Marbella Weather
Of all Marbella's many assets, one probably stands out above all others: the weather. This enclave of the Costa del Sol originally attracted the world's jet set because of its year-round good…
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas this winter? No? Then you’re in the right place.
While Costa del Sol temperatures during winter may not reach the heady levels of summer, they’re certainly a whole lot more agreeable than the freezing conditions felt in the UK or anywhere else north of the Iberian peninsular at this time of year. You can typically expect delightful December highs of 24°C and unspeakable lows of 12°C. Not too shabby at all, in other words.
What’s more, from traditional and expertly prepared roast dinners to more exciting and innovative takes on the notion of ‘Christmas lunch’, many of the area’s finest restaurants go all out with their Christmas menus to ensure that the most important part of the festive season remains intact.
To help you make your decision about where to eat on the Costa del Sol over the festive period, here’s our roundup of a few of the best restaurants offering mouth-watering Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus.
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day
Lively Vibe & Great Food at Bibo Marbella
Hanging Plants at Bibo Marbella
Bibo’s long been one of our favourite restaurants in Marbella. The interiors are stylish but relaxed, the vibe’s lively and fun, and the food’s superb – as you’d expect from Dani Garcia – without being challenging or overly ‘haute’.
This Christmas there are three menus to choose from. These include creamy ink croquetas, roasted smoked veal ribs, crunchy Robuchon king prawns, Sea bass ceviche and skirt steak with mashed potatoes – to name just a few things that had us salivating.
To see the full 2018 Christmas menus at Bibo Marbella, go here.
Details: +34 951 60 70 11; [email protected]; Grupodanigarcia.com.
Spectacular Seafood at Sea Grill – Marbella
Outdoor Dining at Sea Grill
Just across the road – well the plaza, technically – from Bibo is Sea Grill. Their 2018 set Christmas Eve menu is a thing of beauty: given the name of the place it’s hardly a surprise that seafood features, with sea bass and turbot making up two of the courses. But there’s also something for meat-lovers in the shape of the rather tempting sounding Rodizio grilled meats. (You can see the full menu here.)
Perhaps even more temptingly, though, they’ve got a Christmas brunch menu (from 1pm on Christmas Day) on this year. So you can sit back on their outdoor decking with a glass of Champagne and enjoy a range of traditional festive dishes, from turkey to lobster through to delicious desserts, while you soak up a bit of December sunshine.
Details: tel: +34 952 82 09 00; email: [email protected]; Puenteromano.com.
Luxury Dining at Finca Cortesin – Casares
Open Kitchen at Finca Cortesin
If you’re looking to push the boat out this Christmas then look no further than Finca Cortesin. This hotel, complete with its own golf course, is regarded as one of the most luxurious in Spain and often hosts celebrities and royal family members. There are three separate restaurants: El Jardin de Lutz (Spanish/traditional), Kabuki Raw (Japanese) and Don Giovanni (Italian). Each is run by a top, distinguished chef and offers cuisine of the highest standard.
Details: tel: + 34 952 93 78 00; email: [email protected]; Fincacortesin.com.
Socialites’ Favourite at El Grill, Marbella Club – Marbella
Garden Views at El Grill, Marbella Club
For a very special treat you could take advantage of El Grill’s exquisite Christmas menu options at the incredibly chic Marbella Club. Diners can choose between the restaurant’s beautiful terrace or the tastefully decorated dining room where the grill takes centre stage. Juan Gálvez is El Grill’s award-winning chef, who ensures that all ingredients used are seasonal and locally sourced and that only the very best cuts make the grade.
Details: tel: +34 952 822 211; email: [email protected]; Marbellaclub.com.
Marbella Club’s full 2018 Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve menus can be seen here.
Louche & Laidback at The Playwright – Elviria
Bar at The Playright
Sleekly decorated and dimly lit, this popular bar and live music venue in Elviria looks, upon arrival, for all the world like a place to order a couple of dirty martinis and settle in for the night at one of the banquettes.
But it also does a very nice line in food, too – as their Christmas menu more than proves. There are quite a few dishes on offer this festive season that caught our fish-loving eye: Donegal & Sumiri crab salad and grilled wild sea bass? Pernod-infused seafood chowder? Tempura of lemon sole? Yep. That’ll do nicely.
Details: tel. +34 952 83 08 68; email: [email protected]; Theplaywrightmarbella.com.
To see The Playwright’s full Christmas menu, go here.
New Year’s Eve
Party the Night Away at La Sala – Puerto Banus
Dining Space at La Sala
La Sala in Puerto Banus brings you the ultimate buzzy dining experience on the Costa whatever the time of year. Their rear terrace is the ideal place from which to kick off festive proceedings in style, and this year, it has been transformed into a pop up Ski Lodge complete with twinkling lights, bright snow and festive cheer.
Enjoy a winter warmer here before moving on to one of their Christmas or New Year’s Eve menus featuring a range of international and Spanish classics.
You can see this year’s full Christmas and NYE menus here.
Details: tel: +34 952 81 41 45; email: [email protected]; Lasalabanus.com.
Private Chef & Christmas Menu 2018
Chef Curro at Villa El Chorrito
Alternatively, if you just fancy a Christmas holed up in your luxury getaway, we would be thrilled to provide you and your family with a private chef. They will take care of the shopping, cooking and the clearing away, leaving you to enjoy family time together. Take a look at the excellent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and NYE menus that our chefs have created for this season, which can be downloaded here.
Can’t face another year of endless cooking and washing up for the whole family? Thinking of an indulgent Christmas 2018 in southern Spain instead? Have a look at a few of our available Christmas break villas.
Lindsay Gregory
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[post_content] => Of all Marbella's many assets, one probably stands out above all others: the weather. This enclave of the Costa del Sol originally attracted the world's jet set because of its year-round good temperatures.
During the off-season months it's got its own little microclimate of warm weather. When it’s at its hottest - during July and August - there’s often a light breeze from the Mediterranean to take the edge off… perfect.
So, month by month what should you do - and wear - on a trip to Marbella?
January
Temperatures: The deepest darkest winter and perma-grey is what northern Europeans are used to during January. But bright blue skies and moderate temperatures of 17°C highs are the norm down in Marbella. January is the coldest of the months and has an average of 5 days of rainfall, but it definitely beats dark winter days up in northern Europe.
What to pack: It’s still winter, so either side of midday there’s a chill. If you’re visiting in January you might be wanting to take in some of the incredible historic sights southern Spain has to offer. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes as a whole day strolling round a fort complex like the Alcazaba in Malaga or the Albaycin area of Granada is punishing on the soles of your feet. Layers are key and a coat is necessary for January visits.
Great for… Golfers and culture vultures.
February
Temperatures: Average temperate highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C February can feel cold, certainly during the evening and early morning. When the sun rises, the sheer amount of light and largely blue skies is a tonic in itself.
What to pack: Much the same as January. Worth packing waterproof shoes as when it rains it really does rain. Rarely, though, does it rain for days and days in a row. But you might be unlucky enough to experience some rain during a stay in February.
Great for... Active travellers. Wind surfing, kite surfing, cyclists, hikers, cavers and even canyoning for those brave enough.
March
Temperatures: March in Marbella starts to touch on 20°C and high teens are reliable. Spring is in the air with flowers blooming.
What to pack: The big blue sky is there and lunch al fresco is possible. But you’re still in trousers and a coat.
Great for... Winter sun and those who want to get active. The coast is quieter but doesn't have an out-of-season vibe at all. If you want to hike the many mountainous routes, November to March is a great time to challenge yourself.
April
Temperatures: There are days in April where it feels almost warm enough to sunbathe. Temperatures can reach 21°C and drop to an average of 11°C. Often April showers do put in an appearance.
What to pack: Still pack layers and a mac is ideal for the chillier nights or the occasional rain shower. You'll find yourself pealing off the layers while sitting in the sun during lunch.
Great for… Culture. April sees Easter celebrations all around Spain; these huge processions are particularly famous in southern Spain. It's one of the 'Andalucian' experiences.
May
Temperatures: The temperatures certainly reach sunbathing heat, but the sea is still a little chilly – although that doesn’t stop many going for a swim. The mountains haven’t been scorched by the summer sun yet, so they’re lush and green. May is very much like October with temperatures hovering around 24°C.
What to pack: Time to wear summer dresses and shorts, but take a cover-up for the evenings.
Great for… Culture vultures, early summer birders and botanists. May in Marbella is a riot of colour and a wonderful month to explore Malaga province as a whole. The beaches are quiet and the sights are still not at capacity. May marks the start of the summer season for the beach clubs as their opening parties are held during this month.
June
Temperatures: Summer is here: June can see temperatures reach above 30°C and hit an average of 28°C.
What to pack: Your best beach attire, swimwear and cooler than cool evening dress. It’s summer clothes from now on until October.
Great for… Young families and empty-nesters. It’s hot but not too hot, so you’ll still have enough energy to do fun things, too. Pools and the sea can be enjoyed but earlier in the month they'll be chilly. San Juan is celebrated at the end of June with the longest day of the year. Coastal towns such as Marbella have parties on the beach and it’s the official start to the summer.
July & August
Temperatures: When July and August hits it’s easy to see why the siesta exists. The heat can be punishing and the best place for anyone is in a pool or on the beach.
Great for… Total rest and relaxation. If you’re wanting to flop and drop the height of summer is fabulous plus there’s nothing better than the feel of a Spanish town when the sun goes down in the summertime.
If FOMO gets the better of you and you want to sight-see or be active, very early mornings are an absolute must.
September
Temperatures: Average highs of 28°C mean that it's still beach and pool weather. The schools in Marbella tend to go back between the first and second week of September, so water parks close around this time but other theme parks stay open into the autumn.
What to pack: Summer threads still. It’s hot.
Great for… Families with preschool children. After the height of summer the residual heat flows into September and beach days, late nights and general summertime vibes still reign supreme.
October
Temperatures: Much like May the temperature drops in October to around 24°C. October often sees a bit of rain - not a lot, but there is rainfall. October is a great month for active tourism. You’d definitely want a villa with a heated pool from now until June.
What to pack: Clothes-wise you’re likely to be out of the height of summer attire. Pack shorts and light trousers, as well as layers and a light jacket as the evenings can start to become chilly.
Great for… Multi-gen families, golfers, hikers and culture vultures.
November & December
Temperatures: November sees average temperatures of 20°C, and December a little lower at 17°C.
What to pack: Winter clothes and an umbrella. The sky will likely be blue but until midday it can feel cool. A light-weight jumper can be worn during the day especially if you’re lunching in the sun. The umbrella is just in case.
Great for… Golfers, sightseers and northern Europeans who are wanting to escape the perma-grey.
Still can't decide which month is perfect for you? Check out our When to Visit Andalucia post for more tips on what to do during each month. If you'd like to look for availability, our Marbella villa pages can help you.
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[post_content] => Looking to get off the beaten track in Andalucia? We’ve scratched beneath the surface of this exciting, historic area of Spain, asked local experts and come up with a list of little-known things to see and do for our guide to hidden Andalucia...
Malaga Province
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Visit Malaga Cathedral's Roof
If the bird's eye view of the inside of the cathedral looks spectacular, then to cap it off you emerge outside with 360-degree rooftop views of Malaga.
[email protected]
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RELAX IN A HAMMAM
The top tip of Lindsay Gregory, Director of The Luxury Villa Collection: “Stroll around Malaga historic centre, take a hammam at Mammam Al Andalus and finish with cocktails at a rooftop bar.”
https://malaga.hammamalandalus.com/en/
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Meander in Antequera
A rather lovely town with a Moorish fortress complex and no fewer than 30 churches. Don’t miss having tapas in the impressive Plaza de los Escribanos.
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Visit Three 5000-year-old Dolmens
Just outside Antequera, these are some of the largest and most complete megalithic structures in Europe.
Museosdeandalucia.es
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Wonder at a 9TH Century Church – Bobastro
The ruins of a 9th-century church carved out of rock are the highlights of a larger fortified town complex. Anything 9th century and still standing is incredible in our books.
Granada Province
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Nose Around the Carmens of Granada's Albayzin
A house with a garden in the Albayzin (the oldest part of Granada city) is known as a Carmen. These Carmens look out towards the Alhambra Palace, often have wooden balconies, plant-filled patios, babbling water features and decorative tiles.
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Visit the Abbey of Sacromonte, Granada
This 17th-century abbey and college comes complete with holy caves/ancient catacombs. The view of Granada alone is worth the walk.
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Take a day trip to Alhama de Granada and its Natural Hot Springs
This village has stately houses gripping onto the edge of a gorge, cobbled streets and spa credentials. Our top tip is to escape the summer heat in Granada and visit Alhama – it has a unique microclimate where summer nights cool to a comfortable level.
Cadiz Province
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Find Out the Mysteries of the Island of Sancti Petri, San Fernando, Cadiz
Once part of several fortifications, the castle that sits on this tiny island dates back to the 13th century.
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Experience the Beautiful Light in Vejer de la Frontera
This pristine white village, sitting high on a rocky hilltop, really comes into its own at sunrise and dusk. Aside from the dramatic light, there are lovely boutique shops, great restaurants and, during the summer, look out for their candlelight festival.
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Surf and Sip in El Palmar
While it's got a great beach with some decent Atlantic surf, it’s the laidback-hip bar vibe in El Palmar that makes it stand out from other stretches of southern Spain's coast.
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HIRE A Private Chef
David, chef at De Tako's top tip is, “One of the best ways to experience a country is through its food and an even better way is to enjoy perfectly cooked food is in an incredible setting surrounded by friends". We entirely agree – hire a private chef at your villa for the ultimate in convenience.
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Taste Riotinto Beef
One of our top hidden foodie treats in Andalucia is delicious Retinto beef from Cadiz. Much is spoken about fried fish, olives and olive oil, jamón ibérico and Sherry but this meaty option is also a real gastro-standout.
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Take to the Sea – Dolphin Watch
Hire a boat and hit the sea - you’ll almost inevitably come across a pod of dolphins in the Mediterranean.
Seville Province
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Puerta de Macarena/Walls of Seville
This forgotten about 12th-century arched gateway and wall was the main entrance into Seville, and is certainly off the beaten path.
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Drink at a Bar Dedicated to Easter in Sevilla
You'll never have experienced a bar like Garlochí, a homage to Easter in Spain. All year round there's incense burning and procession music playing – they call it the cathedral of bars. Don’t miss their signature cocktail: Grenadine, whisky and Cava.
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Wild Swimming at Cascadas de Hueznar in Seville Province
There’s a succession of beautiful waterfalls running over some interesting limestone formations in Sierra Norte de Sevilla Nature Park.
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SEE LIVE MUSIC IN THE ALCAZAR PALACE
Fiona Flores Watson, Telegraph Travel Writer and Seville resident recommends: “The summer outdoor concerts held in the Alcazar Palace… a magical setting for live jazz, flamenco or classical music by moonlight.”
Alcazarsevilla.org
Cordoba Province
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Visit Highgarden, the Tyrell’s House in Game of Thrones
The castle of Castillo de Almodovar del Rio was built in 740. You can join theatrical tours, do some medieval combat training or spooky storytelling.
Castillodealmodovar.com
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TRAVEL TO EAT AT TRES CULTURAS
Manni Coe of Toma & Coe Tours' top tip is: “One of the most consistently excellent restaurants I know in Andalucia is located on a little-known street, in the little-known town of Lucena. It's called Tres Culturas and it's also a handy stop off en-route to Cordoba."
Tresculturasrestaurante.com
Jaen Province
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Marvel at the Castle of Iruela, Jaen
In the Sierra de Cazorla natural park this castle was built at the start of the 16th century. A beautiful monument in an even more beautiful part of the world.
Huelva Province
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Reconnect with Nature and See Autumn in Aracena
The colours of autumn over the vast landscape of rural Huelva is the perfect way to disconnect. Local people flock here to experience the change of the season.
Almeria Province
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Genoveses beacH in Cabo de Gata, Almeria
This breath-taking beach near the charming village of San Jose feels like another world.
A bit of a cheat but do a tour…
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See Andalucia through its Bullrings
Our top 5 are: Most unusual is in Segura de la Sierra in Jaen province: this square bullring is the old courtyard of a castle and was built in the 18th century. Ronda bullring is the second oldest and the biggest. Seville bullring is the oldest; Antequera's is famed for appearing in Madonna’s Take a Bow video; Mijas has spectacular views and is simply charming. Archidona usually erects a bullring inside its eight-sided main square during the summer season.
Like this and want to know more about visiting southern Spain? Check out our 50 things to do in Andalucia and our guide to the five best cities to visit in Andalucia
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Hidden Andalucia
Looking to get off the beaten track in Andalucia? We’ve scratched beneath the surface of this exciting, historic area of Spain, asked local experts and come up with a list of little-known things to…