What to see and to do in March, April and May 2024
February 16, 2024
Last update: March 4, 2024
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Spring on the Costa del Sol brings warmth and vibrant colors transforming this coastal paradise into a haven of unparalleled beauty and endless possibilities. From the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged mountains that frame the horizon, every corner of this sun-kissed region beckons visitors to explore its hidden treasures. Join us as we embark on a journey through the enchanting landscape of the Costa del Sol, where springtime unveils its most enticing charms and invites us to revel in its splendor.
Table of Contents
What to expect of the weather during spring on the Costa del Sol
March
In March, daytime temperatures can already reach 30°C. The average during daytime is around 20°C, with the afternoons being warmer than the mornings. the lowest, during nighttime or early morning, averages around 10°C. Therefore, you can expect mild temperatures in the morning, but somewhat warm weather in the afternoons and evenings.
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April
In April, the average high temperatures range from 20oC to 22oC, the average lows are around 10oC to 12oC, in the early morning. As a matter of fact, in 2023, the actual highest temperatures were a lot warmer than the average, sometimes reaching above 32oC, about 10oC more than expected. Assuming this is a new tendency brought in by climate change, the expectation is that April 2024 will see higher than historic average temperatures as well.
May
In May, the average high temperatures range from 22oC to 26oC; the average lows are around 12oC and 16oC. The weather is starting to heat up fast! There is little chance of rain, but it is still possible; in 2023, we actually had a week of it, though this much rain is uncommon for the month.
Outdoor activities
Visiting beautiful Pueblos
For those looking to delve into the region’s cultural heritage, spring is the best time to embark on sightseeing tours of charming Andalusian villages and historic towns. From the enchanting Mijas Pueblo to the Moorish architecture of Ronda, each village and town boasts its own unique charm and rich history waiting to be discovered. Visitors can wander through cobblestone streets, admire centuries-old churches and palaces, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of local markets. With the temperatures warming up but not yet reaching the scorching levels of summer, this is an ideal time to explore the region’s diversity. While at it, check the flowers around – they are colorful, in full bloom and look great against the blue skies.
Mijas Pueblo and Benalmadena Pueblo are amazing choices and very easily accessible from the Costa del Sol – you can reach them with local buses. To go further, such as Frigiliana – one of the most beautiful pueblos of Spain-, it may take a bit more preparation and time, or maybe a rental car. El Chorro, home of the famous Caminito del Rey, can be reached by train. But if you really want to understand the culture and history of a place, maybe the best way is to join a guided visit. They are affordable and often include transportation; while at it, you may even get to know some fellow travelers. 😉
Here are a few options, with prices as of the day of this writing:
€ 32.80 per person for a 9-hours excursion, including transportation to and from Malaga and between Ronda and Setenil, plus guided visits in both cities.
€ 49 per person for an 8-hours excursion, including transportation to and from Malaga and between Nerja and Frigiliana, plus the guided trips in both cities. Available only on Wednesdays and Sundays.
€ 59 per person for a 10-hours excursion from Fuengirola to El Caminito del Rey, entrance tickets, tour and safety equipment, and then back to Fuengirola.
Water time!
For those seeking adventure on the water, spring on the Costa del Sol provides ample opportunities for various aquatic activities. Whether it’s sailing along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, watching for dolphins, or paddleboarding along the coast, there’s something for water enthusiasts of all levels. Spring offers mild sea temperatures and gentle breezes, making it an excellent time to indulge in these refreshing activities while taking in the scenic coastal views and perhaps even spotting some marine life.
€ 12 per person for 1 hour
€ 18.95 per person for 2 hours
€ 39 per person for 2 hours
Costa del Golf
Golf enthusiasts flock to the Costa del Sol in spring to experience its renowned golf courses in prime condition. Dubbed the “Costa del Golf,” this region boasts over 70 courses, ranging from championship layouts to picturesque resort courses, set against the backdrop of mountains or overlooking the sea. Spring offers golfers pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season, allowing them to enjoy their rounds amidst lush fairways and manicured greens, making for an unforgettable golfing experience in this golfer’s paradise. Click here for an idea of the green fees around Malaga province.
Off-road adventures
Lastly, adrenaline seekers can explore the Costa del Sol’s rugged terrain through off-road adventures such as quad biking or 4×4 excursions. With its diverse topography of mountains, valleys, and rugged coastline, the region provides the perfect playground for off-road enthusiasts seeking adventure and adrenaline-pumping experiences. Guided tours take participants off the beaten path, navigating through rugged trails and scenic viewpoints inaccessible by conventional means, providing an exhilarating way to discover the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes of the Costa del Sol in spring.
€ 85 for two people. 1 hour trip.
€ 150 for 4 people. 2 hours trip.
For plant enthusiasts
Spring on the Costa del Sol brings a burst of color as the region’s diverse flora comes to life in a vibrant display of blooming flowers. One of the most iconic blooms of spring is the Bougainvillea, adorning the streets, balconies, and gardens with its dazzling array of vibrant hues, including shades of pink, purple, red, and orange. These prolific climbers thrive in the warm Mediterranean climate, creating a stunning contrast against the whitewashed buildings and azure skies, and filling the air with a sweet fragrance that adds to the enchanting ambiance of the Costa del Sol in spring.
Another beloved springtime bloom in the Costa del Sol is the Jacaranda tree, with its clusters of lavender-blue flowers adorning the landscape like a natural canopy. As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, these majestic trees burst into bloom, transforming the streets and parks into a sea of violet blossoms. The sight of Jacaranda trees in full bloom against the backdrop of greenery and blue skies is truly breathtaking, making springtime in the Costa del Sol a magical experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
In addition to Bougainvillea and Jacaranda, spring in the Costa del Sol showcases the delicate beauty of the Almond blossom. As winter fades away, almond trees across the region burst into bloom, covering the countryside with clouds of pale pink and white flowers. These blossoms not only provide a picturesque backdrop for the landscape but also play a significant cultural role, marking the beginning of spring festivities such as the traditional Almond Blossom Festival, where locals and visitors gather to celebrate the arrival of the new season amidst the beauty of these ephemeral blooms.
More to the end of the season, the vibrant colors of spring in the Costa del Sol are enhanced by the presence of Oleander, a hardy evergreen shrub that produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. With its glossy foliage and showy blooms, Oleander adds a touch of tropical elegance to gardens, parks, and roadside plantings throughout the region. Despite its beauty, Oleander is also known for its toxicity, making it important for visitors to admire these blooms from a distance while appreciating their contribution to the region’s scenery.
Above: Oleanders in Torremolinos, 2021.
Estepona
Visit Estepona, known as the Garden of the Costa del Sol. In its center, each street has flowerpots displayed on the walls, facing the street. Not only that, but each street has a different color of vases, such as the street displayed in the first image of this post – did you notice how almost all vases are light green? That is in part to help orientation, though I can’t imagine a better place to get lost! Besides the delightful center, Estepona also has a beautiful orchidarium and a fantastic promenade. You may fall in love.
Mijas Pueblo
Mijas Pueblo has a botanical route that is well worth visiting in Spring. They have 141 species identified there, so you know what you are seeing. 🙂 I visited last August and it was already impressive; I can only imagine how gorgeous it will be in spring!
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The beauty of Mijas Pueblo
Indoor activities
Museum day
When seeking indoor activities in the Costa del Sol during spring, visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s rich cultural heritage by exploring its museums and art galleries. Most museums in Malaga – and there are many – are concentrated in the city center. You can have an idea of this area in our post about the Train stations in Malaga, particularly the part about Malaga Centro Alameda.
The Picasso Museum, that showcases the works of the iconic artist born in Malaga, the Centre Pompidou Malaga and the Carmen Thyssen Museum are amazing options, featuring exhibitions by both local and international artists. Visitors can spend hours admiring diverse collections of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. And special: on Museum Day (May 18), entrances for almost all museums are free! Check the page of your favorite and enjoy. 🙂
Casinos
For a dose of excitement and entertainment, visitors can try their luck at one of the region’s many casinos. Whether it’s the opulent Casino Marbella nestled within a luxury resort or the glamorous Casino Torrequebrada overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, casinos in the Costa del Sol offer a thrilling atmosphere filled with gaming tables, slot machines, and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy a night of excitement and sophistication, testing their skills at blackjack, roulette, or poker, or simply sit back and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with a cocktail in hand while taking in live music or a captivating show, providing a memorable indoor experience in the Costa del Sol during spring.
Gastronomic experiences
Food enthusiasts can embark on culinary adventures by exploring the region’s vibrant gastronomic scene through cooking classes, culturally immersive dinings, and tapas & wines tours. From traditional tapas bars serving up local delicacies to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation, the Costa del Sol offers dining experiences to tantalize the taste buds. Cooking classes led by expert chefs provide hands-on opportunities to learn the secrets of Andalusian cuisine, from mastering the art of making paella to perfecting the technique of preparing gazpacho, while food tours offer guided tastings of regional specialties and visits to bustling markets and gourmet shops, providing a delicious immersion into the flavors of the Costa del Sol.
€ 75 per person. 3,5 hours of paella cooking class!
€ 28 for 1 hour of Flamenco show in a restaurant. Food and drinks not included (oh, the irony)! But I included here because this is a highly rated show 😉
€ 59 per person for 2 hours of tapas and wines with locals that know the best places. 8 tapas + 3 glasses.
Festivities
I describe the festivities in detail in the posts of each month. Here I include a sneaky peek of what is coming; if you want to know more about any of them, head to the respective month. 😉 Also, as the towns themselves tend to inform about their events rather close to the event date, it’s worth bookmarking this post, as updates will be coming for sure along the season!
Feria Sabor a Málaga
A delicious display of the best that the region produces in terms of food and beverages was in Torremolinos from February 29 to March 3. Very worth checking (and tasting)! The next ones are going to happen in Benalmadena, from April 5 to 7, and then in Mijas from May 17 to 19, both in 2024.
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Sabor a Málaga
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St. David’s Day
The Welsh Society will host 2 events in honor of St. David’s Day in Benalmadena. The first is going to be on March 1st, from 1 to 9 pm (8 hours!!) in the Plaza de la Mesquita; the second, a choir presentation in the Casa de la Cultura, on March 4th at 7:30 pm, in the Avenida de la Constitución. Both events will happen in Arroyo de la Miel.
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Day of Andalusian Folklore
The Puerto of Benalmadena is preparing a series of events for March and April 2024. The first one this month is the day of Andalusian Folklore, on March 2, with shows and a craft market!
Saint Patrick’s Day
Bring something green to wear if you are coming to Benalmadena around March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day is usually celebrated with a parade in Arroyo de la Miel, the town center, which extends to the Irish pubs around town.
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Holy Week
In Spain, the Holy Week is probably the most important of the religious traditions, celebrated extensively in towns and cities – among these, the Holy Weeks of Seville, Malaga and Granada are considered to be of international tourist interest, attracting thousands of people every year. Smaller towns also observe the date. Holy Week in the Costa del Sol is celebrated mostly through processions that are worth watching, be it for religious or cultural reasons.
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Plants Fair
Benalmadena is planning a Plants Fair for the end of the month, from March 29 to March 31 in the Parque de la Paloma, but we don’t have the times confirmed yet. Last year’s was quite beautiful.
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Harleys and concerts
The Harley Davidson Club AndalucÃa is planning an event in Benalmadena from April 12 to 14. We’ll have shows in the Recinto Ferial of La Paloma Park (shown 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!
Feria Internacional de los Paises (FIP)
Also known as Feria de Fuengirola, the Feria Internacional de los paises (International Fair) open the calendar of the ferias in the Costa del Sol. This multi-day celebration is scheduled to happen in 2024 from May 1 to May 5, in the Recinto Ferial of Fuengirola, a large venue sided by casetas (house-like constructions). Each caseta will represent a different country and offer their typical products, as well as shown and music. This year will have the participation of 33 different countries, with events going on from 1 pm to 4 am!
The opening parade will take place on May 1st at 11:30, leaving from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. All participating countries will be represented in the parade. Book your tickets – it is not always that we get to know so much about a Feria ahead of time!
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Fulanita Fest in Fuengirola
Fulanita Fest is a LGBT+ music festival focused on female LGBT+ Spanish artists and public, that happens yearly in Fuengirola, in the Marenostrum. Marenostrum, in turn, is a stage for large shows built by the beach, close to the Castillo Sohail, in Fuengirola. They sometimes also build a stage inside the Castle! Fulanita Fest 2024 is set to happen on May 25.
Flamenco Mijas & street markets
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.
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The beauty of Mijas Pueblo
The vibrant street markets of the Costa del Sol
Transport and accommodation
Transport
Spring is a lovely time to travel around the Costa del Sol. But how are you going to do it? Are you going to rent a car, use the trains or the buses? I have a few cool tips to share on each of them. 😉 If you are going to travel by bus, get yourself a green card at a tobacco shop. With this card, each bus trip price drops from around €1,70 – €1,55 to as low as €0,40 -€0,50! If you are traveling by train, you may want to read about the free trains tickets in the Costa del Sol (as of now, valid up to April 30; we’ll see if it will be extended).
And if you plan to rent a car, a great place to check is discovercars.com, an award winning comparison site for car rental services that lets you choose among the best offers available for your desired dates. Their prices are amazingly low! Have your jaw dropped by checking here the best offers for Malaga – you can choose several points from where to pick and drop your car, including the airport.
Accommodation
It is a common mistake to assume that, if you rent an apartment in a building that has a pool, the pool will automatically be available. But in Spain, it’s different… the pools usually stay out of use for some part of the year, and it is up to the community (the building administrators) to decide when they’ll open. The dates are usually decided in assembly, where the apartment owners vote and decide the exact dates, though they tend to maintain some regularity in such matters.
Some buildings decide to keep their pools open all year long, some close for winter and reopen in April, some in May and some only in June. Therefore, to avoid a bad surprise, check the rules of the apartment you have in mind before booking your vacation; these dates should be stated there. If they are not, ask the prospective host if the pool will be available during your stay.
Conclusion
Whether indulging in outdoor adventures, immersing oneself in the region’s rich cultural heritage, or savoring the culinary delights and festivities, spring on the Costa del Sol offers an array of experiences to suit every taste and preference. Personally, as a plant admirer, it’s my favorite time to be in the Costa, for the weather, the plants and – let’s not forget to mention – the smells. The Costa smells like flowers during spring.
As our springtime adventure on the Costa del Sol draws to a close, we’re left with memories of sun-drenched days, balmy evenings, and the unmistakable joy that comes with experiencing nature’s renewal in this captivating corner of the world. From the lively streets of coastal towns to the serene tranquility of inland, the Costa del Sol has once again proven itself as a destination that delights the senses and rejuvenates the soul. But it is not an adieu, it’s just a see you soon! Come back for more next year or… next season!
