March 24, 2024
Last update: April 13, 2024
| This page contains affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on them or use the services they provide, at no extra cost to you. Check our Affiliate Disclaimer here. |
April in the Costa del Sol is simply gorgeous! It is one of my favorite months, because of both the weather and the flowers: it is the month of the Jacarandas, and their blooms are hypnotic; the weather is warm enough to go to the beach, but not so hot that becomes uncomfortable. In 2024, as we are facing a serious water drought, the sea is even more important than usual for tourism, as some pools may be closed. Good thing there is no shortage of beaches in the Costa del Sol. April is also a month fit for athletes; there are several races and walks scheduled for this month, with all levels of difficulty. Don’t forget to pack your tennis shoes!
Table of Contents
Questions and answers
How is the weather in April in the Costa del Sol?
In April, the average high temperatures range from 20oC to 22oC; the average lows are around 10oC to 12oC, in the early morning, around 7:00h. Therefore, as per the historic record, you can expect mild temperatures in the morning, but somewhat warm weather in the afternoons and evenings. As a matter of fact, the graph below shows how, in 2023, the actual highest temperatures were a lot warmer than the average, sometimes reaching above 32oC, about 10oC more than expected.
Weather-related data for April in Malaga (data from Weather2travel):
🏊 sea temperature: +16oC
🌅 Sunrise times: 08:03 (Apr 1) – 07:25 (Apr 30)
🌙 Sunset times: 20:40 (Apr 1) – 21:06 (Apr 30)
🌼 Average number of daylight hours: 13
☀️ Average number of sunshine hours per day: 7
The weather information above is all for Malaga (city), but as the towns are so close together, you can extend this information to the surrounding areas as well. Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, as well as Rincón de la Victoria, Torrox and Nerja, should not differ much.
How bad is the water drought in the Costa del Sol?
It is definitely serious, though in March 2024 the days of rain were quite helpful (It rained a lot during Holy Week, which was bittersweet; we all hoped for rain, but not on that week). Even with those days, the Costa del Sol has enough water supply to last only until September, and that is with the current restrictions. A lot can be said about the water situation – which I did, here -; in this post, though, I’ll focus on restrictions that can impact a visitor. These are:
– Pools: hotel pools can be used and refilled; pools in residential buildings cannot (which is causing vacation rental owners to protest, understandably; this may change in the future);
– Showers in the beach: as of now, these showers are not working, to save water. This may change as well;
– Golf: as long as the clubs use reclaimed water to keep the greens, they can work properly. I think most of them do;
– At ‘home’ (hotel or rental): no difference, really, though the water supply can be limited from midnight to 06:00 am. Who showers at this time during vacations, though?
– Drinking water: even though tap water is considered generally safe in Spain, the low levels of the reservoirs can increase the concentration of nitrates and other contaminants. It would be advisable to ask your future host if they have a filter; if not, you can either take a portable filter with you, (like a Brita, shown here. I used one for years in Estonia!) buy one in Spain or suggest the addition of a filter or a Brita to the host.
Holidays
There is no holiday in April 2024. As Holy Week happened in March this year, you can expect everything to be working every day, for the whole month!
Events
Events are celebrations, fairs, exhibitions, parades or parties organized, in part or in total, by the local government of the towns of the Costa del Sol. They are usually great and very much worth checking if you are around. The only downside is that the towns tend to publish them very close to the event’s date; two weeks before, often less. Therefore, much of what I can publish ahead is based on what usually happens; confirmed events or dates are only possible about a week or so before the events. So, if you are coming in April 2024, bookmark this post, as I’ll be updating it often, every time I get some new information. 😉
Flamenco Mijas & street markets in Mijas
Every Wednesday and Saturday (weather permitting) we can enjoy a Flamenco Show in Mijas Pueblo, at noon, for free! Before the show, you can check the municipal market (close to the plaza de la Constitución, where the show happens on Saturdays) for some local delicacies and fresh fruits and veggies; on Wednesdays, we can also see the handcraft market, happening on the same Plaza as the show. 😉
On the left: Plaza Virgen de la Penã, where the show happens on Wednesdays. On the right, Plaza de la Constitución, where the show happens on Saturdays.
Carmen Corcelles Painting Exhibition in Fuengirola
April is beautiful outside and inside. Carmen Corcelles, a painter from Malaga known for her naïve art style, is exhibiting her work in the Casa de La Cultura of Fuengirola this month, from April 4 to 28.
You can see some of her work here.
Sabor a Málaga in Benalmadena
Good news!!! A new edition of the delicious Sabor a Málaga fair will happen in Benalmadena from April 5 to 7, 2024. The last one was so yummy! In this event, some of the small producers of beverages and foods of Malaga province get the opportunity to show their products, and we, urban people, get the opportunity to buy them. 🙂 We don’t find these in the markets every day, so I’m looking forward to the fair (may I suggest you try Mistela de Arriate, if they are participating in this edition of the event? I got one in the last Sabor a Málaga, but now it is over, and I miss it!)
Related post:
Sabor a Málaga
Only Fest in Benalmadena
On April 6, there is going to be the ‘Only Fest’, a day dedicated to singles. The event was originally scheduled to happen on March 09, but has been postponed to April 6th, due to weather conditions.
Only Fest will feature performances by OBK, Play and El Mandato del Loco, as well as activities such as speed dating and express weddings with Elvis Presley! There is no fee to attend the event.
El Paso in Benalmadena
About 150 local people join forces on stage to make this unique presentation of the Passion of Christ, in the Parque Retamar, in Benalmadena. El Paso 2024 was supposed to have happened in the end of the Holy Week, but was postponed due to rain. It will happen on April 6 and 7, at 11:00 a.m.
Related posts:
Butterfly park and Stupa of Enlightenment
Holy Week in Benalmadena 2024
Chamber Music in Torremolinos
Torremolinos will host four sessions of chamber music this April, in the Botanical Garden Molino de Inca, every Friday of the month at 7:00 pm.
April 5: String Quartet Spinto
April 12: Woodwind Quintet Amalgama
April 19: Brasss Quintet Brassarquía
April 26: Chamber Orchestar Ensemble Vartanian
Autism Awareness in Torremolinos
Torremolinos will promote Autism Awareness in the beginning of the month. From April 2 to 7, some municipal buildings will be lit in blue; on April 06, from 11:00 am to 06:00 pm, the Botanical Garden Molino de Inca will host workshops, talks and activities aimed at improving knowledge about autism – for all ages – and, on April 7, a solidarity walk departing at 11:00 am from the Oasis del Bajondillo (in front of the minigolf) till the plaza del Remo (La Carihuela), where there will be musical shows.
Calamorro Open and Calamorro Skyrace in Benalmadena
The mount we go up with Benalmadena’s Cable Car is Mount Calamorro. On April 06, though, those of you who want to race to the top have two great opportunities to do so: CxM Calamorro Open and Calamorro Sky Race. Please send me pictures! 🙂 You can enroll through this link here.
Jornadas del residente in Torremolinos
In 2024’s Jornadas del Residente, a total of 15 associations from different nationalities will present their culture through music shows, crafts and the food of their countries. Among the participants, there are groups from Chile, Argentina, Philippines, Germany, Cuba, Ecuador and Peru. Sounds like a good warm up for the Feria Internacional de los Países coming up in Fuengirola next month!
Jornadas del residente will happen from April 12 to 14 (times in the poster), in the Plaza del Remo, in La Carihuela. Despite the name, its open to everybody and for free. 😉
It is fun; go there if you are around. The Plaza del Remo is cozy and very close to the sea, which already guarantee a good vibe and beautiful views. There are many things to see and even more to drink and eat – I recommend the 1€ alcohol-free Mojito in the Indian tent – I tried, it was very refreshing!
Harleys and concerts in Benalmadena
The Harley Davidson Club Andalucía is planning an event in Benalmadena from April 12 to 14. The times have not been informed, as far as I know; but we’ll have some shows in the Recinto Ferial of La Paloma Park (see below) and a biker’s parade on Saturday, April 13th, going from the Recinto Ferial to the Stupa of enlightenment, in Benalmadena Pueblo. Worth checking!
I happen to have seen a bit of the Harley’s parade – completely by chance, as times where not informed. Here are some pictures:
And a bit of what is going on in the Recinto Ferial. There is a large tent with a minimarket, several bikes in exposition, shows, food and a lot of easy-going bikers having a good time! 🙂
Ruta de la Tapa de Estepona
I’m yet to meet someone that doesn’t like tapas, the small portions of food served usually with cañas (a small glass of beer) in some restaurants in Spain, that people can keep coming for hours or just as an appetizer before the main meal… Well, what about a Ruta de la tapa, an event in which several restaurants participate, offering tapas and cañas so you can taste a lot of what the town has to offer? Great, right?
That’s what will happen in Estepona this April 12, 13 and 14. A great way to get to know the town while eating! As soon as more information is available, I’ll include here a link to the list of participating venues. 😉
Gaming Weekend in Benalmadena
On April 13 and 14, the Puerto de Benalmadena will have a Gaming weekend, two days dedicated to video game enthusiasts, both old and new. The event will have gaming stations with virtual soccer, arcade, virtual reality, Just Dance and Mario Kart!
The event goes from noon to 7:00 pm, with a siesta pause from around 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
I think this event is a big success, and quite unique – fun for kids and parents. Some of the games were part of the parents’ childhood, that have the opportunity to share their gaming skills with their kids. Beautiful. And quite popular; I hope it repeats! A few pictures of the Gaming Weekend:
39th Bicycle Party in Benalmadena
Take part or come just to see the fun Bicycle Party in Benalmadena, where kids of all ages dress up and ride along one of the two routes of the party while filling the streets with joy.
It will happen on Sunday, April 14, departing from the Polideportivo de Arroyo de la Miel at 11:00 am. More info at deportes.benalmadena.es and registration at dorsalchip.es.
Urban race in Fuengirola
This is the third Urban race Fuengirola is promoting this year, and will happen on April 14, departing from the Parque de la Loma at 10:00 am. There will be several categories for all ages, starting from kids born in 2017 until seniors, with different distances. You can do your inscription and get all the details here.
Feria del Marisco in Benalmadena
From April 18 to 21, the Puerto de Benalmadena will be hosting the XV Seafood Fair, where visitors will be able to taste different kinds of fresh sea foods. Seems adequate that it will happen in the harbor!
According to Benalmadena Costa Facebook page, the event will happen from noon to 5:00pm and from 7:00pm to midnight, daily.
Patina en la Calle in Benalmadena
Patina en la Calle (Roller skate in the street) is an event that has been happening for 14 years in Benalmadena. In 2024, it will happen on 3 different dates, and the first one is on April 19 in the evening, from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm, in the Avenida de la Constitución. The meeting point is in front of the Casa de la Cultura, in Arroyo de la Miel. You can bring your roller or come just to people watch. Needless to say, bus and car traffic will be cut in the main street of Benalmadena for the event, so use the train. 😉
A bit of the fun:
St. George’s Day
St. Georges Day will be celebrated on April 23 at the Plaza de la Mezquita, in Benalmadena. The event will have many shows on stage and English food and drinks available through the day.
80’s party in Torremolinos
On April 30, at 8:30 pm, the Palacio de Congresos, in Torremolinos, will host an 80’s party with several live bands that will bring the best of the 80s to the stage and to the lifes of our kids, as the party’s revenue will benefit several of Torremolinos’ associations dedicated to help children with special needs.
Tickets cost 15 euros and can be purchased in the Fábrica del Arte website.
Activities
Back to the water
On January and February I didn’t add any activity in the water; in March we started timidly dipping our toes. Now we can already start revisiting the sea for real! So here are my suggestions for April: Dolphin watching (kids love! Adults love even more!), watch the sunset from a catamaran (the price is a steal!) and try some stand up paddle, if you didn’t try it before – or try again, if you did already. It’s the closest thing to walking on water. I did it once, and it was really good; I did it in a pool, though; in the sea it may be harder, but the view will be unique.
€ 18.95 per person; 2 hours trip
€ 12 per person; 1 – 1.5 hour trip
€ 39 per person; 2 hours trip
Food is always good
Because food is always good, here are a few food activities for you to explore the places and tastes locals enjoy: a highly recommended tapas crawl in Malaga, an olive grove tour in Ronda and a night of Flamenco + drink (or dinner) in Estepona.
€ 69 per person; 3 hours tour
€ 20 per person; 1.5 hours tour
€ 45 per person; 1.5 hours show
Conclusion
Coming to spend April in the Costa del Sol is a great option. The weather is good both for sightseeing and to go to the beach; there are flowers everywhere but not as many people yet. Please be mindful about water, so we can keep flowers in the Costa forever. 🙂 Take your time enjoying the environment, the markets, the food and the Spanish culture; I’m sure you’ll have a great time!
You may also like…
