5 Things to Explore this Winter on the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and it is no surprise that the region continues to welcome record-breaking figures of tourists each year (over 17 million in 2017 alone). Andalucia has experienced exponential growth in demand for residential property over the past two years, a resurgence in government funding to improve infrastructure, as well as an increase in investments in commercial real estate, including plans to build the largest shopping and leisure centre on the Mediterranean in Torremolinos.

While the Costa del Sol is widely known for being a popular summer destination, the region has so much to offer year-round and huge efforts have been made particularly in recent years to further extend its cultural offerings. Here is a non-extensive list of things to explore during the quieter winter months on the Costa del Sol:

1) Art

Andalucia is steeped in art historical importance being the home region of such famous artists like Velazquez and Picasso, and the substantial quantity of institutions, both old and new, are a testament to the region’s colourful cultural legacy. Whether you are interested in archaeology, wine, flamenco or automobiles, or have a penchant for 19th century painting or contemporary art, there is a museum or gallery to suit you.

In Malaga, we highly recommend the Picasso Museum, Pompidou Centre and Carmen Thyssen Museum. Situated in the heart of the city, the Picasso Museum holds over two hundred and thirty works by the world renowned artist as well as a variety of music concerts and cultural programmes.

The Pompidou Centre is the first pop-up Pompidou outside of France and after opening in 2015 quickly became a much-loved landmark on the cities newly refurbished port. The centre exhibits over 80 works by substantially recognised international masters such as Francis Bacon, Frida Kahlo and Rene Magritte and also features a changing programme of new exhibitions.

The Carmen Thyssen Museum also offers an impressive calendar of changing exhibitions and retrospectives of both modern and contemporary national and international artists, on par with the most renowned museums in major cultural cities across the globe.

2) Food

The tastes, textures and fragrances of traditional Andalucían cuisine can be experienced in such a variety of forms and contexts along the Costa del Sol. Tapas are served in bars and restaurants in every town and small 'ventas', road side cafes or bars, are often family-run and therefore very individual and worth exploring. Many coveted sea front restaurants or 'chiringuitos' also stay open during the winter months and serve the very best in traditional Andalucían meat and seafood dishes at reasonable prices. Here is a list of our top picks for Restaurants with the Best Views in Malaga.

Andalucia is also particularly growing in recognition as a region in Spain with top-class gastronomic offerings, with four Michelin Star establishments in Marbella alone and a brand new highly anticipated Nobu Restaurant in Puente Romano.

3) Golf

Affectionately referred to by many as 'Costa del Golf', the region draws thousands of enthusiasts of the game each year, particularly during the milder winter months.

There are over 90 golf courses on the Costa del Sol and golfing resorts located in Andalucia, of which around 60 are located on the Costa del Sol, four of which are ranked in the top 10 in Europe. Some of the most prestigious courses located along this famous stretch of coastline include the highly rated Valderrama Golf Club, the San Roque Golf Club, La Reserva and Los Naranjos. A large quantity of properties along the Costa del Sol are located in prime positions alongside beautifully maintained golf courses.

4) Wintersports

Temperatures on the Costa del Sol average between 13 and 20 degrees between October and February but by the end of November, a nearby snowy mountaintop will indicate the beginning of the skiing season for many. Located just 2-3 hours drive away from Marbella, the peaks of Sierra Nevada (Spanish for snowy mountain) in Granada are an amazing contrast to the famous sunny coastline, with a capacity for over 30,000 skiers per hour and the greatest skiable vertical slope in the country. Sierra Nevada is Europe’s most southern ski resort and has 105km (70 mi) of alpine skiing runs, a total of 115 - 16 Green, 40 Blue, 50 Red, and 9 Black that can be reached by the various chairlifts, cable cars or t-bar lifts.

For adrenaline junkies, Andalucía also offers an array of other options as diverse as hiking to mountain biking and white-water rafting.

5) Health & Wellness

People who live and visit the Costa del Sol have a variety of opportunities to enjoy its diverse landscape year-round. Ways to stay fit and healthy are varied and numbered, easily accessible and free. Long stretches of beaches are perfect for walking or running, and the surrounding mountainous countryside offers hiking, cycling and mountain-biking routes. The region is also home to a huge variety of extremely high calibre health and wellness centres and luxury spas. Here is a list of our top 5 Luxury Spas on the Costa del Sol.

6) Find a Property with Domus Venari

If you are looking to relocate or invest in a holiday home on the Costa del Sol, Domus Venari can help you at every step of the way. Contact one of our property specialistsfor assistance in your language and we will source the property that meets your individual needs and desires. We can also organize a viewing trip down to the Costa del Sol so that you can view the properties in person and gain a better understanding of what each location has to offer.