10 Things to Do in Marbella in Winter

Winter in Marbella hides many entertaining activities that you will love. Experience the coldest time of the year in the coolest area of the Costa del Sol.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

10 Things to Do in Marbella in Winter

Marbella Spyglass | Juanjo

Among the best things to do in Marbella are the winter activities. Not everything is beach, sun and sand in this beautiful city. There are other things you can enjoy when you visit Marbella. Among them are indoor activities.

That is why I recommend you to go on gastronomic tours and attend private shows. Other outdoor activities include hiking and biking. During traditional celebrations such as Christmas or carnival you can also go out and enjoy with the locals, no matter if it is winter or not. Are you up for it?

1. Walking or cycling on the Paseo Marítimo in Marbella

Marbella Promenade| ©Javier Vinals
Marbella Promenade| ©Javier Vinals

The best tours you can get in Marbella are on foot or by bike. During the winter it is not very advisable to swim in the beaches of Marbella. Temperatures can be very high some days, so my recommendation is a walk along the Paseo Marítimo of Marbella.

If you like hiking, I invite you to put on your sports clothes and your most comfortable shoes. This way you can walk the 15 kilometers that make up the Paseo Marítimo. There you will be able to breathe the smell of the sea and enjoy a beautiful view. Get ready to receive the breeze on your face and relax in the morning or in the afternoon.

Another way to ride along the Paseo Marítimo is to rent a bicycle in Marbella. You don't have to be an expert cyclist to ride, it's just about enjoying the scenery and the atmosphere. Besides with the bike you can make the tour a little faster and then continue exploring Marbella.

In case you do not know how to ride a bike you can also rent an e-bike and even electric scooters. There are many options to choose from to have a great time with activities as simple as a tour along the Paseo Marítimo.

Interesting details

  • Price: renting a bike has an average cost of 15 €.
  • Duration: you can rent a bike for 1 hour or longer.
  • Means of transport: in this type of companies you will find bicycles, e-bikes and electric scooters.

Rent a bike in Marbella

2. See a flamenco show if the weather is too cold

Flamenco dancer| ©Kazuo ota
Flamenco dancer| ©Kazuo ota

Indoor private events are also a good option during the winter. Although infrequent, it may rain one day while visiting Marbella in the winter months.

Flamenco is a beloved musical tradition in Andalusia, especially in its ports. When you are in Marbella I invite you to see a flamenco show before you leave. You will be able to see how the artists mix and mingle to demonstrate their artistic skills in song and dance.

Also, if you are looking for things to do in Marbella at night, these events are the best option. Although the artists plan their performances, they often give themselves permission to improvise. This is why it is said that all shows are unique and unrepeatable.

If you have already decided to go to one of these shows, keep in mind that there are many places in the city that you can visit. One of them is The Farm, where you can go inside and spend an amazing night drinking your favorite drink and watching a free flamenco show. Another popular option is Taberna El Bordón Marbella.

3. Take a private wine and tapas tour in Ronda from Marbella

Wine and tapas| ©Racool_studio
Wine and tapas| ©Racool_studio

If you are interested in sampling the gastronomy of Marbella, I recommend booking a tapas adventure in Marbella. These types of tours are done on foot through the old town. It is ideal when temperatures are cooler as all stops are made in four closed bars or restaurants.

With a tapas tour in Marbella you will appreciate the cobblestone streets and your guide will tell you the history and curious facts of this city. In addition, you can be part of a Marbella tradition. Tapas is a traditional Spanish appetizer served with a drink. This can be a good wine, craft beer or whatever you prefer.

This tour can be done with a group of maximum 10 people and accompanied by a local guide. If you do this you will not have to research which bars to go to, as your guide will take you directly to the best places. However, if you want to do the tour on your own, I recommend doing a little research before setting out.

My recommendation is to head to the alley located between Plaza de la Victoria and Fortaleza Street. There you will see authentic tapas bars, such as Bar el Estrecho and Taberna Tierraranda. You can also go to Pantaleón Street and enter the bar that catches your attention.

Interesting details

  • Price: the guided tapas tour has an average cost of 80 €.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: walking tour.

Book a tapas adventure in Marbella

4. Celebrate Christmas in Marbella

Christmas lights in Marbella| ©Hernán Piñera
Christmas lights in Marbella| ©Hernán Piñera

Among the things you can do with children in Marbella, especially in December, the celebration of Christmas stands out. In Marbella you will get many activities and one of them is to appreciate the carol singing in the Old Town. Sometimes there is a contest organized by the Association of Traders and Professionals of the Old Town of Marbella.

I also recommend you to walk through that area of the city to see the Christmas lights. Of all Andalusia this part of Marbella is the one that usually has the best decoration. Also, thanks to the fact that the temperatures here are not extreme, you can wear a relaxed outfit without heavy coats.

Another plan you should include is a Christmas dinner in one of the hotels or restaurants in Marbella. There you can enjoy typical Andalusian dishes for this time of the year. Among them are grilled prawns, stuffed eggs, clams, vichyssoise and the incomparable stuffed turkey.

5. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Marbella

Facade of the town hall| ©Ayuntamiento de Marbella
Facade of the town hall| ©Ayuntamiento de Marbella

Just as you can celebrate Christmas in Marbella, you can celebrate New Year's Eve and welcome the New Year. As the city is very small, it will be easy to be part of the celebration of the locals. If you like the idea, I recommend you to go to Plaza de los Naranjos in the center of the city. This is a meeting point where locals traditionally gather on this date.

I recommend you to go at least one hour before with your bottle of cava or a bunch of 12 grapes. This way you can participate in a local custom and make your New Year's wishes. You will be accompanied by live music and locals who, like you, are anxiously watching the City Hall clock.

Before this activity you can have dinner at one of the restaurants near this meeting point. In addition to a delicious dinner, you can try hot chocolate and churros for a snack. In case you prefer a more intimate and relaxed plan, I recommend you to dine in a fancy restaurant or club.

Olivia Valere is a beach club where you can spend an unforgettable night. Their classic New Year's Eve dinners usually include meals such as truffles, carpaccio and lamb. Another option is to stay at a luxurious hotel like the Marbella Club. Usually during this time they offer promotions that include a party and a Christmas dinner.

6. Celebrate Three Kings Day

Three Kings Cavalcade| ©David Álvarez López
Three Kings Cavalcade| ©David Álvarez López

On January 6, as in the rest of Spain and other countries, the day of the Three Kings is celebrated. If you are in Marbella I invite you to participate in this celebration. The main activity is the procession of the Three Wise Men through the streets of the city. These costumed people throw candy to the audience and hand out blessings.

This activity is better known as the Three Wise Men Parade. This event is organized by the City Hall and can change every year. Sometimes the kings go around the city as I mentioned before. However, in other editions a static exhibition is prepared.

In those cases I recommend you to go to the site of the event. There you will be able to see the decorated floats and the Three Kings. These activities usually start at 11 am and last until 9 pm. Please note that to see these decorations you must book your appointment in advance.

7. Enjoy the carnival in Marbella

Carnival| ©Hush Naidoo Jade Photography
Carnival| ©Hush Naidoo Jade Photography

Carnival is a celebration that takes place at the end of February, although the date usually varies slightly from year to year. In Marbella this date also means saying goodbye to winter. If you want to be part of this celebration keep in mind that you will see many locals and tourists in the streets. Also, music and dance groups will be a common sight.

The activities you can participate in are organized by the Marbella Town Hall. The celebrations extend over several days. Among the things you are likely to see are the presentation of the Dios Momo and the performance of different comparsas. These and other events are held at the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella and you need to look for your ticket at the box office to get in.

Also, in some squares there are bouncy castles and different food stalls courtesy of the Asociación Cultural Carnavalesca. This is ideal for children and their parents to have fun and eat something delicious. Another event you will love is the Carnival Carousel. This is a set of floats that go all over the city.

Without a doubt this celebration is full of joy and fun decorations. When you go to Marbella be sure to prepare your camera to take the best pictures. You will not regret participating in all the events and activities that take place in Marbella.

8. Visiting museums in Marbella

Ralli Museum Marbella| ©Museo Ralli Marbella
Ralli Museum Marbella| ©Museo Ralli Marbella

Although in Marbella you can stroll quietly during the winter, in the slightly colder or rainy days it is better to go to a museum and thus take shelter from the cold. Fortunately, this city has several options that you can enjoy. That is why I recommend you to make a list of the museums you like the most to visit while you are in this city.

My first recommendation is the Ralli Marbella Museum. This is the only one of the five Ralli museums located in Europe. Here you will find valuable pieces of Latin American art. You can also visit the Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo, where you will discover beautiful exhibitions of contemporary Spanish art.

The Fred Friedrich Museum is another interesting option in the city where you will see avant-garde works of art. If you want to explore beyond Marbella, less than half an hour from the city, you will find the Museo del Molino. In this museum you will learn about the production of brandy in the municipality of Ojen, where the museum is located. Do you dare to discover them?

9. Visit the nightclubs in Marbella

Discotheque ball| ©Dustin Tramel
Discotheque ball| ©Dustin Tramel

As I told you at the beginning, the activities in closed places are ideal during the winter. That's why you can't miss to visit the discotheques in Marbella. The nightlife of this city is known worldwide and in winter too. Although during those months the tourist affluence is much lower, it is still an activity that you can include in your visit.

Some nightclubs in Marbella offer luxury parties where you can even see celebrities and celebrities. You can go to discos like Pangea, where you will not only enjoy the music and dancing, but also the beautiful view of the sea. If you want to party with a good DJ I recommend you to visit Aqwa Mist.

Think very well what kind of party you would like to attend since some venues also offer a VIP area. You will find nightclubs that even have Jacuzzis. The list of places you can go to is very extensive. Some of them are Seven Puerto Banus, La Clave Discoteca Latina and La Suite Marbella.

10. A night of karaoke in Marbella

Karaoke| ©Abstral Official
Karaoke| ©Abstral Official

If you don't want to spend the night in a discotheque and you don't want to be cold, I recommend you to spend a karaoke night in Marbella. This is an ideal activity especially if you go with friends and want to spend a different time. One of the most famous places for this activity is Crystal's Karaoke, located in Puerto Banus.

In this place you can spend the whole night singing until 4 am, very close to the sea. However, I recommend you to take into account that you must book a table in advance. Otherwise you may be left without a comfortable table for you and your companions.

Other equally good options are Rolling bar Karaoke and Azabache Karaoke Bar. In these places, besides singing, they also allow you to drink a good wine and a beer, along with some delicious tapas. It is a simple but entertaining plan that you will surely love.

How is the influx of tourists in Marbella in winter and how are their prices?

Marbella Old Town| ©Lynn Vdbr
Marbella Old Town| ©Lynn Vdbr

The lowest season in Marbella is precisely during the winter months. From December until early March the locals and streets are less busy. This makes you notice more calm, but does not mean that it is a boring destination.

The main reason for this is that the water on the beaches is much colder during these months. That is why activities such as water sports, beach parties or boat rides are not usually done, especially during the colder months. However, Marbella is still a good tourist destination.

I recommend you to visit this city because, as the affluence is lower, prices go down, precisely to attract more tourists. Staying in a hotel or even taking a flight to Marbella is much cheaper than in other months of the year. That is why I recommend you to visit this city at this time of the year.

How is the weather in Marbella in winter?

Winter on the beach| ©Dan_Park
Winter on the beach| ©Dan_Park

During the winter months the temperatures in Marbella vary between 11 °C and 17 °C. This is the coldest season of the year, yet it is still very warm. In fact, many Spaniards prefer to spend the winter in this city to take shelter from the cold.

Despite being a warm winter, there can be different rains, so it is best to be prepared for that. In these months you can walk and walk normally without having to dress warmly. However, I do not recommend swimming in the beaches because the water feels much colder, but nothing prevents you from enjoying the breeze, although it may cool you more than necessary.