Costa del Sol Food Festivals

Regional festivals such as the Rabbit Festival in Paratua, Día de la Chanfaina in Totalan, or the Torrox Migas Festivals.

Visiting Spain is a real treat for the taste buds, since there is wonderful food everywhere you go. The Costa del Sol has a thriving restaurant scene, which you can read about in our Marbella Restaurants section, lovely markets with delicious produce which you can cook up in your holiday rental and some excellent food festivals.

There are many regional festivals celebrating an iconic dish such as the Fiesta del Conejo in Parauta (Rabbit Festival), Día de la Chanfaina in Totalan, or the Torrox Migas Festival. These are great ways to explore the countryside and get to know the culture and people through the food. However, as these traditional peasant dishes aren’t to everyone’s taste, we wanted to focus on four more international and gastronomic food festivals where everyone will find something they love.

Feria de los Pueblos in Fuengirola

The Feria de los Pueblos celebrates the myriad of nationalities that live in Fuengirola by shining a light on the culture, music and most importantly food of each of the countries or regions. Last year, 36 different areas were represented, from Argentina to Jamaica, Thailand to Uruguay. A trip along the stands allows you to try the most popular dishes and drinks from each place, see dances and people dressed in their country’s traditional dress. It’s like travelling the world in just one day and it is highly recommended – just turn up hungry! (Find out more)

Where to stay?

A vacation rental in Bahia de Marbella would be the perfect base because it is just a short drive from Fuengirola, but also close to the charming town and great beaches of La Cala de Mijas with its weekly market, the local golf courses and the pretty village of Mijas Pueblo — check out our Mijas Guide.

Malaga Gastronomy Festival

This is the most important food festival in Andalucia, right in the middle of Malaga city, where you can enjoy cookery demonstrations, food and wine tastings, workshops and of course try some of the most delicious food from around the world. At the beginning of May, they have a great gourmet market in the Marina Square close to the Port where you will be able to try food from some of the best restaurants in Malaga and take part in loads of activities. It has a great atmosphere, live music and lots going on. (Find out more)

Where to stay?

A Torremolinos vacation rental close to some lovely golf courses, excellent beaches and vibrant nightlife, within easy reach of Malaga by train, gives you the best of all worlds.

Jamon Festival Estepona

In the middle of August each year, Estepona pays tribute to one of the best known and loved Spanish food – jamon. Spanish ham is a wonderful product and varies significantly depending on how the pigs are reared and the regions they come from. You really get to appreciate the variety in this annual ham festival, as it brings together around 60 producers and allows you to try a plate for 5€. Walk down the 1.5 kilometre stretch of stalls and try different plates, pick up some cheeses and other cured meats, a few beers or wine from the bar and enjoy! The setting is magical and perfect for families, with the beach on one side and playgrounds on the other and it’s a brilliant party. It starts at 8 PM and lasts until 2 AM each day with great live music and DJs and has an amazing atmosphere.

Where to stay?

There are some lovely Estepona vacation rentals, which are a perfect home-from-home. Central Estepona can be quite noisy especially during peak summer, so we prefer the properties a little out of the centre, towards Marbella, so you can be within easy reach of both places while enjoying peace and quiet so you can really relax.

Please let us know if you have any questions about what to do or where to stay for your next holiday on Spain’s Costa del Sol, our experts are here to help!

Costa del Sol Food Festivals