Visiting Cordoba in May – Cordoba Fair, festivals and other activities

Spring comes to Cordoba in May with a great festival of colour and activities for everyone. It is undoubtedly a very good option to learn a little more about Andalusia with free activities and easy access from Malaga, can you ask for more?

We must not forget that May is a very special month for this province of Andalusia. This is when the popular Cordoba fair, the colourful courtyard contest or the Battle of Flowers takes place. We are going to know a little about all the activities it has to offer and how the weather is during this month.

May in Cordoba

Cordoba is a very hot city although during May the temperature is still pleasant. Swimming pools and air conditioners in the buildings help, however, during the hottest days.

This is the month of spring, the prelude to summer. A month with very interesting activities as we will see below, certainly a good time to visit this historic city. I hope you enjoy its charming spots, monuments and activities, no doubt there is much to do and see in Cordoba in May.

During May you can still enjoy a pleasant temperature that is usually around 25ºC (77ºF).

What is the weather like in May?

Luckily for the visitor during May one can still enjoy a pleasant temperature of around 25ºC (77ºF). As June approaches, the temperature tends to surpass tentatively 30ºC (86ºF) and it is already getting hot.

If you are planning to come to Malaga, I recommend you take a look at what it is like to visit Malaga in May.

Temperature in Cordoba in May

Is it raining in Cordoba in May?

It is not very common for it to rain in Cordoba during the month of May, although it can happen. On average we could say that it rains 3 to 5 days during this month. Generally it is rain of little intensity although storms and clouds can occur. Nothing important however to enjoy the visit.

Activities in Cordoba in May

Spring brings joy and celebration, it is the time of flowering. In Cordoba they know very well how to celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited moment.

There are typical activities to enjoy before the summer heat arrives, some of which have even been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Are you going to miss them? You can also take advantage of the visit to visit some of its main monuments, you should not miss a visit to the Mosque of Cordoba.

We can say goodbye to May during the popular Cordoba Fair.

May Crosses in Cordoba

From April 27th to May 1st the popular celebration of the May Crosses takes place in Cordoba. During these days the streets are flooded with colourful flowers and Manila shawls.

Visitors will find a great festive atmosphere in the streets. Large crosses are decorated in courtyards and squares in the historic centre and different neighbourhoods of the city. Every year there is a competition for the best May Cross.

The main neighbourhoods of Cordoba during the May Crosses are San Basilio, San Andres, Santa Marina, San Agustin and the downtown area.

May Crosses Map in Cordoba
Click on the image for a larger version of the May Crosses map

Cordoba flower Festival

The Paseo de la Victoria is the venue for the spring celebration of the Cordoba flower festival, usually on the 1st or 2nd of May. In 2018 it takes place on Sunday 29 April.

Battle of the Flowers in Cordoba, Spain

The Battle of the Flowers consists of a colourful cavalcade where thousands of carnations are thrown, very symbolic flowers in Andalusia. The parade tour takes place in the city centre.

During this event, the audience picks up the carnations thrown from the carriages and throws them back, which is why this celebration is known as the Battle of the Flowers or Cordoba flower festival.

It is very common to dress in the traditional Cordovan way to attend this event. A great opportunity for both tourists and visitors to learn more about the culture and tradition of Cordoba in May.

Cordoba patio festival

This Cordoba patio festival, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, consists of a courtyard decoration competition in Cordoba.

Festival of the Patios in Cordoba

During the days when it takes place the participants allow the public access to their courtyards. The patios of some houses are decorated for the occasion and are classified into 2 categories: Patios of ancient architecture and modern architecture.

The origin of the Cordoba patio festival dates back to 1921, although it was not popularized until 1933.

The Festival de los Patios in Cordoba takes place from the 1st to the 13th of May. It also has concerts and tapas tasting.

Cordoba Spring Fair

To say goodbye to the month of May we can do so during the popular Feria de Cordoba, also known as Feria de la Virgen de la Salud or Spring Fair in Cordoba.

The fair is characterized by having the largest fair front in Spain. A colourful space that turns Cordoba into a place of celebration, dance and party until the early hours of the morning.

Cordoba Fair

When is the fair in Cordoba? The Spring Fair takes place every year during the last two weeks of May.

Where does it take place? Previously it took place on Paseo de la Victoria. Today it is located in the Jardines de la Agricultura and in El Arenal, a fairground located near the Guadalquivir River.

If you have a car it is very easy to get to Cordoba, if you come on holiday to Malaga you can always rent a car at a very good price.

How to get from Malaga to Cordoba?

If you have a car it is very easy to get to Cordoba, if you come on holiday to Malaga you can always rent a car at a very good price (from 6€ per day approximately).

Transfers from the airport

How to get to Cordoba by car

The journey time by car is about 1 hour and 50 minutes. You will pass such picturesque places as Colmenar, Antequera, Lucena and Montilla just before you arrive.

Train from Malaga to Cordoba

Another option is to take a train from Malaga to Cordoba, the journey time is about 1 hour.

There are trains from 6:45 to 8:15 pm. The price ranges between 22 and 34 euros for a return ticket, 70 euros if you want a desk.

https://venta.renfe.com

Bus from Malaga to Cordoba

If you want to go by bus, the journey takes about 3 hours. There are departures for buses from Malaga airport and from the bus station in the capital. The price ranges between 13 and 15 euros for a one-way trip.

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Raúl G.T

Travel blogger, web developer and content editor. Author of many of the travel guides and tips available online about Andalucia, Malaga and Spain.

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