A guide to some to help you explore Southern Spain in Winter with the best 15 activities
Southern Spain in Winter is a great place to take a trip. Whether you’re keen to discover Spanish Christmas traditions, the more laidback atmosphere of Spain in January, or a little off-season sunshine, Andalucia in Winter is sure to tick all your boxes.
Spending Winter in Southern Spain allows you to make the most of the beautiful scenery and interesting attractions without having to deal with bustling crowds.
Read on to learn more about Southern Spain guides and why the southern region is home to some of the top Winter destinations in Spain.
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Top Things To Do In Southern Spain in Winter
- Christmas Lights and Markets in Malaga
- Hike at Caminito del Rey
- Visit the White Villages
- Play golf in the Costa del Sol
- Skiing in Sierra Nevada
- Explore Doñana National Park
How to Enjoy Southern Spain in Winter
Embrace the mild winter temperatures and cultural richness of Southern Spain in Winter by exploring historic sites like the Alhambra in Granada or marvel at other Spanish Christmas traditions, where you can soak in the region’s fascinating history.
Indulge in the warmth of Spanish hospitality by savoring seasonal delicacies at local tapas bars, and consider a scenic drive along the picturesque coastline to fully appreciate the charm of Southern Spain in winter.
1. Do not miss Christmas Lights and Markets in Malaga
Taking a trip to see the Christmas lights and markets in Malaga is one of the top things to do in Spain in December. – Check out a guided tour to Malaga Christmas lights.
It’s a great place to sample traditional Spanish Christmas food and buy some unique gifts for your loved ones.
The Christmas lights are truly spectacular too, with the city’s streets lighting up when the sun goes down and turning into a stunning display of festive cheer, making them a must-do if you’re going to Southern Spain in Winter.
Opening times: 12 noon until 8pm
2. Ski Wonderland in Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada mountains are popular with tourists all year round, but if you’re spending winter in Southern Spain you should certainly take a trip to this stunning location.
Winter in Andalucia may be quite mild, but these mountains are snow-covered during this season thanks to their high altitude. – Check out guided tours in Sierra Nevada here.
As one of the sunniest and most southerly ski resorts in Europe, Sierra Nevada is one of the best places to visit in Spain in Winter if you’re a fan of snowy sports.
There are no less than 133 slopes of various difficulty levels, and as you can hire equipment onsite you won’t need to pack all your gear.
There are plenty of things to do in Sierra Nevada ski resort and if you don’t know which one is good for you, check out this Sierra Nevada ski guide.
3. The Caminito del Rey
The Caminito del Rey, or King’s Little Road is a one-way trail close to Malaga stretching for almost 8km.
Taking between 3 and 4 hours to explore, this restored route which was once deemed to be one of the world’s most dangerous, is now safe but offers a unique experience as you travel along a pathway more than 100m over a sheer cliff.
Truly spectacular, this route runs through valleys, canyons, and cliffs, crossing stunning landscapes and getting up close to many different species of plants and animals.
Make sure to reserve your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment. – Get the guided tour here.
Opening times: 9am-3.30pm
4. Hiking in Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park
The mild weather in Southern Spain is ideal for hikes in Andalucia like a trip to the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. – Check out more guided tours in Cadiz.
There are more than 30 different routes to explore in this beautiful setting, and as the climate is much milder in Andalucia in Winter than in Summer, it’s far more comfortable to discover these stunning trails at this time of year.
Whether you want to take an easy stroll or a more demanding hike, this is the perfect spot to do it. With pretty scenery, gorgeous views, and lovely villages in Andalucia, it’s a great way to spend a day.
5. Take some breathtaking photos on top of Puente Nuevo in Ronda
If you’re visiting Malaga in Winter, you should definitely make sure to take a trip to Ronda.
The Puente Nuevo is one of three bridges connecting La Ciudad to El Mercadillo, the two distinct parts of the ancient city, and it is the highest of the three, towering over the gorge at an impressive 120m.
Construction on this project began back in the mid-1800s, and since then it has been an iconic feature of the city. – Check out guided tours in Ronda.
Stunning in both winter and summer, it’s certainly a photo-worthy spot and you can stand on the bridge to take a shot down into the gorge itself.
6. Visit Granada with its stunning Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
If you’re visiting Granada in Winter, a must-do attraction is the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens.
This historic spot is popular with tourists all year round, but it’s less crowded at this time of year making it one of the top places to visit in Spain in Winter.
You can take a self-guided tour with an audio guide, or opt for one of the tours led by a professional guide. – Check out the guided tour here.
Either way, you’ll be amazed by the impressive architecture which is a blend of Moorish and European styles.
The Alhambra has a fascinating and long-standing history, with many famous people from the past having lived and visited here including King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella and Catherine of Aragon.
Opening times: 8:30am-6pm
7. Seville Cathedral – 3rd biggest cathedral in the world
Seville in Winter is wonderful and the city’s cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Spain in January, or indeed, at any time during the off-season.
The third largest cathedral anywhere in the world, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its famous Giralda Tower.
You can take a 75-minute tour of the Giralda Tower and the cathedral itself but don’t forget to book your visit in advance since visitor numbers are limited. – Get your guided tour here.
Opening times: 11 am-6 pm Monday to Saturday and 2:30 pm-6 pm Sundays
8. The White Villages
Whether you’re spending the summer or winter in Spain, the white villages in Andalucia are a must-see for any tourist.
They’re a staple component of most Costa del Sol winter holidays in Spain thanks to their unique appearance and authentic charm.
Named for their whitewashed houses which are a striking contrast to the local natural landscape, these 20 villages extend across Cadiz and Malaga provinces and make for a stunning road trip.
You can either hire a car and drive yourself or take one of the many guided tours from cities like Jerez, Nerja and Marbella. – Get the guided tour here.
9. Be one with nature while wondering about the Doñana National Park
If you’re wondering where to go in Spain in Winter to see nature’s beauty, you should head to one of the most beautiful regions of wetland, the Donana National Park. – Book a guided tour here.
Home to a host of ecosystems ranging from lagoons and marshland to cliffs and white beaches, this part of Southern Spain will never fail to impress.
There are over 230 different bird species to be spotted on the protected paths in this park, and you can explore by bike, on foot, or even on horseback.
There are also guided tours of the park that you can join to find out a little more about the region and its natural splendor.
Opening times: Open 24 hours a day
10. Luxurious getaways in Marbella
Marbella has long been one of the best winter destinations in Spain, even though many of the clubs and bars that make it a buzzing nightspot during the summer months are closed during the off-peak season.
Home to many world-class museums, art galleries, spectacular architecture and, of course, sandy beaches, Marbella is a name that is synonymous with exclusivity and luxury. – Get guided tours in Marbella.
If you’re heading to Southern Spain in Winter, this could be the perfect place to base yourself to see the best that the Costa Del Sol has to offer.
And the things to do in Marbella in February are just too good not to consider visiting this part of Southern Spain in Winter.
11. Wine tastings in Jerez de la Frontera
Famous for giving the drink sherry its name, Jerez de la Frontera is a key place for wine connoisseurs to discover whether they’re visiting Spain in December or August.
You can either base yourself in the town itself or take a guided wine-tasting tour from one of the nearby cities like Seville. – Check out a wine tour here.
There are many different types of tours. Some head straight to the vineyards for an immersive experience taking you from the vine to the bottle.
Others involve visiting several popular bars to sample the local wares, while some involve trying local cuisine as well as wine.
12. Nerja Caves should not be missed
If you’re wondering what to wear in Spain in winter, you may be interested to note that it will make no difference when you’re visiting the Nerja Caves. – Book a guided tour here.
Cool all year round, you’re sure to need a sweater or jacket when you head into this 5km long cave complex which was once inhabited and used as a burial site.
A tour of this archaeological attraction takes up to two hours, and the audio guide which is included in the entrance fee gives you a wealth of interesting information about the history of the caves and their cultural significance.
Opening times: 9:30am-3:30pm
13. Visit the famous Tabernas desert in Almeria
If you’re asking “is Southern Spain warm in Winter”, you need only consider the fact that Almeria province is home to the only official desert in Europe, the Tabernas desert. – Check out guided tours here.
Thanks to its unusual and striking landscape it rose to fame during the age of the spaghetti western when many well-known movies were filmed here.
There are several attractions here to explore if you’re visiting Southern Spain in winter. They include the Tabernas Castle and Oasys MiniHollywood Wild West theme park.
You can also take a 4×4 tour or go hiking among the impressive rock formations.
14. Play golf in the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol is a mecca for golfing enthusiasts, especially during the winter months thanks to the mild climate and sunny conditions that make a day on the green here especially enjoyable.
There are almost 120 different golf courses in Andalucia, making Southern Spain one of the best places to visit in Spain in February if you want to tee off without shivering your way around the course.
Some of the top local golf courses include the Finca Cortesin in Malaga, the Real Club Sevilla, Los Naranjos in Marbella, and Marbella Club Golf Resort, all of which offer pre-bookable slots.
15. Visit one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Andalucia
Andalucia is home to no less than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a top spot for culture and history buffs.
They include the Alhambra, Albaicin, and Generalife in Granada, the Alcazar, Cathedral, and Archivo de Indias in Seville, Cordobo’s historic center, Ubeda and Baeza’s Renaissance Monumental Ensembles, Madinat-al-Zahra, and 68 cave art examples across the region.
Andalucia is also home to two natural world heritage sites including the Donana National Park and Antequera Dolmens.
16. Pamper yourself at the Turkish Baths
Andalucia is home to many traditional Turkish Baths, reflecting its Moorish history and heritage.
Many of the region’s towns and cities have a hammam to visit, with some of the most famous and popular being in Malaga, Granada, and Cordoba. – Get a guided tour to Hammam Al Andaluz in Malaga here.
You can relax and unwind in these authentic and architecturally stunning settings.
Have a massage, take a dip in a thermal spa, or plunge into an icy cold bath to promote your well-being.
Opening times: 10am – Midnight
Practical Travel Tips for Southern Spain in Winter
If you’re visiting Southern Spain in Winter, be prepared for some restaurants, clubs, and bars to be closed as it is the off-season.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of things to do, so plan and do your research well to avoid any disappointment.
The weather is typically mild during the Winter in this part of the country, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared.
Although temperatures can reach almost 18 degrees Celsius, they can drop as low as 7 degrees, so you should pack enough clothes so that you can layer up or down as necessary.
Don’t forget a jacket too, as it may rain from time to time.
Transport options continue to run year-round, with buses and metros operating as normal.
You can also find guided tours and organised trips during the winter months which can be booked online or through local tourist information offices.
Final Thoughts on Southern Spain in Winter
Southern Spain is Winter is the perfect place to take a trip.
Without the crowds that pack the beaches and towns during warmer months of the year, you can enjoy a more laidback and peaceful trip while still making the most of everything the region has to offer.
With a mild climate, you can still participate in outdoor activities without feeling cold or uncomfortable, and there is no shortage of things to do in Andalucia.
You’ll also be able to sample the culinary delights and cultural richness of this part of Spain in a more relaxed environment.
If you’re searching for the ideal winter travel destination, Southern Spain is the perfect spot for you.
You’ll be amazed by the unique experiences you can have and the memories you can create in this beautiful region, even if the weather is a little cooler.
Short FAQ Southern Spain in Winter
Is southern Spain warm in winter?
Southern Spain enjoys a mild climate even during the middle of winter.
Often, you’ll find that the temperatures reach the high teens, although it’s still best to be prepared for cooler days and rain showers.
Where is the warmest part of Spain in winter?
Andalucia is the warmest region of Spain during the winter months thanks to its sheltered location and southerly setting.
You’ll find that winter temperatures can reach almost 18 degrees Celsius here.
What part of Spain is warm all year round?
There are several parts of Spain that are warm throughout the year, but the Costa del Sol is the warmest region on the mainland all year long.
Even during the winter, you can expect to experience many warm days.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!