What's the weather like during winter in Marbella? Can I swim outdoors in Spain in the winter? Are restaurants and beaches open, along the Costa del So in January? What activities are available in winter in Andalusia?
Off-season is the best time to visit Marbella! Busy all year, Marbella never shuts down. Beaches, restaurants and activities continue 12 months, all seasons. And since winter offers the best prices, why not stay someplace with a sea view?
Winter is the best time to visit the beach resort of Marbella. This Andalusian town on the Costa del Sol is vibrant and alive all year round. Unlike many Spanish resorts, which are closed and quiet in winter months, Marbella is bustling with restaurants, tapas bars, events, and sports, all year round! Some beaches and restaurants will take their annual vacation during this time, but you will always find others that are open and buzzing!
Weather: How should you pack?
Spring-time weather all year means: shorts, sandals, and bathing suits (for spa or sunning) but also layers to cover up if a breeze comes up of if the sun goes behind a tree or some clouds!
Days are warm and sunny, but evening comes early so pack lots of layers. Marbella in winter means outdoor activities and walking, bring sports shoes or hiking shoes! You will eat most meals outdoors, at sidewalk terraces, on the beach, at open-air restaurants - with outdoor heaters sometimes on the cooler nights. If a storm is passing through you might have a cooler day or two, some wind or showers. but most days you will have warm sun in the afternoon. Pack tank tops you can strip down to on that outdoor terrace at lunch, and pullovers, scarves and closed shoes to keep you warm at night. A bathing suit is useful for the spa or indoor pool; or if you like cold water swimming!
How to spend week off season, in Marbella?
Golf
Perfect conditions: 22 degrees, sunny skies, light breezes... Marbella is golf paradise. Many clubs allow online booking of tee times and also have pros on hand for a week of lessons if you are just starting out! No need to book a package holiday, stay with us and build your own golf getaway.
Tennis and Paddle
Friendly tennis and paddle clubs organize "mix in" sessions every day of the week, all year. Tennis pros on hand for last minute lesson bookings! Stay with us and we'll hook you up to the best clubs and events. Your do-it-yourself tennis escape.
Beach
Marbella beaches are open all year round. Many days in winter will be warm enough to go to the beach. Hire a sunbed, have lunch with a sea view and your feet in the sand. What could be better in March or November - kick back with a book and have lunch delivered to your sunbed. It might be too cool to swim in the sea, but enjoying the sea air, the views and the sun are year-round activities! Stay with us, get recommendations of local restaurants on the beach
White Village self guided driving tour
Drive to white villages, stop for an enchanting lunch in the countryside, enjoy the crisp autumn air in the hills, and be back for cocktails on our seaview terrace. Stay with us and we'll provide self driving itineraries: 2, 4, 6 or 8 hour trips
Visit Ronda & Setenil
Drive out to Ronda and see the amazing village and gorgeous countryside. Visit a vineyard, have lunch at the cliff-village of Setenil de las Bodegas, discover the canyons and roman bridges in the historic center of Ronda... Stay with us and we'll hook you up to the best day trips, half-day and full-day excursions
Go for a Hike
Marbella is not just about the beach. The back country is gorgeous, underrated and undiscovered. We'll point you to our favorite day-hikes, or hook you up with a guide!
Stay with us and enjoy our virtual guide on your phone, with google maps links to the best walks and self-guided tours.
Shopping - Old Town, Banus Bling or Outlet
Visit the chic shops in Puerto Banus, see the port, yachts and fancy cars... Then head over to Mc Arthur Glenn outlet shops in Malaga to pick up your winter designer wardrobe. Amazing shopping center, giant food court, great day out. Mc Arthur Glenn is an easy drive from us, be back in time for lunch on the beach!
Museums, Market, Hammam, shopping and culture in Malaga
Malaga has so much to discover, you can spend a morning, a full day or several days in this vibrant city. The amazing museums are worth a trip, in particular the Picasso house. The Hammam El Andalus is a dream experience, great if you should have a rainy day. See our self guided walking tour with two loops, old town and Citadel. Put on your walking shoes and happy exploring!
Jogging on the Sendero Litoral
Gorgeous boardwalks line the beach all along the Costa del Sol, and in the autumn you can jog all day. Conditions are perfect for outdoor sports. Best places are: Dunas de Artola, the Sendero Litoral from Calahonda to Mijas, and of course the Paseo in Marbella center. Stay with us and run along the beach in February.
Yoga on the beach
All year round, outdoor yoga is possible!
Many teachers have beach classes, or outdoor classes in parks or on gorgeous terraces. Or book walk-in classes in a beautiful yoga studio, it's all possible! We'll help you plan it!
Ride the Paseo....
All year round, it's fun to ride the seaside promenade from Marbella to San Pedro. Or from Estepona north to Estepona center. We'll help you plan it! Stay with us, and enjoy free-wheeling in winter!.
Or the Via Verde
We can point you to the Via Verde bike trail, where you can hire bikes and ride 30km on the old train line through gorgeous countryside, farmland, olive orchards, and herds of goats!
