By May, spring has well and truly arrived in Spain, and it’s the perfect time to pack your bags and make the most of the new season. Rising temperatures lure people back to the beaches and pavement cafes while the landscape bursts with new growth and rare wildlife.
May is a month full of excitement and adventure in Spain, from international sports events to spring festivals of flowers, music, dance, and mouthwatering seasonal food. It’s a fantastic time to be outdoors, soaking up some sun, exploring the countryside on foot or on two wheels, and plunging into the sea for your first swim or surf of the year.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly half-term holiday, want to hit the highlights before the summer crowds arrive, party at the fiestas, or simply enjoy the sunshine, May offers something for every traveller. So, let’s dive into our top 10 things to do in Spain in May to help you plan an unforgettable spring break!
- Fiesta season
- Spring chicks
- Get wet
- Bloomin’ lovely
- Young at heart
- Catch of the season
- Island living
- Hit the highlights
- Sporting chance
- On your bike
First things first: What’s the weather doing?
In May, temperatures are rising pleasantly in all regions but aren’t yet reaching those scorching mid-summer temperatures that can put some people off and restrict activities.
The average national temperature in May is 19°C, and you can now trust (rather than hope) that the days will be clear and sunny. In southern Spain, Andalucía, the Costa del Sol, and Costa de la Luz, average highs range from 22°C to 26°C, and the mercury occasionally creeps into the low 30’s. This, along with over 10 hours of sunshine per day, makes the perfect weather for early-season beach holidays.
In Madrid and central Spain, average highs sit around 23°C, ideal for city exploring and sightseeing, but the evenings can still be cool (around 11°C), so don’t leave the layers at home just yet! Barcelona and the Costa Brava enjoy similar temperatures but can feel a little fresher in the days, thanks to the coastal breezes. The Canaries offer balmy highs of 25°C and slowly warming seas to tempt you in for a paddle.
As always, the country’s north is a little cooler, with average temperatures of 18°C and still some chance of rain. Don’t worry, though; those wet spells contribute to the lush greenery of this region at this time of year and rarely last long.
Ready to start planning your trip? Don’t miss these fantastic activities and events.
Fiesta season
From cultural events to floral celebrations and music festivals, May is a month of parties in Spain and here are some of the best ones to catch!
- The Feria de Abril in Seville. We talked about this one in April, but in 2025, the region’s most famous festival spills over into May and is a wonderful chaos of colour, daily bullfights, authentic flamenco performances, equestrian exhibitions, food, drink and much much more.
- What better way to mark the spring than with flower festivals? Head to the country’s floral capital, Cordoba, for the Patio Festival and Battle of the Flowers (more on those later). Or, if you’re holidaying on the Costa Brava, head to Girona to catch the Temps de Flors and enjoy nine days of elaborate floral displays that transform the squares and monuments of the city into colourful botanical sculptures and ornamental gardens. And it’s all free to enjoy.
- The Jerez Horse Fair or Feria de Caballo is a must-see event whether you’re an equestrian fan or not. The Spanish-bred and internationally admired horses might be the focal point, but it’s also a week-long celebration of Andalucían culture, showcasing flamenco, sherry, food and wine.
- World music lovers need to be in Cáceres, Extremadura, in May for the Spanish edition of the WOMAD festival. This celebration of global music and dance is an eclectic, colourful, diverse and fantastic three-day event that we cannot recommend highly enough.
- Step back in time during Ibiza’s Annual Medieval Festival held in the UNESCO heritage-listed old town, Dalt Vila. Enjoy a riot of costumes, games, exhibitions, and artisan stalls. Plus, many museums and galleries within the hill-top old town are open and free during the festival.
- Last but not least is the San Isidro Festival, when Madrid celebrates their patron saint. Events start on the 14th of May with a parade of giants through the streets of the capital. On the 15th, people embark upon a short pilgrimage to the Hermitage of San Isidro and enjoy music, feasting, and dancing in the surrounding meadow. Traditional music and dancing fill the Pradera de San Isidro city park for five days while concerts and exhibitions occur all over the city, showcasing the capital’s culture, art, and gastronomy.
Want to experience one of these festivals first-hand? Search for your dream accommodation in Seville, Girona, Jerez, Madrid, Ibiza, Cordoba or Cáceres now to ensure you’re at the heart of the festival action.
Spring chicks
May is a joy-filled time for wildlife lovers, with new life all over the place and migration paths bringing many rare and fascinating species to the diverse climes of Spain.
In January and February, we talked about the vast flocks of flamingos that arrive in Spain’s Laguna de Fuente de Piedra to mate and breed. Well, in May, visitors can see the results as the chicks begin to hatch! In 2022, over 3,000 flamingo chicks were born here, so your chances of seeing them are very high.
The wetlands are set up with walkways, hides, and a visitor centre so you can learn about the birds and see the nests and chicks without disturbing them. You can also take guided tours and learn about the many other migratory birds that pass through these wetlands each spring.
The Costa Blanca is also home to a flamingo breeding ground. The Torrevieja Natural Park and Salt Lakes are an hour’s drive south of Alicante, and in 2024, over 2,500 breeding pairs of flamingos arrived there to mate and hatch their young. The chicks begin to appear around mid-May and soon become a fuzzy grey flock that is a delight to observe.
Speaking of babies, the elusive Iberian Lynx has also been busy breeding in the early spring months and in May, there’s a chance to see Lynx kittens emerging into the world for the first time. This is an exceptional sight but very rare, so we highly recommend booking guided tours in the Doñana, Monfragüe or Sierra de Andújar National Parks to maximise your chances of spotting baby wildcats. Try to keep an eye on the sky, too, as these areas are known for their impressive birds of prey.
If you take to the waters around the Straits of Gibraltar any time of the year, you can see several species of dolphins and an abundance of sea birds. But in spring, there’s also a chance of whales cruising through the waters. Hop on a whale-watching boat tour from Tarifa and keep your eyes peeled for Sperm Whales passing through the deepest waters of the straits. Or grab a boat heading up the Atlantic coast to spot Orca as they feed on the first wave of bluefin tuna making their way into the Mediterranean to spawn. Missed them? Don’t worry. They’ll be following the tuna down the coast and into the straits over the next few months.
Want to check some of these creatures off your bucket list? Search for accommodation in Andalucía, Alicante, Cadiz, or Tarifa to get up close and personal with the wildlife. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Get wet
May brings spring winds to Spain and kicks off the start of Kite and Windsurfing season! And that means it’s time to head to the country’s most famous kitesurfing spot of all, Tarifa. This is one of the coolest towns in Spain, full of laid-back surfer types whose sole focus is the wind and water conditions. But it’s a popular place, too, and by the end of June, the town and the water will be getting pretty busy. So, get there in May and make the most of the early season wind and the lack of crowds in the surf zones.
Alternatively, if you’re holidaying in the Balearics, head to Mallorca, where Port de Pollença offers plenty of schools and courses for beginners and has the best conditions on the island. The Canaries are another windy destination with plenty of kite and windsurf action for all abilities.
Don’t like the idea of attaching yourself to a kite? Want to surf the old-school way? You’re in luck; the surf is still good in Spain in May! The waves in the Canaries are great for beginners and intermediates, and that’s where you’ll find the warmest sea temperatures, but advanced surfers will want to brave the northern waters. Hit the Atlantic coast of Cantabria, Galicia, and Basque to find the best waves.
Kite, wind, and regular surfing, not doing it for you? Like your watersports a little more relaxing? Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking for a tranquil way to explore the Mediterranean and Balearic coasts. May is the perfect time to try it.
Want to get wet in Spain in May? Look for accommodation in the country’s top water sports spots like Tarifa, Cantabria and the Canaries now, then start working on your lingo: Gnarly Dude!
Bloomin’ lovely
Cordoba, Andalucía, is often overshadowed by its bigger, better-known neighbours, Seville and Granada. However, May is Cordoba’s chance to shine as it becomes the springtime capital of Spain. For a whole month, this city is transformed by flower festivals. It becomes a riot of colour and the heady scents of jasmine and orange blossom as one celebration blends seamlessly into the next.
It begins with the Festival of Crosses, or Cruces de Mayo when large floral crosses pop up to decorate monuments and historic buildings across Cordoba. Locals compete to create the best arrangements, and the event is accompanied by live music and performances in bars across the city.
In the Battle of Flowers, La Batalla de las Flores, a massive procession of flower-laden floats moves through the city’s most famous streets. Elaborately dressed women in traditional flamenco garb ride on these floral wagons, tossing blooms and petals into the crowds.
Next comes the highlight of the month, the Patio Festival, Festival de los Patios, when residents throw open their doors to the public for 12 days (from 5th- to 18th of May 2025), revealing the many hidden courtyards this city is known for. These beautiful patios are sumptuously decorated with ornate fountains, sculptures, and tilework and are bursting with blooming trees, bushes and pots, flower carpets, and lush greenery. Awards are given out for the best patios each year.
Following on from the patio fest is Feria de Córdoba, the city’s annual spring fair, which attracts tens of thousands of people annually. Head to the city’s fairground to see authentic and passionate flamenco performances, open-air music, traditional costume displays, equestrian exhibitions and processions, bullfights, firework displays, rides and games for all ages, and, of course, excellent local food and drink. It’s not to be missed.
Visiting Cordoba in May simply has to be on your list. And when deciding where to book, look for accommodation that’s participating in the patio festival so you can stay in the heart of the beauty! And remember to book early because this is the busiest month of the year for this usually peaceful town.
Young at heart
Planning a spring half-term holiday? Spain is a great shout for a family trip in May! The Spanish have a wonderfully warm attitude towards children, and visitors are often impressed by how welcome children are in restaurants and at events. You’ll notice family-friendly and kid-focused elements in all the festivals, and you can take children of all ages to Saint’s Day parades and city fairs.
In May, you’ll find plenty to entertain children at the Jerez Horse Fair, while the Cordoba Spring Fair is chock full of rides and entertainment for the young and young at heart. But if that’s not enough, consider visiting a full-size theme park like PortAventura World, Tarragona or Siam Park, a water park in Tenerife.
May is also a great month for a family sun holiday as it’s warm enough to spend long days on the beach or by the pool but not so hot you have to worry about little ones overheating. Need to burn off some excess energy? Get them into watersports! There are plenty of choices, whether they want to peer at fish through a snorkel and mask or learn a new adrenaline sport like windsurfing.
Hiking is a fantastic family activity, and Spain has no shortage of amazing trails through stunning landscapes, but we appreciate that it can be hard to get kids excited about walking. So how about taking a tour on horseback instead? It’s a brilliant way to get your crew out and about nature, enjoying fresh air, exercise and beautiful scenery.
Want to get out of the sun for a while? For indoor fun, take a wander through the shark tunnel in Valencia’s incredible aquarium or visit the Penguins at Aquarium Barcelona. Or check out one of Spain’s many many museums or galleries; plenty of them are designed especially for children, such as the interactive CosmoCaixa Barcelona, Science Park in Granada or Madrid’s Sweet Space.
In short, whatever your little ones are into, Spain has got you covered for an activity, culture and fun-filled half-term holiday. But remember, half term is a busy week, so be sure to book your ideal accommodation early so you don’t miss out on your top spot.
Catch of the season
Spain is a land that calls to foodies all year long, and May is no exception; this month is tuna, sardine and cheese season!
Well, ok, it’s technically always cheese season, but the last week of April / first week of May brings the National Spanish Cheese Festival to Trujillo, Extremadura. This picturesque medieval town (of Game of Thrones – House of the Dragon fame) fills up with cheese lovers and stalls as over 60 vendors gather to showcase more than 300 types of cheese of local, Spanish and international origin. Expect workshops, demonstrations, competitions, entertainment and, of course, plenty of samples alongside abundant local wine and tapas.
Next, it’s time to head to Andalucía to celebrate tuna season and witness age-old traditions. And we do mean old. The tuna fishing practice in Cadiz has been documented for over 3,000 years. It is still a massive part of the region’s economy and a chance for the locals to celebrate their history.
The festivals begin in early May when the first Bluefin Tuna make their way to the Atlantic coast off Cadiz to spawn. These huge fish are highly prized for their meaty red flesh, which sells at a huge premium both within Spain and internationally – around 80% of the catch is exported to Japan for premium sushi. In Spain, it is also mostly eaten raw, as tartare, sashimi, or carpaccio, as the delicious flavour is best appreciated this way.
The region’s fishermen set up almadraba, a centuries-old sustainable fishing method that involves a labyrinth of nets to trap the massive fish. Once caught, it’s time for the renqueo, a process of skinning and filleting the fish by hand and portioning off every part for a different purpose. This process is done incredibly fast and is quite a skill to behold. In fact, you’ll see renqueo exhibitions happening at the tuna festivals across the region as the month progresses.
Barbate is home to the region’s biggest and best tuna festival, which goes on for a week and includes exhibitions, filleting and cooking demonstrations, and tastings, as well as tuna-centric menus at restaurants across the town. But wherever you are in Cadiz or the surrounding coast in May, you’ll find fresh almadraba tuna appearing in tapa bars and on restaurant menus. You won’t regret giving it a try.
If you’re holidaying in Malaga or the Granada coast in May, you’re in for a different seafood treat, the beginning of sardine season! Now, technically, in Spain, you can eat sardines all year round, but should you? There is a phrase that says, ‘Sardines are best in the months without an R in them’. So, May to August. This is because Mediterranean sardines are at their fattest, most nutritious (thanks to the concentration of omega-three oils), and, crucially, most delicious during those months. Who are we to argue with that logic?
They are traditionally eaten espeto – on skewers lightly salted and expertly cooked over an open fire. Take a walk along the beachfront of Malaga in May, and you can take your pick from the many espeto stands set up in sand-filled boats along the beach or sidewalk. Watch the experts cook them to perfection, then eat them with your fingers and go back for seconds.
Is your mouth watering for fresh seafood and artisan cheese? Search for accommodation in Trujillo, Cadiz or Malaga now to sate your appetite!
Island living
In April, we talked about the legendary opening parties and preseason chaos in Ibiza, but you haven’t missed out yet! Many of the clubs and bars wait for May before opening their doors, so you can still catch some of the mega club openings. Keep an eye on your favourite club’s socials to find out their 2025 schedule. Or if you wait until the end of the month to visit, the island will be fully up and running, and the club nights and resident DJs will really be finding their groove.
In between raves, make sure you take the chance to explore this gorgeous island. May is the perfect time to hit some of the most popular highlights before the crowds of summer make it difficult to enjoy them. Here are some of the top spots to hit before the crowds arrive:
- Visit the stunning viewpoints overlooking Es Vedra and soak up the mystical energy surrounding this legendary rock formation.
- Shop for summer looks, unique souvenirs and incredible artwork at the island’s famous hippy markets. The biggest ones are Punta Arabí Hippy Markets in Es Caná and Las Dalias Hippy Market in San Carlos. The traffic to get there in the summer can be quite overwhelming. Go in May and go early in the day!
- Head to Las Salinas, the coolest beach on the island for celebrities, beautiful people, and those in the know.
- Watch a stunning sunset from the Cala Conta beaches, perhaps while enjoying a cocktail at the world-famous Sunset Ashram.
- Cafe Mambo in San Antonio is an Ibiza institution, and having drinks there at sunset is a bucket list activity. However, it’s a hotly contested spot, so you have a better chance of getting a table in May than mid-summer!
Pro tip: don’t have the money or influence to get a seat in Cafe Mambo? Do as the locals do instead, pack a few drinks and snacks, and head to the rocks in front of the cafe. They’re part of the public beach, so you can picnic there for free while enjoying the same sunset view and iconic Cafe soundtrack as those paying for the privilege.
Fancy getting your summer off to a roaring start? Search for your dream beachfront villa or boutique hotel room in Ibiza now, then start shopping for that statement swimwear.
Hit the highlights
May is a fantastic month for sightseeing holidays in Spain. As we mentioned, the temperatures are rising everywhere, and the risk of rain is dropping. But the super-hot summer days have not yet arrived, and there are still some fresh breezes to enjoy. That means the ideal conditions for spending all day outdoors exploring your chosen destination, strolling the streets, taking walking tours and seeing as many of the highlights as possible.
This is especially true for the inland Andalucían cities, which can reach stifling temperatures well above 30°C in the summer – not conducive to walking or standing for hours! So, if you want to tour Granada’s magnificent Alhambra or explore Seville’s Real Alcazar royal palace and climb La Giralda minaret for panoramic views, May is the perfect time to do so.
In addition to having perfect sightseeing temperatures, May is shoulder season in Spain, so you can benefit from lower prices of flights and accommodation. You can also expect fewer crowds at the country’s hot spots than in June, July and August. This means if you want to explore the architectural gems of Gaudí’s Barcelona, such as the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló and Park Güell, you’ll spend less time queuing to do so. However, we still recommend booking tickets online ahead of time.
Similarly, it’s far easier to admire Valencia’s majestic cathedral and the ornate columns of the UNESCO Heritage-listed Silk Exchange with fewer people around. And Madrid’s famous squares and plazas are far more enjoyable if you can take the time to admire the architecture without being jostled by the summer crowds. It’s far easier to appreciate the serenity of gorgeous El Retiro Park, too.
Book accommodation in Spain’s most visited cities in May to enjoy the country’s most incredible and popular highlights before the crowds catch up with you.
Sporting chance
Listen up, sports fans! Spain in May is all about big-ticket sporting events!
At the end of April and the start of May, Madrid is home to two weeks of world-class tennis at the Mutua Madrid Open. Given Spain’s track record of producing world-dominating tennis players, you can bet that the support and atmosphere will be fantastic. If you fancy checking it out, tickets to the tournament’s early rounds are reasonably priced but do sell out fast, so get in there quickly!
Also in May is the La Vuelta Femenina. This elite professional bike race is the women’s edition of Vuelta a España. It starts in Barcelona on 4th May, then competitors tackle courses across Spain until the final stage in the capital on 10th May. If it follows the format of the men’s race in September, the final stage will be individual time trails through the city centre, making it a fantastic spectacle for onlookers.
May is the final month of the Spanish Soccer League, La Liga, so if you want to catch a live football match or soak up the atmosphere in a sports bar, this is a great month to do it! In 2025, some of the biggest games in May are:
- May 11th 2025 – Barcelona vs Real Madrid. This game – between two of Spain’s biggest rivals is known as El Clasico and is guaranteed to bring out the passion in Madrid and Barcelona.
- 21st May 2025 – Europa League final Bilbao
- 24th / 25th May 2025 – La Liga final Weekend featuring an obscene amount of matches, including Athletic de Bilbao vs Barcelona, Girona vs Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
Fancy your sports a little more high octane? How about catching the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix? Held on 30th May / 1st June, it offers not just an opportunity to witness an incredible event live but a chance to be part of history, as 2025 is perhaps the last time the event will be held in Barcelona, as it’s to be moved to its new home in Madrid in 2026.
If you can’t get tickets to see any of these events live, don’t worry; there’s something thrilling about just being in the cities while they are taking place. Trust us when we say if you’re in Barcelona or Madrid for the El Clasico football match, you won’t be able to escape the buzz. Find yourself a sports bar, and soak up the passion. Book accommodation in Madrid, Bilbao, or Barcelona early to ensure you don’t miss out.
On your bike
It’s all about getting outdoors in Spain in May, shaking off the last remnants of winter and making the most of the longer days, warmer weather and stunning springtime landscapes. One way to do this is on two wheels!
Road biking is super common in Spain, and its popularity is helped by world-class events like the Vuelta a España and La Vuelta Femenina. The climate that lets people ride all year round helps, too, as does the country’s diverse landscapes that offer routes for all levels of ability and enthusiasm.
If you fancy exploring Spain by bike this spring, you have no end of choices for your destination. The obvious place to start is Girona since this Catalonian town has become the unofficial cycling capital of Spain. It is home to many current and retired professional cyclists, including Tour de France-winning Canadian cyclist Christian Meier, who opened a speciality cycle cafe and a bike shop in the town.
As well as giving you the chance to rub shoulders with cycling celebs, Girona is a perfect base for exploring the many cycle paths and routes of Catalonia. Cruise through the woodlands and foothills of the Pyrenees or along coastal routes through quaint villages, stopping to cool off in the sparkling waters of the Med.
Alternatively, why not head for Andalucía’s peaceful, scenic routes, where you can enjoy Mediterranean woodland, coastal views, and tricky climbs to hilltop villages? Explore the otherworldly tranquillity of rural Extremadura, ride through the vineyards of Rioja and lush green hills of the Basque Country or head into Cantabria and Asturias to tackle the imposing Picos De Europa.
If you want to follow in the tracks of Vuelta España riders, opt for challenging climbs in the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. Or head to Mallorca, one of the best-known cycling locations in Spain, with routes through mountains and forests, coastal trails through old towns, and the incredible winding road out to Cap de Formentor.
If you’re an experienced rider with your own equipment, simply plan your route, pack your gear, and off you go. But if you’d like a little help, why not consider a guided or self-guided cycling holiday in Spain? These organised holidays include bike and equipment rental and help you choose a route. You can tailor the trip to suit your level and how far you want to travel. Opt to ride with a guide or without, stay in one location and cycle out and back, or cycle to a new location every day while someone else takes care of shipping your luggage from place to place. Perfect!
Want to rub shoulders with the cycling elite in Girona? Or have you got your eyes set on exploring a different location? Search for your dream accommodation in Spain now, and then start working on those cycling muscles.
Top tips for travelling in Spain in May
Not sure what to pack or how to plan for an early spring trip? We’ve got you covered with these top tips for a holiday in Spain in May:
- Labour Day, May 1st, is a national holiday, so many shops, restaurants, and attractions may be closed. Check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
- Although most of the month enjoys shoulder season perks of low prices and crowds, a half-term school holiday usually falls towards the end of May, which will bring a bump in prices for flights and accommodation. Book outside these days if you can, or book early if you’re travelling with children.
- The country might not have reached the top temperatures of summer, but the sun is still powerful. Make sure you pack sun hats, sunglasses and long sleeves, apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day and stay hydrated if you’re walking or sightseeing.
- If you’re planning your visit to catch one of the major sporting events or festivals, book your accommodation as early as possible to get the best price and avoid rooms selling out.
- If you’re not intending to catch one of May’s big sporting events or festivals, be mindful of their dates and avoid them to miss the crowds and high demand.
So what do you think of our top 10 things to do in Spain in May?
Have any of these activities and events got you dreaming of a trip to Spain in May? Do you fancy cheering on the Spanish in a major sporting event or comparing bike tales with cycling celebs? Do you dream of eating freshly caught bluefin tuna or watching Orcas trying to do the same? Do you just want to get away and feel the sun on your skin?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then search for your dream accommodation now and start planning your perfect spring holiday in Spain.
What about next month? Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Spain in June.
I am a huge fan of Spain and knew I would be before I’d ever set foot there. Any country where meals last for hours and afternoon naps are part of the culture is always going to be right up my street! And it did not disappoint. From beach holidays in the Canaries to working in the Balearics to road-tripping through the mainland and city breaks in the country’s urban hubs, I have returned again and again to Spain and will continue to do so for years to come.