16th April 2026 
Leave a commentDiscover with us the most popular Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in May. 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.
The most popular Gastronomic Festivals in Malaga in May will take you along two popular coastal villages along the Costa del Sol, Mijas and Fuengirola. And then further inland, to so-called “Spanish Santorini”, Frigiliana. Also to the fertile valley known as the orchard of Malaga, specifically to Coín.
And, last but not least, to the white villages situated in the scenic high mountain area of the Axarquía in the eastern part of the province. Come and join us!
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. In fact it is one of the most popular events on the Costa del Sol calendar. In our special edition International Fair of Countries Fuengirola we tell you everything you need to know!
- When: From April 29 to May 3
- Where: Fuengirola Fairgrounds
- How to get there
Sardine Festival – Cala de Mijas
The Plaza del Torreón in La Cala de Mijas will once again host one of the most popular events in Mijas from 12 midday.
Every year on the 1st of May, International Workers’ Day, takes place the traditional sardinada. At Plaza del Torreón in La Cala about 700 kilos of traditionally roasted sardines will be distributed for free to the visitors.
There will also be a big tent with live music. In addition, you can stroll through the streets decorated for the Corpus Christi festivities, with altars and local crafts.
- When: 1 May
- Where: Cala de Mijas
- How to get there
Sugarcane Honey Day – Frigiliana
Frigiliana is situated in the easternmost part of the Axarquia region of Malaga, in the Natural Park of the Sierras de Almijara.
This white village is considered one of the most beautiful in Andalusia. And lately it is also becoming known as the Santorini of Spain.
It is situated only 7 km from the popular resort of Nerja. At about 300 metres above sea level it is a natural viewpoint of the Mediterranean.
The village hosts several interesting festivities throughout the year. In May it celebrates the gastronomic festival that pays tribute to its most peculiar product, the “miel de caña” (sugar cane honey).
During this day you can see the process of its elaboration from the sugar cane in the sugar mill factory.
And of course there is no shortage of free tastings of homemade products made with cane honey by the villagers: Fried eggplant with sugarcane honey, homemade sugarcane honey caramel, honey popcorn, gingerbread, cod fritters, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. There are also craft stalls.
Program Sugarcane Honey Day Frigiliana 2026
The entire day revolves around the Plaza del Ingenio (Sugarcane Mill Square). Free admission.
12:00 pm: Opening. Start of guided tours of the sugarcane mill.
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Continuous guided tours and live demonstration of sugarcane milling.
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Free tastings. Throughout the day, performances by flamenco choirs, folk dance groups, and live music. There are stalls selling local crafts and a photography and painting contest.
May Crosses
Also, in Nerja, the religious festival of the May Crosses is celebrated on May 3rd. Floral crosses and shawls are set up in squares and streets, notably those of the Balcón de Europa and Maro. There is also traditional music, folk dances and tastings of local products.
How to get to Frigiliana from Nerja
By car
Frigiliana is just 7 km from Nerja, a 12-15 minute drive along the MA-5105.
By bus
The Nerja–Frigiliana bus runs at the following times: 9:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 4:15 pm, 5:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:50 pm.
The Frigiliana-Nerja bus runs at the following times: 09:50 am, 12:20 pm, 1:30pm, 5:00 pm 6:00 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:10 pm.
- When: Sunday, May 3, from 12 pm to 7 pm
- Where: Plaza del Ingenio, Frigiliana
- How to get there
San Isidro – Estepona
Saint Isidore is the patron saint of farmers. Every year, on May 15th, his feast day is celebrated in many towns and cities. However, the celebration in Estepona is especially beautiful, as he is also the patron saint of the city.
The streets of the old town are lovingly decorated with agricultural products and tools, hay scattered along the streets adorned with ferns and palm fronds. There are even makeshift bars set up right in the streets where you can eat and drink in good company.
It’s one of the most cherished events for the locals, a beautiful blend of religious and rural tradition, filled with joy and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss it!
Things to see in Estepona & tips
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: 15 May
- Where: Old town Estepona
- How to get there
Loquat Day – Sayalonga
Sayalonga is also situated in the Axarquía at about 360 metres above sea level. This small white village of about 1,600 inhabitants represents a classic Moorish village, with quiet, narrow streets and white façades.
On the first Sunday in May, the village celebrates this gastronomic festival in tribute to the loquat.
Visitors can sample for free the fruit. And you can buy loquat products, such as jam and liqueur. The day will be enlivened with local wine and folkloric performances in the main square.
Things to see in Sayalonga & tips
Take a stroll through the Callejón de la Alcuza. It is one of the narrowest alleys in Spain and measures just 50 centimetres on its narrowest side. It is located right in the centre of the old town, next to the church and the tourist office.
Sayalonga is home to one of the most peculiar cemeteries in all of Spain: The round cemetery, unique in Spain in its style and of great architectural value. Its base is octagonal, from which it has derived its name as a round cemetery.
Built in 1840, it is the only round cemetery in Spain. There are theories about masonic influences which you can see in the masonic symbols scattered around the grounds. It also has an interpretation centre next to the entrance.
On the outskirts of the village is the viewpoint Mirador del Cementerio with panoramic views of the cemetery and nearby villages of Sierra Almijara.
- When: 3 May
- Where: Sayalonga
- How to get there
Snail Day – Riogordo
Riogordo is a white village of less than 3.000 inhabitants located in the Upper Axarquía region, about 35 km from Malaga. One of the great gastronomic events of this charming village of Arab origin is the celebration of its signature dish in may: Snails in broth.
The festival takes place on the last Sunday of May, where over 450 kilos of snails in broth, prepared in the local style, are served free of charge. The hand-picked mountain snails are simmered in an aromatic broth seasoned with garlic, onion, chili, anise, fennel and mint.
There won´t be also no shortage of wine, other local products and of course traditional music bands, choirs and dance groups.
Things to see in Riogordo & tips
Olive Oil
Riogordo is part of the Axarquía Olive Oil Route. The village is also known for its excellent Verdial olive oil. If you’re in town and love this “green gold,” be sure to stop by the Agro-Olivavera cooperative, an olive oil cooperative, where one of the best oils in the province is produced.
Old Town
Take advantage of your visit to the village to take a stroll through the old town, explore steep streets and discover the distinctive Moorish urban physiognomy.
Within the village there is also a lovely viewpoint where you can sit and enjoy the views.
Or visit the Ethnographic Museum located on the ruins of a 16th-century olive oil mill.
Riogordo boasts several charming squares that form part of the Route of the 7 Fountains of Riogordo.
This urban route allows you to explore the town and admire its squares and historic fountains, combining cultural heritage and nature in a unique walk. Here is the Interactive Map of the Route of the 7 Fountains of Riogordo.
- When: May 31
- Where: Riogordo
- How to get there
Orange Festival – Coín
Coín is a small town situated in the Guadalhorce valley, also known as the Orchard of Malaga.
The valley is the region’s fruit and vegetable producer par excellence.It is situated about 30 minutes from the Costa del Sol, Malaga, Marbella and Fuengirola.
Coín is a town with many cultural activities and festivities throughout the year.
On a Sunday in early May, the town pays tribute to the orange with their Orange Festival.
The orange harvest begins in October and ends in May, which is why the orange festival is celebrated in this month.
During the day you can try many products made from oranges, such as:
Malaga salad: Oranges from the orchard with cod, spring onion, and local extra virgin olive oil.
Guadalhorce lemon chicken: Traditional stew with Verna lemons from the orchards of Coín.
Orange cake: Fluffy sponge cake with juice and zest of local oranges.
Natural orange ice cream: Made with fresh fruit of the day.
Orange Festival Program
Morning (10 am to 2 pm):
Exhibition of the best crates of oranges and lemons from local producers.
Contest for the most beautiful orange and the best natural juice.
Free tasting of freshly squeezed juice and table oranges.
Afternoon (4 pm to 8 pm):
Demonstrations of traditional harvesting and packing techniques.
Children’s activities: games with an agricultural theme and juicing workshops.
Musical performances in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Evening: Community dinner featuring dishes made with local citrus fruits.
Things to see in Coín & tips
On the outskirts of Coín is the viewpoint Mirador de España with spectacular views of both the village and the whole region. It is a large park-viewpoint with easy parking.
- When: 9 May
- Where: Plaza Alameda, Coín
- How to get there
