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Feria de Abril 2026: How to Visit from the Costa del Sol
Feria de Abril in Seville is one of the most spectacular celebrations in Andalucía, and 2026 is the perfect year to experience it if you live on — or are visiting — the Costa del Sol. In 2026, the fair runs from Tuesday 21 April to Sunday 26 April, returning to its traditional spring dates just two weeks after Semana Santa ends.
For many people based in Málaga, Marbella or Mijas, Seville can feel far away — but in reality it is an easy day trip or overnight escape by train, bus or car. This complete guide explains how to get there, what to expect inside the Feria, what to wear, and how much you are likely to spend in 2026.
Key Dates: What Actually Happens at Feria de Abril
- The fair officially opens at midnight between Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 April with El Alumbrao — the lighting of the spectacular entrance gate (portada).
- The fairground, known as El Real de la Feria, is a temporary city of colourful striped tents (casetas), funfair rides and food stalls, laid out in named streets.
- Daytimes fill with horse parades and carriage processions; evenings come alive with sevillanas dancing, live music and laughter that goes on until the early hours.
- The fair officially closes after midnight on Sunday 26 April with a fireworks display.
To get the full experience, aim to visit at least once during the daytime horse parade hours and once at night — the atmosphere transforms completely after dark.
If you are still planning your spring calendar, read our guide to Fiestas and Events across Andalucía to see what else is happening before and after Feria season.
How to Get from the Costa del Sol to Seville
From the Costa del Sol, most visitors travel via Málaga city. The fastest and most comfortable option is the high-speed train from Málaga-María Zambrano station to Sevilla-Santa Justa, with journey times from around 2 hours and frequent daily departures.
By Train (Recommended)
- Direct high-speed services run from Málaga to Seville in approximately 2 hours.
- Early morning departures from around 06:30 make a full day trip very practical.
- Book in advance through Renfe or Trainline’s Málaga–Seville listings to secure the best fares.
By Car
- Driving from Málaga to Seville takes roughly 2.5 hours via the A-92 motorway.
- Allow extra time for traffic entering Seville during Feria week and for finding parking near the fairground.
- If you plan to drink, designate a driver or use taxis/ride-hailing services to return to your accommodation.
By Bus
- Long-distance coaches connect Málaga, Marbella and other Costa del Sol towns to Seville, often at lower prices than the train but with longer journey times.
Once in Seville, the easiest way to reach the fairground is via special Feria buses from Prado de San Sebastián bus station, or by taxi or ride-hailing app — especially useful late at night.
Day Trip vs Overnight Stay: Which is Better?
Day Trip (Best from Málaga City)
If you are based in Málaga city, a day trip is very realistic. Take a morning train, spend the afternoon and early evening at the Feria, then return on a late service. You will get a strong impression of the fair without the cost of a hotel.
Overnight Stay (Best from Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola)
From further west along the coast, an overnight stay in Seville makes more sense. You avoid the stress of catching the last train, can enjoy both the daytime horse parades and the full night-time atmosphere, and wake up in time to explore Seville’s beautiful historic centre before heading home.
Tip: Book accommodation and train tickets months in advance. Seville hotels during Feria week sell out very quickly, especially for Thursday to Saturday nights.
What to Wear at Feria de Abril 2026
You do not need to buy a full flamenco dress to enjoy Feria de Abril, but dressing up is very much part of the spirit of the event.
For Women
- A traje de flamenca (flamenco dress) is the traditional choice and you will see thousands of women wearing one — many visitors rent or buy one for the occasion.
- If not going full flamenco, a summer dress, elegant jumpsuit or smart skirt with block heels or wedge sandals all work well on the albero (the fine yellow sand that covers the fairground).
- Add a flower in your hair, bold earrings or a colourful shawl to feel more feria-ready.
For Men
- Traditional traje corto (short riding jacket, high-waisted trousers and boots) is worn by equestrians.
- A smart shirt with chinos or tailored trousers is perfectly acceptable for visitors.
- Avoid very casual sportswear — locals dress smartly and the atmosphere is semi-formal, especially in the evenings.
Practical note: Evenings in Seville in late April can be cool after dark. Bring a light jacket or shawl, and above all wear shoes you can stand and walk in for 8–10 hours.
How Much Does Feria de Abril Cost in 2026?
Entry to the fairground is completely free. You pay for food, drinks, funfair rides and any transportation. Here is what to budget for:
- Drinks: Rebujito (fino sherry mixed with lemonade) is the signature Feria drink. Sharing a jarra (large jug) between a group is far better value than ordering individual drinks.
- Food: Expect raciones of tortilla española, jamón ibérico, croquetas, fried fish and montaditos (small open sandwiches). Prices in public casetas are reasonable; prices in tourist-facing stalls are higher.
- Funfair: Rides on the Calle del Infierno (funfair street) are charged individually — budget a few euros per ride.
- Train from Málaga return: Book early for best prices; last-minute tickets during Feria week are expensive.
A realistic budget for a full day and evening, including transport from Málaga, food, drinks and the funfair, would be €80–€150 per person depending on choices.
Understanding Casetas: How to Enjoy the Feria Without an Invite
One of the most common questions from first-time visitors is: how do I get into a caseta? Many casetas are private, owned by families, companies or social clubs — you can only enter if invited by a member. However, there are plenty of options for visitors without connections:
- Public casetas (casetas municipales or casetas de distrito) are run by the city or local districts and open to everyone without invitation.
- The Caseta Municipal del Ayuntamiento de Sevilla is one of the biggest public casetas and a great place to experience authentic sevillanas dancing.
- Even without entering a caseta, the horse parades, street atmosphere and funfair area are completely free and accessible to all.
Practical Tips for Costa del Sol Visitors
- Go midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be slightly less crowded than the weekend — ideal for a first visit.
- Arrive early afternoon: The horse parade (paseo de caballos) runs until around 2pm. Getting there by midday lets you see the full daytime spectacle.
- Stay hydrated: The Seville sun in late April is stronger than on the coast. Wear sunscreen, a hat and drink water regularly.
- Carry cash: Many casetas and stalls prefer cash payments, especially for smaller purchases.
- Combine with Seville sightseeing: If staying overnight, use the morning to visit the Cathedral, Alcázar or Plaza de España before heading to the fairground in the afternoon.
Feria de Abril is one of those events that stays with you long after the lights go out. Whether you go for a single afternoon or a full week, the colour, music and energy of Seville in April are unlike anything else in Andalucía. You can explore more of what makes spring so special in southern Spain in our guide to spring fiestas and events across Andalucía.
