Enjoy the winter

With 320 sunny days a year, the Costa del Sol has no season similar to what we call winter in the rest of Europe. During the winter months, it is rarely colder than 8 degrees at the lowest in nights and in daytime the average temperature is about 18 degrees. Although it can rain during the winter months, it rarely rains for several days at a time, nor does it usually rain all day. In other words, the winter climate on the Costa del Sol is absolutely wonderful.

Enjoy Costa del Sol when it’s quiet

The mild temperatures make winter a perfect time to hang out by the pool, stroll along the beach, dine on a seafront terrace or go shopping. If you enjoy outdoor activities, there is plenty to choose from: golf, hiking, horseback riding, and excursions to charming small nearby villages or cross fit workouts.

Imagine waking up with spectacular views from the balcony or terrace of one of our apartments, having breakfast, enjoying the wonderful weather that characterizes the Costa del Sol and just relaxing.

Malaga is a province of contrasts, which is accentuated in winter. While the coast is enjoying pleasant temperatures, the snow often stains on the mountain peaks in the background. In Ronda and Sierra de las Nieves, winter can be really chilly, and yes, it snows.

Christmas and New Year on the Costa del Sol

If you come to us at Quartiers Marbella Apartments over Christmas and New Year you will find that the season is perfect to find things to see and do and the atmosphere along the entire coast is truly festive. In Malaga, the city Christmas lights are a big attraction. On the shopping street Calle Larios, the squares and the small streets in the area, the Christmas atmosphere is fantastic. The first day when the lights are turned on, people from all over the province arrive in Malaga to see the lights and start Christmas shopping.

In Puerto Banus, there is a Christmas market in December and a skating rink to entertain locals and tourists. Restaurants, bars and shops have special offers and the outdoor terraces are packed when the sun is shining. Another unique Christmas market to visit is located in nearby Estepona. It is on the boardwalk. On the Christmas market there are small wooden booths in pure Nordic style and there is a skating rink and a playground for the kids. The Christmas market starts the second week of December and is open until January 6Th.

Christmas and New Year are also celebrated in Marbella, San Pedro Alcantara. Marbella’s charming old town is well worth an evening visit and a tapas round when the Christmas decorations and lights have come up. There is also a special day for Santa Lucia on December 13Th. The Swedish school in Marbella organizes a traditional Lucia parade in Marbella every year and afterwards you can try mulled wine and gingerbread at the square in front of the cathedral La Encarnacion in the old town.

New Year Celebrations

Everywhere in Spain, New Year’s Eve is celebrated late at night with festive dinners. On the Costa del Sol, most restaurants and large hotels organize special New Year’s menus and parties. Clubs and bars also arrange special parties that continue until dawn. If you want to start the New Year in the Spanish way, you should head to the main square in one of the nearby towns. On these squares, party-dressed New Year’s celebrants begin gathering around 10 pm to receive the New Year together.

The municipalities also publish special Christmas programs with activities and events related to the Christmas and New Year celebrations. These can be found at the local tourism offices and on the Internet. Although many party late on New Year’s Eve, life begins early January 1st. Many people choose to start the year with walks along the beach, sports and even a swim in the sea. In fact, it is difficult to remember a year when the weather was bad on January 1st.

Christmas Highlight: January!

Between the 5th and the 6th of January, Christmas ends, but this is also when you give Christmas presents in Spain. Although Santa Claus is becoming more and more common in the Spanish Christmas celebrations, it is still the wise men or the “magic kings” Spain who come with the Christmas presents.

The evening of January 5th is the most festive occasion of the year for all Spanish children, and adults. Much more exciting than Christmas Eve and it is a tradition that everyone can enjoy, even if you are a tourist in Spain. The most magical night of Christmas for everyone in Spain, especially children, is the evening of the 5th January, when the three Wise Men or the kings participate in colourful parades in every city throwing candies to the children and show that they really have arrived and will distribute the long-awaited Christmas presents during the coming magical night.

The parade is a colourful and different experience in itself, even if you don’t have children. The next day everyone eat a special pastry, “roscon de reyes” which is delicious.

The weeks after Christmas and New Year are the only real low season on the Costa del Sol, January and February. At this time of the year you will find the best hotel rates and the best golf courses deals. The climate in the area during these months is for the most part very pleasant and sunny even though the temperatures may not attract people to the beaches, but still perfect for escaping the cold in Northern Europe and enjoying the lovely and sunny winter climate in southern Spain, playing golf, travelling around sightseeing and relaxing from the winter.

Would you like to celebrate Christmas or New Year in Spain?

Which season do you prefer to go to Spain? In August when it’s the hottest? In winter when you freeze at home?