Winter on the Costa del Sol – Embracing the magic

What to see and to do in December 2023, January and February 2024

November 4, 2023
Last updated on February 9, 2024

Winter on the Costa del Sol is pure delight. We’ll explore the diverse facets of the winter season on the Costa del Sol, from engaging activities and delicious gastronomy to festive celebrations, cultural explorations, and shopping delights. Whether you’re strolling along the beaches, immersing yourself in local culture and traditions, or savoring the regional cuisine, winter on the Costa del Sol promises a delightful escape. And if you are one of those people that think there is nothing to do on the Costa during winter, I’m about to change your mind!

Related posts:
January in the Costa del Sol 2024
February in the Costa del Sol 2024

What to expect of the weather

December

On December, daytime temperatures typically range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Evenings can be cooler, ranging from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F). December often sees mild and sunny days, but occasional rainfall is not uncommon. The sea temperature remains relatively cool, making beach activities more suitable for the sun-seekers with a higher tolerance for cooler waters (I wouldn’t go in the water!).

January

January’s daytime temperatures hover around 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F); nights can be cooler, ranging from 7°C to 11°C (45°F to 52°F). The trend of mild temperatures with occasional rainfall continues.

Related post:
Things to do in January in the Costa del Sol – 2024 Edition

February

On February, daytime temperatures start to rise slightly, ranging from 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F). Nights become milder, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F). February marks a transition towards spring, with more frequent sunny days; occasional rainfall may still occur, but the overall weather becomes more stable.

Related post:
February in the Costa del Sol – carnival, romance and fun funerals

Outdoor activities

Skiing in the Sierra Nevada

Swap your hiking boots for skis and head to the Sierra Nevada, where winter transforms the mountains into a snowy playground. A short drive from the Costa del Sol, the Sierra Nevada ski resort offers thrilling slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Imagine gliding down the powdery slopes against a backdrop of stunning mountain landscapes—a winter adventure that adds an exhilarating twist to your Costa del Sol experience.

You can check a small guide about buying the tickets. You’ll need to go to Granada, which takes about 1 and a half hours by car, less by train (which costs about 20 to 25 euros each way, but may cost more or take longer on some days and times) or by bus for around 10 euros. The train departs from Malaga-Maria Zambrano Station, and the buses, from the bus station right behind Maria Zambrano. Chose to come and go on the same day or spend a couple nights in lovely Granada! 😉

If, like me, you need some extra classes before facing the slopes (hopefully not literally), or if you prefer to go on an easy hike in the snow, here are two interesting activities for us:

You can read more about each of them on the links above – what to wear, what to bring, duration, availability and a lot more. And if you go to beach later, you can say you went skiing and to the beach on the same day! Not many places in the world allow for that.

Cheese Fair in Estepona

How to get there:

Beachside strolling

Though entering the sea or even sunbathing are not good options during winter on the Costa del Sol, walking along the beautiful and large promenades of the Costa del Sol is still a delightful activity. Different from the inner parts of the cities, the paseos are full of people – you would think it’s summer. Even during winter and despite the rainy season, the skies are still blue and sunny on most days, making a seaside walk a perfect program.

The image above is from Google Maps, taken on January 2021. Not so many people around because it was covid times and Spain had a severe lockdown. Still, people would go to the beachside when they could leave home!

Romantic escapades

Suppose you want to add a bit of romance to your trip… The Costa del Sol is the right place and winter, the right season! You can mix and match romantic escapades with the traditional festivities and indoor or outdoor activities. It’s sure to be a honeymoon on Costa del Sol wonderland. Look at these suggestions and fall in love:

Candlelight events

Candlelights are live music shows that always happen in a beautiful venue illuminated by candles. There are several shows throughout the year, with different themes, but they tend each to happen just during one or two days.

There are a few Candlelight event opportunities for this winter; I’ll list here the ones that are already scheduled and whose tickets are on sale; it’s better to buy the ticket soon, as they tend to run out fast! Sometimes these events occur in open spaces, but in December they are all happening indoors – better for the weather and probably for acoustics.

In Malaga:

See pictures of the venues and the location of each place in the links above. Candlelight shows are impressive and unforgettable experiences that are sure to brighten your evenings in the Costa del Sol!

Hamman al Ándalus

Baths, with warm or hot waters, and massages are an Arab tradition incorporated to the south of Spain during the thousand-years long occupation of Andalucía by the Moors. The magnifique Hamman al Ándalus is part of this traditional legacy, where you can enjoy a circuit of thermal waters and a relaxing massage with essential oils in the center of Malaga. Admire the elaborate Arabic interiors while relaxing in the spa– good for body and soul, and prone to sparkle romance! Choose the time that fits you best, get your ticket and bring your swimsuit.

Indoor activities

Comedy in English

Museo Picasso in Malaga

Escape the winter chilly days by immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Malaga. The Picasso Museum, located in the heart of the city, showcases a remarkable collection of works by the legendary artist Pablo Picasso. Wander through the halls adorned with paintings, sculptures, and sketches, gaining insights into the artistic evolution of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists.

As 2023 marks 50 years of the iconic painter’s death, Museo Picasso has prepared special exhibitions to highlight Picasso’s impact in the arts: ‘Echo of Picasso’ is on display for a limited time (October 3, 2023 to March 31, 2024) and focus on the influence of the artist on other contemporary artists; ‘The many faces of Picasso’s late works’ displays some of the most controversial works of the artist, done in his late years of life (the exhibition will be available from September 21, 2023 to February 4, 2024).

On top of these two exhibitions, the traditional ‘Dialogues with Picasso’, shows the chronological evolution of the painter and is also available only till February 04, 2024.

The museum is in Malaga’s historical center, in the Palacio Buena Vista (Calle San Agustín, 8, Malaga). It is free of charge on Sundays from 16:00 (the museum closes at 18:00 during winter), and not-booked people enter only after others leave. Because there is often a line, actually entering for free depends a bit on luck.

I even joked about it in the Malaga train stations post because they managed to have two lines at the same time – and it was a paid time! I suppose one of the lines was for booked people waiting for their time and the other, for people that didn’t buy ahead.

To visit Museo Picasso, you can try your luck on a Sunday afternoon, or you can book your ticket for an earlier hour and avoid much of the crowd (on the left), or you can get a skip the line ticket (on the right), with a guided tour:

Centre Pompidou Malaga

For contemporary art experience, visit the Centre Pompidou Malaga, a branch of the iconic Parisian museum. Marvel at modern masterpieces and thought-provoking exhibitions that push the boundaries of artistic expression. The museum’s striking architecture itself is a work of art, offering a visually stunning backdrop to your cultural exploration.

There are two exhibits going on this winter. One of them is ‘Los Pueblos de Mañana’ (The People of Tomorrow), an exposition-workshop by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. This is an interesting installation created by the author with kids in mind. It is centered on the notion that drawings carry symbolism and that these are present everywhere – from flags, totems and hieroglyphs, to marketing and logos. It’s a practical exposition, where people interact with this notion through activities crafted specially for the exhibition. Los Pueblos de Mañana is available until February 2024.

Also on display is ‘Ettore Sottsass. El Pensamiento Magico’, an exhibition of several of the works by the famous photographer, designer and architect. Sottsass had an impact in the modernist design, mainly by recalling the importance of color and symbolism to a style often overly focused on the function. He became a sort of pop-modern creator.

The museum also offers free entrance on Sundays, from 16:00. It is open from 09:30 to 20:00 and stays closed on Tuesdays. You can get you ticket ahead here:

Botanical Wonder in Estepona

Escape the cold and go straight into tropical weather by visiting a world of botanical marvels at the Orchidarium Estepona. This unique attraction, nestled in the heart of Estepona, features a mesmerizing collection of orchids from around the globe. Wander through lush gardens, greenhouses, and waterfalls, discovering the diverse beauty of these exotic flowers. The Orchidarium provides a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to connect with nature in a harmonious setting.

Estepona’s Orchidarium is the largest Orchidarium in Spain and one of the most important in Europe due to the number of species it houses. And who doesn’t love orchids?

Orchidarium Estepona Botanical Park address is Calle Terraza, 86, Estepona. It is closed on Mondays and opens on Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00 and on the other days from 10:00 to 13:30 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Tickets are bought directly at the entrance of the botanical park, and cost €3 for adults and €1 for children (4 to 11 years old).

Festivities

As usual, there are festivities going on everywhere in the Costa del Sol, throughout the season. The Costa del Sol never stops celebrating! The winter festivities happen every year, so we can anticipate what will be happening where and about what dates; for more precise information, check this page again as the season progress – you can bookmark it; I tend to add updates whenever I get newer (and reliable) information.

Christmas lights

Although the Costa del Sol will not be blanketed in snow, the towns and cities come alive with festive decorations during the Christmas season. From Malaga to Estepona, the whole Costa fills their main streets with Christmas lights, creating a truly festive and breathtaking ambiance. Particularly famous are the lights in Calle Larios, in Malaga’s historic center. They have different setups for the lights every year, and they are always spectacular!

The lights stay on during the nights from the last Friday of November till Epiphany, on January 6^th. In 2023, they will be turned on for the first time on November 24, at 19:00. This is an event that usually attracts thousands of people. Join the fun or wait to go see the lights the following day, with less of a crowd! Edit: I waited a week to go there with Kiddo, and it was still pretty much crowded, so be warned 🙂 but it was a nice crowd, full of kids and mesmerized passersby.

The lights turn on everyday at 18:30, and there are special shows with music and dancing lights everynight at 18:30, 20:00 and 22:00 (except on December 24 and 31). Below, a little bit of the show:

In Benalmadena, the lights are also stunning:

Holiday Markets

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit by exploring the Christmas markets that pop up throughout the region. These markets offer a charming array of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and seasonal treats – a way for you to bring some Christmas feeling (and food) to your place during vacations. The Malaga Christmas Market, in particular, is a must-visit, featuring a diverse range of stalls.

There are markets as well in Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, Nerja, Torrox, and Rincón de la Victoria – pretty much everywhere in the Costa del Sol! Check the site Mercadillo Semanal for location and dates for each Christmas street market; I’m not sure the dates are accurate there, but at least it gives you an idea of when the markets should be happening in each location. The one’s below are confirmed:

Fuengirola’s Christmas Market

In 2023, Fuengirola’s Christmas market will happen from November 24 to December 17, in the Plaza de la Constitución, everyday from 10:30 to 14:30 and from 17:00 to 21:00. And more, there will be snow!

How to get to the Plaza de la Constitución from Fuengirola train station:

On November 24 there will be an Elf’s parade at 19:00 and the official innauguration of the market at 19:30. At 20:00 there will be artificial snow adding to the ambiance! The artificial snow will repeat every Saturday for the duration of the Market, starting around 19:30 and lasting for one hour.

Below, a few pictures of the Christmas Market in Fuengirola (my favorite in the Costa):

I like this market because it is really themed; the goods being offered are Christmas related. You can find Christmas ornaments, candies, clothes (scarves, socks), food (such as cheese and meat), and Christmas beverages (I had a glögi, which I love!). As you can see, it gets crowded, like the lights in Malaga. I may have been there in a particularly crowded time, because it was a Saturday evening, during the snow show. Talking about it, here is a short video:

Benalmadena’s Christmas Market

Benalmadena’s Christmas Market will happen from December 1st till January 7th, along Avenida de la Constitución, in Arroyo de la Miel. Getting there is easy: when you get out at Benalmadena-Arroyo train station, you are already on the Avenida de la Constitución!

Torremolinos Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Torremolinos will go from December 15 to January 5, 2024, in the Plaza de la Nogalera, right by the exit to the Torremolinos Train Station.

Estepona’s Christmas Market

Estepona’s Christmas market will be in Calle Veracruz from December 11 to 29.

To have a feel of what to expect from Christmas markets and city lights, check Benalmadena’s Christmas Lights 2022 video from Morning Nhu below:

Check also the kind of clothes people are wearing, so you know what to pack. 😉

Other Christmas attractions

The cities in the Costa are very creative and prepare a lot more than lights and markets to celebrate the festive season. You can expect to find a diversity of nativity scenes all over the Costa, creative workshops, traditional food parties and traditional music parties (Zabombas), among many other things. Here are a few I visited:

Belen municipal (Municipal nativity scene), in Benalmadena:

The beautiful Municipal nativity scene in Benalmadena’s Plaza Pueblosol. Below, a closer look. They make a detailed diorama of more than just the nativity itself; it pretty much displays a whole little city, with Romans, farmers, bread makers and so on. Worth checking if you are nearby.

Belen de plastilina (Playdough nativity) in Casa de la Cultura, Benalmadena:

This fun and creative nativity scene in the Culture Museum has all its characters made of playdough. So much detail! Very funny to observe; I took Kiddo, and he approved.

Aldea Navideña (Santa Claus village) in Torremolinos

In Santa’s village, in Torremolinos, Kids get to see Santa in person and to deliver their letters in hand.

All three activities (and so many more!) are available till the end of the Christmas season.

Related posts:
Christmas and New Year in Fuengirola 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Benalmadena 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Torremolinos 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Estepona 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Marbella 2023/24

If you want to book a Christmas dinner at a restaurant ora New Year’s Eve party (or meal), you have to act fast. Check our 2023 Christmas and New Year’s Eve – restaurants and parties or check with the restaurants you already like to see if they are offering a Christmas dinner event. Most well-known restaurants offer it; but they tend to get fully booked quite early – in November or even October.  

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Ring in the New Year with lively celebrations along the coastal promenades. Fireworks displays light up the night sky, creating a festive atmosphere that continues into the early hours of the morning. From my experience, the big hotels tend to have their own shows, which we can enjoy from different parts of the cities. 😊

It is a Spanish tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight, to guarantee a good new year. If you are spending New Year’s with a Spanish group, bring your grapes too and join the tradition!

Three Kings Parade

One major highlight of the holiday season on the Costa del Sol is the vibrant Three Kings Parade on (or around) January 6^th (Día de reyes or Three Kings Day). The cities in the Costa del Sol host spectacular processions featuring elaborately decorated floats, costumed characters, and the iconic arrival of the Three Wise Men, who proceed to a street parade and distribute sweets and small gifts to spectators. The Spanish consider the Three Kings’ Day as a second Christmas!

Kids usually get gifts from their parents on King’s Day as well as at Christmas (Spanish kids are really lucky), but the three Kings gift tends to be either a book or something else functional – a new backpack, clothes – or just candy; toys are more for Christmas.

It is a unique experience to go see the 3 Kings parade, and if you have kids, even better! But notice that the parades usually don’t happen on January 6^th, so keep an eye out for parades on January 5^th. Check the Ayuntamiento’s page (or the Facebook page) of the city where you are staying for itineraries and dates for the Three Kings Parade / Día de Reyes. Check also our Christmas posts below; all of them end with the parades – routes and dates can be found there. 😉

Related posts:
Christmas and New Year in Fuengirola 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Benalmadena 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Torremolinos 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Estepona 2023/24
Christmas and New Year in Marbella 2023/24

Carnival

Carnival 2024 will happen from February 8 to 14, though differente cities choose to celebrate it on different dates, close to the official ones (sometimes not even so close!). There are sure to have lively parades with very original costumes, lots of street food – mainly fish and particularly anchovies (boquerones), the fish that symbolizes Malaga. The association between Malaga and this typical fish is so strong that those born in Malaga are called both malagueños and boquerones! They are synonyms!

This particularly colorful festivity is celebrated in the historic center of Malaga and also through the main street of Malaga neighborhoods, and in the towns of the Costa. Slightly different traditions follow suit in the other cities in the Costa – such as the quema de la lagartija (burning of the lizard) in Benalmadena, but there is sure to be parades and several opportunities to play for both kids and adults in diverse events going on around the Carnival days. 

Related posts:
February in the Costa del Sol – Carnival, romance and fun funerals
The best of Carnival in Benalmadena 2024
Carnival in Marbella 2024
Circus, market and Carnival in Estepona 2024
Carnival in Fuengirola 2024 ❤️ with love ❤️
Carnival in Torremolinos 2024 – dancing through the streets

Día de Andalucía

Andalucia is the autonomous community where the province of Malaga is; therefore, the Costa del Sol is in Andalucia. Andalucia day is celebrated on February 28, and if you are on the Costa del Sol close to that date, you’ll see several kids going to or from school wearing typical Andalusian costumes 😊 It’s too cute!

But not on the 28^th itself, as it is an official regional holiday. Also, it is common that kids have this week off (semana blanca) as one of the 2 small vacations that happen throughout the year – the other one being the holy week, in spring.

Pictures from Simon disfraces

Some cities will have some civic celebration going on, others may do a small parade. If you want to celebrate it the traditional way, have some bread with olive oil in the morning, as this is the typical Andalucian breakfast. And if you see some beautiful green flags around, you know what is going on – a proud Andalusian is celebrating his or her lovely land.

Seasonal gastronomy

Seasonal Delicacies

Winter on the Costa del Sol introduces a shift in the culinary landscape, with local restaurants featuring seasonal delights. Indulge in comforting dishes such as hearty stews and grilled meats, besides the fresh seafood. The local markets come alive with winter produce, showcasing the vibrant colors of citrus fruits, avocados, and almonds. Please try the tangerines!

Tapas by the Fireplace

Tragabuches Marbella Dani García

Wow, this is almost too good to be true, but let’s go: the 3-star Michelin chef Dani García has a restaurant in Marbella – Tragabuches Marbella – which is offering this menu:

– Tasting of Cinco Jotas “Paleta” (paleta is the shoulder of the pork; Cinco Jotas is a top gourmet brand)
– Russian salada with pieces of Iberian ham
– Potato tortilla (the famous tortilla de patatas, but here made by a starred crew)
– Salmorejo (traditional Spanish soup or cream made of tomatoes, bread and olive oil)
– 100% Iberian Pork tenderloin served as a flamenquín (as a roulade) with roasted red peper
plus two cañas (a smal glass of beer)

For 25 euros per person (as of today, November 8, 2023). Have you ever thought this experience would be so affordable? It is authentic Andalucían food in a restaurant that belongs to one of the most renowned Andalucian chefs. Run. I don’t believe it is going to last long, even though the site has dates all the way from November to May; some days in December are already sold out. This offer is for tapas, at 1:00 PM, and is called Tapas and beers in Tragabuches Marbella Dani García.

How to get there:

Shopping during winter on the Costa del Sol

Plaza Mayor

For a unique shopping experience, explore Plaza Mayor — a vibrant shopping and entertainment complex near Malaga. This open-air plaza features an array of boutiques, international brands, and charming cafes, creating a delightful atmosphere for a leisurely day of shopping.

If you want to see a few pictures about this lovely shopping center (which, in my opinion, is a must see even without shopping intentions), check the Plaza Mayor section in the post about Malaga train stations. Just make sure it is not raining when you go!

Miramar Shopping Centre in Fuengirola

Delve into the world of retail therapy at Miramar, Fuengirola’s premier shopping destination. With a diverse selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, Miramar offers a perfect blend of modern conveniences and traditional Spanish charm.

From November 10 to January 5, the terrace of Miramar shopping will turn into a magical train station, with several Christmas related activities and workshops for children. Santa Claus and the 3 wise men will be there, on specific times; the elves will do magic tricks and baloon twisting; there will be drawings turned to life with augmented reality, story telling and lots of snow! To know more and to download the app where activities can be booked, check Miramar’s Welcome to Christmas Station.

Miramar has cinemas, too. If you intend to watch something but are afraid it will be in Spanish, there’s a way you can avoid this problem: look for V.O.S.E on the poster of the movie. That stands for Versión Original Subtitulada en Español (original version with Spanish subtitles). If the movie doesn’t inform it is VOSE, it is most likely dubbed in Spanish.

Luxury Shopping in Puerto Banus

For those seeking luxury goods, Puerto Banus is a haven of upscale boutiques and designer stores. Stroll along the marina and indulge in shopping sprees at renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Versace, all set against the backdrop of luxury yachts and Mediterranean views.

General Tips for a winter on the Costa del Sol

Layering

While daytime temperatures are relatively mild, evenings can be cooler. Pack layers to adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day. I tend to go walking almost every day, for 30 minutes to one hour – winter or not – and I can tell from experience that in winter, I usually go out with a light coat and come back carrying it (not wearing it). Therefore, layers are essential, because even though the weather is a bit chilly, a bit of exercise (walking, not jogging or running) is already enough to heat up so that the coat becomes excessive. Now, when my walk includes a stop in a café, then yes, the coat comes back on!

Rain Gear

Bring a light rain jacket and a small umbrella, especially in December and January, when rainfall is more likely.

Indoor and Outdoor Balance

Embrace the milder weather by balancing outdoor activities with visits to museums, cultural attractions, and cozy cafes. There are great experiences waiting to be discovered both indoors and outdoors!

Conclusion

Winter on the Costa del Sol unveils a side of this enchanting region that is often overlooked. From invigorating outdoor activities and delicious gastronomy to festive celebrations, cultural explorations, and a diverse shopping scene, the coastal towns and cities come alive with a different kind of magic during the winter months.

To make sure you always have options, plan for both rainy and sunny days. We can never really know weeks in advance what the weather is going to bring us, but it is possible to have plans A and B; a blend of your favorite outdoor and indoor activities can make any day special 😉 Embrace the tranquility, savor the seasonal flavors, and immerse yourself in the rich experiences that make winter on the Costa del Sol truly special.

Next: Spring on the Costa del Sol 🌺 Blossom extravaganza

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