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Are you planning on visiting Malaga, Spain, in December? The idea of taking a holiday to this sunny place is usually associated with the summer, but don’t rule out the idea of going in December.
During the holidays, Malaga is a unique place to be because of its mild weather and happy atmosphere. There are many reasons to visit Malaga in December, whether relaxing on the beach or learning about the city’s rich culture and traditions.
Malaga is a beautiful city on the coast that you can visit during the winter. The city is located on the southern coast of Spain, in the region of Andalusia.
As the holidays start in December and the weather gets cooler, many travellers wonder if this Andalusian gem is still worth visiting.
While it’s cold outside, Malaga is a unique destination to visit in the winter, thanks to its warm weather, lively atmosphere, cultural sites, and tasty food.
In this post, I will talk about the great things about Malaga that make it a great place to visit in December. Read on to learn what to do in Malaga during the winter.
Is it worth visiting Malaga in December?
Of course! Malaga might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winter getaways in December around Europe. This lively city on the sunny coast has its own unique charm in December.
There are many great things about going to Malaga in December, from the nice weather and fewer crowds to the holiday traditions and cultural experiences. Let’s see if this Spanish gem is a good destination for a winter holiday.
Fabulous Reasons for Visiting Malaga in December
Reason # 1: (Visiting Malaga in December) -Mild Weather
While much of Europe experiences chilly temperatures and snowfall in December, Malaga boasts mild and pleasant weather throughout the year. With average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 17°C (63°F), you can enjoy exploring the city comfortably without having to bundle up heavily.
Due to its location, Malaga has mild winters because it is nestled between mountains. So, it’s a comfortable place to be without being too cold; the temperature usually stays around 17°C. Even though it rains and winds sometimes, the mild weather makes winter visits pleasant.
I live in London, and while we were in Malaga in January, we took trips to other cities. We came through Amsterdam because we had a few days there. I remember how happy and surprised I was by how warm it was when we got out of the airport.
It was mid-morning when we got there, and the weather was perfect. There was sunshine everywhere, and both locals and tourists, most of whom looked like they were from Western Europe, were smiling and laughing.
Honestly, it felt like spring or early summer in London because the sun warmed the air to a high of 23–24 °C.
Reason # 2: (Visiting Malaga in December) Fewer Crowds
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Malaga in December is avoiding the large tourist crowds that flock here during peak seasons.
You’ll have more space to leisurely explore popular attractions such as the Alcazaba Fortress, the Castillo de Gibralfaro, or the Picasso Museum without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
While visiting well-known sights, we really enjoyed ourselves. The relaxed atmosphere made it easier to get into the sights and learn about their history.
If you want to see great views of the city, you should definitely go to the Castillo de Gibralfaro. Just remember to bring comfortable shoes because the path up is pretty steep.
Reason # 3: (Visiting Malaga in December) Festive Atmosphere
Malaga embraces the holiday spirit with open arms during December! Like most European cities at this time of year, the streets are lit up with bright Christmas lights, there are bright decorations on every corner, and busy markets are full of holiday treats.
Don’t miss the grand lighting ceremony, during which Calle Larios becomes a magical land.
Calle Larios is the centre of the celebrations that begin with the Malaga Grand Illumination Ceremony. Along the street during Christmas, beautiful four-meter-tall angels stand guard.
We were sad we missed the grand illumination because we went in mid-January, right after the Christmas decorations were taken down.
It’s still a must-see street in Malaga, even when it’s not decorated for Christmas. So, if you want to see the ceremony, the best time to visit Malaga in the winter is between December and early January.
Reason # 4: (Visiting Malaga in December) -Cultural Experiences
Visiting Malaga in December means many festivals and cultural events that show off the best of Andalusian traditions. See the captivating flam.
BOOK SHOWS AND MUSICAL HERE!
Why visiting Malaga in December is a great time to visit
The peak of visiting Malaga in December
As briefly mentioned, one of the good things about going to Malaga in December is that fewer people will be there.
Many people, particularly Europeans, plan trips to Spain for their summer holidays. If you’ve been on holiday in Europe during the busy seasons, you may already know how crowded it can get.
And I don’t know if it’s just me, but the crowds can make summers in southern Europe unbearable and less satisfying.
So, if you want a fantastic Spanish holiday without too many people, the best time to go to Malaga is in December or winter (December to February).
Why Come to Malaga in Winter?
Apart from fewer crowds, visiting Malaga off-peak offers better, cheaper, and more accommodation and everything else. We paid less than £50 for two people to fly to Malaga.
Quick Travel Tips for Malaga:
✈️ Find Cheap Seasonal Deals / Flights: Many popular flight booking sites, like Skyscanner or Google Flights, let you look at different prices and compare them. But you can also book directly on Expedia to get a great deal during the right time of year.
🚕 Cheap Airport Transfer: Private transfers from Malaga Airport to ANY location in Malaga and the Costa del Sol region. You can choose from different classes, such as economy and comfort when you pre-book.
Their economy class is less than £30, which is perfect for families on a budget because it covers up to six people. Besides that, they also offer customised trips without the crowds.
🛏 The Best Cheap Places to Stay in Malaga: The H-A Hotel Trebol. This modern townhouse is in a great spot in the middle of Málaga and doesn’t cost much money. It’s just off the famous main street, close to Calle Marques de Larios.
FIND MORE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS HERE! ⤵
Things to Do in Malaga in Winter
Malaga is a great place to visit in the winter because it is less crowded and the weather is nice. Not only that, but Malaga has a lot to offer year-round. Most of these things are even better in the winter.
Even though it’s known for its sunny beaches and warm weather, this lively Spanish city has many things to do that make it a great place to visit even when it’s cold outside.
Malaga has its own unique charm in the winter that can make your trip more enjoyable. The following are some of the best things to do and tours you might be interested in in Malaga:
Top activities to do in Malaga:
● Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Bus
● Catamaran Sailing Trip with Sunset Option
● Museo Picasso Málaga Entry Ticket
Explore other winter cities in Spain or look at more tours and attractions in Malaga here. Most tours and activities in Malaga can be done at any time of the year.
Winter in Malaga: Top Sites You Can’t Miss!
Malaga is a city that offers everything you could possibly want, whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply a beautiful place to watch a breathtaking sunset.
Here are some things you can do and experience:
Malaga Cathedral
If you have been to Barcelona and seen the Sagrada Familia, you know Spain has some of the world’s most beautiful and historically significant cathedrals.
Malaga Cathedral is no different. It is a basilica major and a famous landmark in Spain. It is right in the centre of Malaga.
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Trust me, it’s hard to miss! This building is a one-of-a-kind mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and neoclassical styles. It took over 100 years to build the cathedral, which was finally done in 1884.
Many people came to see the beauty inside because it was a masterpiece of its time. The Malaga Cathedral is a great place to visit overall.
OPENING HOURS:
Mon – Fri: 10.00 – 20.00
Saturdays 10.00 – 18.00
Sundays 14.00 – 18.00
Sunday morning service 10.00
ENTRANCE:
Entrance to the Cathedral and Museum costs 8.00 euros.
Reduced rate: 6.00 euro
Children: 3.00 euro
PRO TIP: It is best to go on a Sunday because there aren’t many people and the lines aren’t long. This makes it easy to enjoy the beauty, especially inside.
FIND MORE INFO! ⤵️
The Castle of Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba
When looking for winter things to do in Malaga, Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba came up as two of the best options.
But it can be hard to tell the difference between these two if you don’t know what it is. That being said, you may wonder, like I did, if the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro are linked.
To help you understand the difference and put it at the top of your list, here is a simple difference between them:
● Different Structures: The Alcazaba is a gorgeously well-preserved Moorish fortress that stands tall over the city. It is a historical fortress with walls that protect it and gardens, palaces, and gates.
You can read it here!
Interconnection: There is a walled corridor connecting the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro. The Castle of Gibralfaro is on top of the Gibralfaro mountain.
It was built in the 1400s and isn’t as well preserved, but it has incredible city views and was historically used for military purposes.
The beautiful views will not disappoint you that much, I can promise! The steep walk up there is worth it!
● Differences: The Gibralfaro Castle is more of a fortress with historical significance and spectacular views of Malaga. The Alcazaba is better preserved and has more intricate architecture.
Overall, most people think that the Alcazaba is more important and better preserved as an architectural landmark than the Gibralfaro Castle.
Exploring Malaga in Winter: Savouring Delicious Tapas
Many people love Malaga in the summer for its sunny beaches and lively atmosphere, but this charming Spanish city also has a lot to offer in the winter.
Enjoying the rich tapas dishes doesn’t have to stop when it gets colder. As it turns out, winter is the perfect time to enjoy tasty tapas dishes that warm your heart and soul.
Here are some great places to eat tapas and fun things to do in Malaga during the winter.
Malaga in Winter: Traditional tapas bars with a cosy feel
As the weather gets cooler, go to one of Malaga’s traditional tapas bars to warm up. These cosy spots are filled with warmth and charm, making them perfect places to enjoy tasty snacks and meet other people in the area.
Go to El Pimpi, La Campana, or Mesón Mariano. They are all known for their delicious tapas menus with dishes like grilled octopus, patatas bravas, anchovies, and meatballs from the area.
PRO TIP:The Spanish are known for having a great time at night. That's why most restaurants will be closed during the day and very busy at night. Don't be surprised by this! 😅
In Winter, Explore Malaga on a Beautiful Road Trip
A road trip from Malaga is one of the best ways to find the area’s hidden gems. Choose a day, buckle up, and get ready for a winter adventure where you can see beautiful scenery, visit charming towns, learn about history, and enjoy tasty treats from the area!
Visit Marbella – The City of Luxury Lifestyle
You should start your road trip by going to Marbella, Spain. It is a beautiful, high-class city in Nueva Andalucia.
Rich people worldwide come to the city to enjoy its beaches, beach clubs, and lively nightlife. Don’t let this stop you from going, though.
Therefore, I hesitated to go because I thought we would feel out of place. The city is known for its high-class lifestyle, but it also has some historic sites, like the old town, which is full of beautiful works of art.
It was a lot of fun to look around the city. We had lunch near the city centre and ended the day at Puerto Banus.
Malaga in winter
Puerto Banus is a lovely high-end shopping centre in southwest of Marbella. It is full of high-end shops and luxury boutiques. This part of Marbella is pretty pricey, so if you’re on a tight budget like us, I wouldn’t suggest having dinner or drinks here.
You can, however, take a walk along the port and enjoy the view. That’s precisely what we did before returning to the station to wait for our bus to take us back to Malaga.
PRO TIP: There are no direct trains from Malaga to Marbella, so the best way to get there is taking a bus or hiring a car.
Check out other day trips from Malaga!
The Verdict on Visiting Malaga in December
If you’re looking for a unique holiday spot with fewer people, Malaga in December can be a great choice. Even though it is more relaxed, the city still has a lot of sunshine and fun things to do outside.
The city is already vivacious, but the holiday spirit, beautifully decorated streets, and many Christmas markets make it even more charming.
Also, prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists, so it’s a great time to visit popular spots like the Alcazaba or try local food without spending much money.
Whether you want to get away for a cultural trip or to enjoy some winter sun, Malaga in December or any other winter month is a great place to visit.
I hope I made you want to visit! Malaga is a city in Spain that I would like to see again when I’m in Andalucia.
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