A guide to what to do in Andalucia in May for a wonderful holiday
Early summer is a popular time for tourists to visit Andalucia in May due to its comfortable weather, numerous festivals, and the natural beauty of the local landscapes.
The mild climate makes it ideal for hiking and cycling, which can be uncomfortable in mid-summer.
To maximize your vacation, plan ahead to visit Seville, Malaga, or Granada, where there are numerous attractions like lakes, mountains, castles, and more.
Discover our guide to visiting Andalusia in May for more information.
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Top Things To Do In Andalucia in May
- Explore historic cities.
- Try traditional tapas.
- Visit unspoiled beaches.
- Take a hike in the Sierra Nevada.
- Attend a festival.
1. Andalucia in May – Exploring Andalucia’s Historic Cities
A visit to historic cities like Seville, Granada and Cordoba allows you to see the very best of Andalucia, Spain.
Each one has its own unique beauty and heritage, and each one is home to some of the top Andalucia tourist attractions.
1. Seville: Discovering the beauty of the Alcazar and Cathedral
Seville is, arguably, one of the best places to visit in Andalucia all year round, thanks to its heritage and stunning architecture.
Its Real Alacazar is, however, especially beautiful during the months of Spring. As a UNESCO site, this ancient palace and garden complex has parts that date back to the 10th century. – Check the guided tour here.
Seville’s Cathedral is another must-see in Andalusia. As one of the world’s biggest cathedrals, it still has some remnants of the Moorish Mosque that it once was, with its renowned Giralda Tower being part of this bygone incarnation. – Get the guided tour here.
Inside the cathedral, you’ll find a stunning royal chapel as well as Christopher Columbus’s tomb, which is well worth visiting.
2. Granada: Exploring the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens
History lovers will almost certainly have the Alhambra palace at the top of their list of things to do in Andalucia, Spain.
Known as the country’s best-preserved structure dating back to Medieval times, this spectacular building is one of the most popular local tourist attractions, and its amazing gardens are among the most beautiful places in Andalucia during the Spring months.
Containing the beautiful Nasrid Palaces and the summer Generalife palace, this complex of buildings boasts intricate interiors and opulent outdoor spaces. – Check the guided tour here.
It isn’t too surprising, then, that two million visitors flock here from around the globe to see this monument. You can take a self-guided, or guided tour to explore its beauties.
3. Cordoba: Visiting the Mezquita-Catedral and exploring the Jewish Quarter
The highlight of any visit to Cordoba has to be its historic Jewish Quarter.
Known as La Juderia, this area is in the centre of the city and boasts authentic Andalucian streets, complete with flowered balconies and whitewashed facades.
During the Spring, this quarter’s Calleja de las Flores is one of the prettiest places to visit in Andalucia, with its stunning view of the Mosque-Cathedral. – Get the guided tour here
The Jewish neighbourhood in itself has earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and it is here that you’ll discover most of Cordoba’s historic monuments, including its Alcazar and Mosque Cathedral or Mezquita.
Originally constructed on the site of a ruined church in 785, this structure was once a Mosque and is still considered to be an especially fine example of Spanish Islamic art.
A cathedral was built at the centre of the mosque after the Christian reconquest, and the result is a unique architectural blend of styles that never fails to impress.
2. Enjoying the Coastal Areas
1. Costa del Sol: Relaxing on the beaches of Marbella and Nerja
While it’s always fun to explore the best castles in Andalucia and exert yourself with strenuous activities like hiking, sometimes, there’s nothing better than just relaxing on the beach.
Fortunately, the Costa del Sol is world-famous for its gorgeous sands, and you’ll find some of the finest examples around Nerja and Marbella. – Check guided tours in Nerja.
Thanks to their clear waters, Nerja’s beaches are especially attractive, with steep cliffsides that offer outstanding panoramas.
Some of the best include El Playazo to the West of the town centre and the centrally located La Caletilla beach, which is small but perfectly formed with its parasols, kiosks, sun loungers, and even pedalos to rent.
Marbella’s beaches have been popular with tourists since the mid 20th century, and with more than 18 miles of sand to choose from, it’s a breeze to find a spot to relax and enjoy the sea breezes.
Right on Marbella’s famous Golden Mile, you’ll find El Ancon beach, which is home to the popular Victor’s Beach Bar.
Meanwhile, the El Faro beach is right in the centre of the town, only a short stroll from the designer stores and restaurants.
If you’re wondering what to do in Andalucia during your downtime, a couple of hours unwinding by the sea and reading a good book could be just the ticket.
2. Costa de la Luz: Exploring the unspoiled beaches of Cadiz and Tarifa
Although the Costa del Sol’s beaches rank among the best-known and most popular places in Andalusia for holidaymakers, the Costa de la Luz is still relatively undiscovered by overseas visitors, making it a perfect spot to get off the beaten track and enjoy a taste of the real Spain!
Cadiz and Tarifa are home to some truly stunning untamed shores.
As they’re located on the Atlantic Ocean, they’re particularly good for water sports enthusiasts, and if you fancy trying your hand at surfing in Andalucia, this is the place to go!
La Caleta is right in the historic heart of Cadiz and is just a stroll away from the shops, restaurants, and monuments of the city.
With a castle on each side, it’s a beautiful place to relax for a while or to take a dip in the sea, although watch out, the water can be chilly!
Tarifa’s Playa de los Lances is another surfer’s paradise with 10 kilometres of white sand. There are separate zones marked out for watersports and bathing, so you can enjoy yourself with peace of mind.
3. Embracing Andalucia’s Natural Beauty
1. Sierra Nevada: Hiking and nature walks in the stunning mountain range
If you love nothing more than getting out in nature, the Sierra Nevada is one of the best places to visit in Andalucia, Spain.
As a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this beautiful natural space is home to more than two thousand different plant species as well as a wide range of fauna. – Get guided tours in Sierra Nevada.
In the mountains, you’ll find snow voles, Eurasian skylarks, rock thrushes, wild goats, and butterflies, as well as golden eagles.
The trails here are popular for organized hikes in Andalucia, and you can join a group for a guided trek through the landscape.
On the other hand, you can set off by yourself to explore on your own.
2. Sierra de Grazalema: Exploring the picturesque villages and hiking trails
Rising from the ocean, the Sierra de Grazalema is a stunning mountain range that is home to some of the prettiest villages in Andalucia.
The White Villages in Andalucia are world-famous, and you can combine a visit to them with hikes along the scenic trails.
As well as beautiful plant life, of which there are over a thousand different species, you may be lucky enough to spot mountain goats, stags, otters, and badgers during your visit here.
Check out the rocky crags to see vultures and eagles, or visit the caves to find horseshoe bats sheltering from the light.
4. Experiencing Andalucian Cuisine
Many people will tell you that one of their favorite things to do in Andalucia is to sample the local cuisine.
Thanks to the fusion of Moorish and Spanish cooking styles in this part of Spain, the traditional food is unusual and flavorsome.
You’ll find amazing flavors, fresh ingredients, and local produce that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Seafood is popular around the Andalucian coastline, with sea bass, sea bream, sole, and red snapper being especially prominent on restaurant menus.
Fish is often paired with freshly grown local vegetables such as aubergines, artichokes, asparagus, and broad beans in stews, casseroles, and soups.
Cordoba is known for its exceptionally high-quality cured ham, which is often served on charcuterie boards with local cheese at restaurants and tapas bars.
Tapas are a cultural phenomenon here, and while they’re popular throughout Spain, they’re especially important to Andalucian residents.
If you’re visiting Andalucia in May, you should make a beeline for some of the best tapas bars in the area, some of which serve more than a hundred different dishes.
While some are innovative fusion plates that combine modern flavors with local ingredients, others are more authentic to the local area.
Dishes like berenjenas frittas con miel (eggplant with honey), huevos a la flamenca, tortillitas de camarones and espinacas con garbanzos (Spanish Chickpea Stew) are all delicious and available throughout the region.
The local desserts are particularly tasty thanks to the use of honey and almonds, which is traditional in this part of Southern Spain.
Pestinos, which are pastries coated in honey, verdugados or fruits in syrup, bunuelos de San Benito fritters, and nut and almond alfaajores pastries, are all Andalucian specialties.
To discover a wide range of local produce and to find sweet treats that would make some of the best Spanish souvenirs for loved ones back home, you should head to one of the local markets.
Marbella’s Ecological Market held on Saturday mornings, and Marbella’s Monday market at the fairground site are two of the best.
5. Festivals and Events
There are many Spanish festivals in May all across the country, and if you visit Andalucia in May, you’ll find many events that are well worth experiencing.
1. Feria de Abril in Seville: Exploring the vibrant fairgrounds and enjoying flamenco music and dance
Seville’s Feria de Abril is one of the best festivals in Andalucia thanks to its unique atmosphere.
Starting two weeks after Holy Week, this fair is held in the enormous fairground by the river to the south of the city.
This festival is characterized by socializing, eating, and drinking, with late-night parties, daily bullfights, and dancing until dawn, while for youngsters, there’s an amusement park to enjoy.
2. Patio Festival in Cordoba: Admiring the beautifully decorated courtyards
Cordoba’s Patio Festival is more than a century old and takes place every year.
During May, the doors to the city’s many central patios are opened up, and the public can come in and see their hidden treasures.
Stone mosaics, ceramic decorations, and colorful flowers abound here both in family homes and communal courtyards, as well as those attached to local monuments such as the 14th century Viana Palace and religious buildings like the Encarnacion.
All in all, there are around fifty patios to visit for free, and while you’re in the city, you can enjoy the flamenco performances that often take place to celebrate the occasion.
3. Crosses of May Festival: Experiencing the colorful displays of flower-covered crosses in various towns
The Cruces de Mayo or May Crosses Festival is held around the world, but it has special significance in Andalucia.
Cordoba’s celebration is particularly famous, and visitors come from around the world to experience it.
This historic festival honors the cross of the crucifixion and involves decorating crosses around the city, with neighborhood associations and brotherhoods alike competing to win the coveted prize of the best-decorated cross.
Each one is around 3 metres in height and is covered in flowers, and while the festival’s origins are religious, the celebration itself is joyous with tapas and drinks served to partygoers beside each cross as well as flamenco performances and live music to add to the atmosphere.
4. Feria del Caballo in Jerez
If you’re visiting Andalucia in May, the Jerez Horse Fair or Feria del Caballo is a must-visit.
This lively event has a history dating back five centuries and has grown and developed over the years until today.
It is a joyous occasion with entertainment, music, food, and drink.
This Fair celebrates Andalucia’s equestrian tradition, and many different equine events take place during the course of the week, from carriage driving to in-hand showing.
One of the highlights is the horse and carriage procession that takes place daily and which involves hundreds of carriages and riders in different styles parading around the grounds.
Practical Tips for Visiting in Andalucia in May
When visiting Andalucia in May, you can expect the weather to be generally good.
The average temperature is around the mid 20s Celsius during the day, so you can make the most of outdoor activities without feeling uncomfortably hot or cold.
Remember, though, that evenings can get chilly, so bring some sweaters and a jacket if you’re heading out at night, and possibly an umbrella since there can be unexpected showers at this time of year.
If you’re keen to get out and about to discover all of the best places in Andalusia during your visit, you’ll be pleased to find that local transport is plentiful and affordable.
Of course, you can hire a car or take taxis, but there’s accessible public transport too.
Local bus services are frequent, and head out to all of the towns and cities as well as some of the major tourist attractions in the area. – Check out tickets here
Regional train services run between local towns and, of course, you can hire bicycles for a more active mode of transport.
Whether you’re visiting the beaches, the cities, or the mountains and lakes in Andalucia, you’ll have no difficulty getting where you want to go.
There is no shortage of places to stay when you’re visiting Andalucia in May, so you can take your pick from luxury hotels, affordable B&Bs, apartments, or even campsites.
There’s sure to be something to fit your budget, but don’t forget to book in advance whenever possible since the best accommodation can be booked quickly, especially if you’re heading to one of the major cities during a festival or public holiday period.
Conclusion on visiting Andalucia in May
If you’re thinking of heading to Southern Spain, visiting Andalucia in May is a great idea.
Not only is the weather perfect for exploring both indoors and out, but much of the scenery is at its best during the spring.
There’ll also be fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, making it easier to get around and do all of the things you desire.
To sample a taste of authentic Spanish life, don’t hesitate to book your trip to Andalucia in May now and discover everything that this glorious region has to offer.
FAQ about Andalucia in May
What is the best time to visit Andalusia?
It’s always a good time to visit Andalusia, but many people think May is the best month to visit, thanks to the pleasant climate and especially beautiful scenery at this time of year.
As there are fewer crowds, it’s also a good time to see the popular tourist attractions without rushing or feeling overwhelmed.
Is Spain warm enough in May?
Although some parts of Spain are still a little cool in May, Andalucia has a mild climate all year round, and temperatures in May are usually around 24 degrees Celsius.
That means it’s warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without feeling uncomfortably hot or cold.
What are the best things to do in Andalucia in May?
Some of the best things to do when visiting Andalucia in May include sampling the local tapas, relaxing on some of the beautiful beaches, and participating in some regional festivals.
You should also take the time to see some of the world-famous attractions, such as the Alhambra and Seville’s Giralda Tower.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!