If you come from more northerly parts, you’ll know what ‘real’ winter is. Thankfully, winter in Marbella is very different and you won’t experience subzero temperatures or snowdrifts, at least not down on the coast. Marbella enjoys a mild winter with many days of bright sunshine and occasional rain. It is possible to still spend much of the time outdoors, and when you feel that you’re missing the snow and the cold, you only have to drive for about two hours to the Sierra Nevada ski resort and have both. That in a nutshell is why so many people over the years have bought properties in Marbella—so they can make the most of a warmer winter.
It is often more comfortable to play golf or tennis during the winter season. There are plenty of golf courses in the Marbella area, including Los Naranjos, Royal Las Brisas, Guadalmina and Rio Real. In addition to good racquet clubs like Manolo Santana or Puente Romano where Spain stage several Davis Cup clashes, many urbanisations have their own tennis and padel courts, so winter is an excellent time to learn the Spanish game of padel, which many find easier than tennis.
As pointed out earlier, although you are most unlikely to see snowfall in Marbella, there is plenty of it in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada near Granada, where the ski resort is a popular weekend destination for Marbellís wanting to ski, snowboard or just enjoy the alpine scenery. It has slopes for all levels and abilities and you can hire equipment and book classes at the resort. The Sierra Nevada also provides excellent facilities for families with small children, including a crèche and a magical Winter Garden where the younger ones can practice on very gentle slopes in complete safety.
Winter is also a great time to explore the countryside. You could try a hot air balloon ride or take one of the numerous buggy or jeep safaris in the hills behind Marbella, where you will have the opportunity to see wild deer, boars, and ibex. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting the area’s large birds of prey, such as a Golden Eagle, a Bonelli’s Eagle, Peregrines, Merlins and Vulture species.
Marbella is definitely not just a summer destination. It also offers a wonderful retreat rich in winter sun without having to travel halfway around the world. Talk to the team at Callum Swan and we’ll show you the best winter residences on the coast.
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