. The dough puffs up when fried, hence the name “wind fritters.”
Pestiños have as seasoning sweet Malaga Muscatel wine, white wine, and anise in their dough. They are flavoured with sesame seeds, aniseed, and orange or lemon peel. Then they are fried in hot oil and then coated with honey or sugar and cinnamon.
Cascaruo Lemon is something very unique to Malaga. As we mentioned before, during the colder months orchards are full of oranges and lemons. Among them is a variety with a very thick rind that is less acidic and sweeter than the common lemon.
People eat it traditionally in bites, slices and seasoned with salt or baking soda. When you stroll through the streets of Malaga city centre during Holy Week you can see small street stalls offering this popular little delicacy.
Ajobacalao Route in Vélez-Málaga
Vélez-Málaga is the main city the Axarquía region located about 40 km from Málaga. Typical of the city during Easter & Lenten is a tasty cod-based spread that’s served on bread.
Traditionally, it’s prepared for the bearers of the Holy Week thrones to help them regain their strength.
This “pâté” is called Ajobacalao (a combination of the words ajo and balacalo). It’s a mixture of breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil, salt cod, garlic, lemon, paprika, and chili pepper.
During Lent and Holy Week, you can enjoy this delicacy in many bars and restaurants in Vélez-Málaga in a special gastronomic route.
Between March 10 and April 5, local restaurants offer traditional recipes such as cod in pil-pil sauce, garlic cod croquettes and stews, to name just a few.
- When: March 10 to April 5
- Where: Bars and restaurants in Vélez-Málaga (see QR code on the poster)
- How to get there
