Córdoba´s Fiesta de los Patios

During the month of May, you will find spring-filled patios and courtyards in Cordoba. The Fiesta de los Patios, as its name suggests, is a two-week-long celebration of the flower-filled courtyards of houses in the oldest neighbourhoods. Normally, you can visit around 50 spaces for free and at the end of the fiesta, Córdoba’s town council awards a prize to the prettiest patio.

Mezquita-Catedral (Córdoba)

If you are in Córdoba for the Feria de los Patios, a must is the city’s Mezquita-Catedral, or Mosque-Cathedral: an 8th-century mosque built during Moorish Spain’s apotheosis, with a 16th-century Renaissance cathedral, constructed right on top of it (courtesy of Charles V).

Jerez´s Feria del Caballo

In early May the gorgeous city of Jerez de la Frontera holds one of Andalusia´s best festivals. The Feria del Caballo (Horse Fair) which is much more accessible to visitors than the Feria de Abril, and all its casetas are open to the public. Beautiful Andalusian horses carry their riders around the fairground giving the festival a charming rustic atmosphere.

Alhambra (Granada)

The city of Granada and the Alhambra fortress—the best preserved medieval structure in Spain is a must and you will need at least a couple of hours if not a whole day. For that reason, a spring morning is the best time to visit this stunning building. From its exquisite Nasrid palaces to the whitewashed summer palace, or Generalife, the Alhambra amazes with the intricacy of its interiors and the opulence of its gardens. Remember to book online before you go!

Real Alcázar (Seville)

One of the three gems in Seville (along with the Cathedral and Archive of the Indies), the Real Alcázar is one of the oldest palaces still in use in the world. Its most attractive during the spring months. Started in the 10th century by the city’s wealthy Moorish rulers, it has a spectacular complex of palaces and gardens. From its walls you can appreciate the influence of the cultures that have passed through the city.

Highlights of the palace include the Patio de las Doncellas courtyard, with its beautiful tiled plinths, and the Patio de las Muñecas courtyard, with its fascinating collection of capitals.

El Chorro

If beaches aren’t your thing then head to the lakes of El Chorro, situated near the Guadalhorce River, just 50 minutes from Málaga airport.

They are surrounded by pine and oak trees and offer many sites where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic. The forest lines the shores of the lakes so there’s plenty of natural shade and at La Isla you can also rent pedalos and kayaks if you wish to explore!

We highly recommend you also walk the 'Caminito del Rey'