20 Best Things To Do in Malaga in Winter

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If you’re craving some winter sun in Europe, Malaga is a great choice, with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year.

Many people choose to visit Malaga during the hot summer months, but visiting Malaga in winter gives you a golden opportunity to explore the beaches, hiking trails and pretty Andalucian villages without the crowds.

I have visited Malaga four times in the winter months and found that there are plenty of things to do in Malaga during the winter, even if you only have one day in Malaga.

So read on for the best places to visit, including things to do when it rains, the best places to stay and the best places to eat to ensure you make the most of your winter sun break on the Costa del Sol.

What To Do in Malaga in Winter

1. Visit the Picasso Museums in Malaga

The legendary artist, Pablo Picasso, was born in Malaga and spent the first few years of his life there. Whether it’s a cloudy day and you want to be inside, or whether you just fancy enjoying some culture, the Picasso museums in Malaga are a great way to spend a few hours.

We visited the Museo Casa Natal Picasso in December, which is the birthplace of Picasso, and we found the exhibition to be really informative and interesting. Inside this museum, you can see many of his early sketches and paintings and information about his family and his life after leaving Malaga.

This Museo Casa Natal Picasso is right on the corner of the beautiful Plaza de la Merced, which is also worth a visit. While visiting the Museo Casa Natal Picasso, don’t forget to check out their exhibition space at 13 Plaza de la Merced, just a few steps away from the Museo Casa Natal Picasso.

Tickets include both exhibitions and only cost €3, which I thought was fantastic. You can book tickets here.

The museum is free for everyone on Sundays from 16.00 to 20.00. There are also special days throughout the year when admission is free. The dates can be found on the official Museo Casa Natal Picasso website.

The other Picasso museum, just a short distance away, is Museo Picasso Malaga, which costs €13 to visit.

2. Visit the Alcazaba in Malaga

One of my favourite things about Andalucía is its Moorish and Arabic history. You can see the Arabic influence throughout the region, from the famous Alhambra in Granada to the Alcazaba in Malaga.

The Alcazaba in Malaga is a much smaller and less prettier version of Granada’s Alhambra. Entrance to the Alcazaba only costs €7, or €10 when combined with Gibralfaro Castle, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

You can take an audio guide to learn more about the Alcazaba or scan a QR code on your phone for more information.

After entering and purchasing a ticket, you can follow the pathway upwards between the fortified walls until you reach the Nasrid Palace at the top. The views over the city and port are outstanding. On one side, you can overlook the Roman amphitheatre; on the other, you overlook the port of Malaga and the ocean.

We spent about 1 hour exploring the Alcazaba and enjoying the views. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon if it’s cloudy or windy. The majority of the Alcazaba is outside with no roof, so this wouldn’t be a great activity to do on a rainy day.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Alcazaba and Roman Theatre, you can book a guided tour, which includes ticket entry.

Budget tip: Entrance to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle is free on Sunday afternoons from 2 pm.

3. Enjoy the Views From Gibralfaro Castle

If you’re planning a visit to the Alcazaba, you can get a joint ticket for €10 to enter Gibralfaro Castle within 48 hours of your visit to the Alcazaba.

Gibralfaro Castle was designed to protect the Alcazaba from enemy attack and provides spectacular views over the city. I really enjoyed seeing the city and the distant mountains on one side, and the bullring and the ocean on the other.

The most popular way to access Gibralfaro Castle is via La Coracha. Book tickets for Gibralfaro Castle here.

4. Visit Less Crowded Beaches

One of the best things about visiting Malaga in the winter is the lack of other tourists. In the summer, Malaga and the surrounding resorts become very crowded and extremely hot.

In the winter, there are far fewer tourists, so you get to explore the city and surrounding areas in a more leisurely way.

This also means quieter beaches. Even though the weather was sunny and 17-23°C most days, the beaches were mostly empty except for a few sunseekers and swimmers.

The beaches in Malaga and along the coast are beautiful, with calm waves and sandy shores. While most of the beaches are touristy, lined with tourist bars and restaurants selling overpriced food, you can find some quieter beaches away from the large towns. One of my favourites was Playa de Calahonda, near Marbella.

If adventure is more what you crave, you could book a parasailing flight in Fuengirola, just outside Malaga.

5. Take a Walking Tour

Malaga’s City Centre has so much history. You can enjoy the beautiful buildings on a self-guided tour, or you can book a walking tour to learn more about the city. The guides are usually locals who are passionate about their country and can provide recommendations for the best places to eat, drink and explore.

I can highly recommend booking one of the best tours in Malaga via GuruWalk, a free 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Malaga Centro Historico. Or you can book a more in-depth walking tour with a tour of the cathedral too.

6. Book a Tapas Tour

Spain is famous for its food, and it’s especially good in Andalucía. From tapas to paella, there’s so much to try and what better way to do so than being guided around the city on a tapas tour?

I booked the Malaga Tapas Tour with Spain Food Sherpas. I had previously been on their Food Tour of Granada and loved it, so I couldn’t wait to experience their Malaga tour.

The tour guide took us to some of the city’s best places to eat and drink – places we would probably not have visited otherwise. I tried dishes I wouldn’t normally order, so I was able to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. It’s also a great activity to do if you’re exploring Malaga solo.

Book tickets for Spain Food Sherpas’ Malaga Tapas Tour here.

7. Take a Cooking Class

It’s one thing to eat the local food, but another thing entirely to learn how to cook it so you can enjoy the taste of Spain at home! Booking a cooking class with Spain Food Sherpas is one of the best things to do in Malaga in winter.

I booked a paella cooking class with my dad, and we both really enjoyed it. Even though I cook regularly at home, I learnt so much from the professional chef and tour guide. It was very interesting learning about the culture and various cooking methods.

We learnt how to make sangria, gazpacho (cold soup), paella and churros and enjoyed eating and drinking them all at the end!

You can book tickets for Spain Food Sherpas Cooking Classes here.

8. Book a Flamenco Show – Teatro Flamenco Málaga

Flamenco dancing originated in Andalucía, so there’s no better place to see an authentic flamenco show. Booking a flamenco show is one of the best things to do in Malaga in winter because it’s indoors and provides you with something to do in the evening when it’s cooler outside.

Many flamenco shows in Malaga and Marbella offer dinner for an extra cost, or you can simply order a drink before the show starts.

I highly recommend booking tickets with Teatro Flamenco Malaga, which is located right in the heart of the Centro Historico. The show lasts for 60 minutes and includes a range of dancers, singers and Spanish guitar musicians.

We opted for the ticket which included a drink before the show. On arrival, we received a drink token, which we exchanged for drinks at the bar.

The show was absolutely fantastic and felt incredibly intimate as we were seated very close to the dancers. Flamenco always feels incredibly emotive to me, as the dance holds so much passion.

This is such a great thing to do in the winter in Malaga!

9. Take a Day Trip to Ronda, Nerja, Estepona or Gibraltar

If you’re staying in or near Malaga, there are so many beautiful places that you can visit for a day trip. You can visit the stunning town of Ronda or nearby Nerja, or you can even book a day trip to Gibraltar.

If you have hired a car, you can travel on a self-guided day trip. If not, there are plenty of day trip tours that leave from Malaga. Here are my recommendations:

Day trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas – Get picked up in Malaga and enjoy a day trip to Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas with time to explore before heading back to Malaga.

Gibraltar Full-Day Group Tour – Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar on a leisurely day trip from Malaga.

Granada Full-Day Trip with Alhambra – Granada is one of my favourite cities in the world, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

10. Tour an Organic Olive Oil Mill and Enjoy an Olive Oil Tasting

If you’re heading to Ronda on a day trip, do not miss LA Almazara, the world’s only organic olive oil mill. LA Almazara offer guided tours of their mill and farm, along with olive oil tasting experiences.

I really enjoyed learning about their organic processes and how they put community and nature first in everything they do. This brand focuses on sustainability with no greenwashing. They operate a fully circular-economy model, with any waste from olive oil production returned to compost to feed the soil!

The tour of the premises lasted about an hour and was packed with very interesting information about the creation of oil and how to spot good quality oil. We then enjoyed tasting the olive oil itself, which was fascinating. I was really surprised to experience the huge range of flavours and intensity, from peppery and spicy to smooth and light.

We also enjoyed a delicious lunch at the restaurant, which has an incredible view! The food on the menu is simple but done extremely well. We enjoyed a selection of dishes from the menu, including Jamón Iberico, Tomato Salad, Pork Loin, sardines and a selection of cheeses.

The whole experience was fantastic with breathtaking views across to the mountains. Not to mention the incredible architecture of the building itself, which was only just over 1 year old when we visited.

Inside the building, the lighting and height of the ceilings really contribute to a serene, cathedral-like atmosphere that is very calming and relaxing. Every detail has been thought out carefully by the architect, Philippe Starck, from the way the light shines onto key objects, to incredible paintings on the ceiling and walls, and the cubism style of the building itself.

Book your tickets for LA Almazara here.

11. Hike the Caminito del Rey

The Caminito del Rey is a short, easy hike that is achievable even for beginners. I’ve hiked the Caminito del Rey twice in winter, and I was astounded by the scenery and mountain landscapes on both occasions.

About 1 hour north of Malaga, the Caminito del Rey can be reached easily by car or train. Many guided tours also depart from Malaga if you don’t have transport.

For more information, read my travel guide to the Caminito del Rey.

12. Visit Pretty Villages such as Frigiliana and Mijas

Andalucía is home to many gorgeous white-washed villages that are perfect for a day visit in the winter. My favourite is Frigiliana, which is known as the most beautiful village in Andalucía, and I have to say I agree with that claim.

Spend an afternoon wandering the pretty streets, admiring the white-washed buildings, colourful doorways and plants of Frigiliana. Stop for some food at a local bar or restaurant – I recommend Vinos El Lagar for fantastic views, food and local Moscatel wine.

There are also so many things to do in Mijas Pueblo. Mijas is a lovely town to visit, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and buckets of charm. Visit Mijas’ contemporary art museum, Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, and the Ethnographic Museum for some interesting art and history.

I recommend Alboka Gastro in Mijas for its delicious food and friendly service. Food in Mijas tends to be overpriced and touristy, but I found Alboka Gastro was the exception to the rule.

13. Explore Marbella’s Old Town

Skip Marbella’s seafront and head straight to the Historic Old Town. In my opinion, the seafront is nothing special, but the Old Town is gorgeous. I’ve visited Marbella Old Town four times now and never get tired of wandering the pretty little streets.

Head to Plaza de los Naranjos, and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (Catholic Church in the Old Town), and get lost in the winding alleyways and pretty streets.

While in the Old Town, skip the tourist restaurants in Plaza de los Naranjos and head to the outskirts of the Old Town, where you’ll find Churreria Generalife, a fantastic and very cheap churros cafe that is also full of locals and usually has a queue for a table – a sign that it has a great reputation.

14. Chill on the Beach in Puerto Banus

While the seafront and beach in Marbella might not be pretty, the nearby beach at Puerto Banús is. Head to Puerto Banús for a lovely golden sandy beach, plenty of chilled beach bars (chiringuitos) and a lovely marina.

We enjoyed a jug of sangria at Aurora Beach Banús and also stopped by Cuba 59 Beach Bar, which is very photogenic!

Puerto Banús gets very busy in the summer, so enjoy the winter months and make the most of the peace and quiet without the hordes of people!

15. Visit Benalmadena Pueblo and Colameras Castle

Benalmadena Pueblo is one of my favourite places on the Costa del Sol. I have stayed in Benalmadena Pueblo twice before and love the gorgeous white-washed houses, stunning sea views and the great tapas bars which are full of locals!

You can easily spend a whole day in the Pueblo, working your way around the many tapas restaurants serving low-priced local food and great wine. A few of my favourite local restaurants and tapas bars include La Cepa, Restaurante Escorpio (very accommodating with vegetarian options), Despensa Iberica and La Taberna de Sinfo. My favourite place to have a drink and some small tapas is Cafeteria Coral, which always has a great atmosphere.

You can visit Colomares Castle, a monument built in honour of Christopher Columbus, enjoy the views from Jardines del Muro, a beautiful garden with panoramic views of the ocean, and walk to the Plaza de España. Tickets for Colamares Castle only cost €3, which I think is great value for the lovely views and picturesque photo opportunities.

16. Take the Benalmadena Cable Car

If the weather is good, a trip on the Benalmadena Cable Car is a great way to spend a few hours. The cable car station is located in Tivoli and takes you to the top of the mountain that towers over Benalmadena.

From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy views over the whole of the Costa del Sol. I recommend going on a sunny day, as the mountain is sometimes covered in clouds in the winter, even when it’s very sunny down on the beach. If it’s cloudy at the top of the mountain, it will be colder and perhaps even raining (as it was when we visited).

At the top of the mountain, there’s a small fast-food restaurant which was very overpriced. It was serving fast food with a huge price tag! Avoid the restaurant and take a picnic instead. Also, the coffee was awful!

Note: The Cable Car closes in January and reopens on 13th February 2026.

Also, please do not visit the Jardin de Las Aguilas, a falconry centre, next to the cable car station. We witnessed huge birds of prey, such as Bald Eagles, tied and chained by the leg to a tree so they could not move.

When we questioned one of the workers, he became defensive and aggressive and told us that they were a conservation foundation, saving the birds. I’ve done some wildlife conservation volunteer work and know that true conservation organisations would never chain animals to a tree.

The falconry centre isn’t conservation, it’s exploitation. So please save your money and avoid this place. Instead, take some good walking shoes and enjoy a walk on the trails at the top of the mountain. You can walk to a viewpoint along the stone paths, and it’s well worth the hike. Just a short way up the hillside, and you’ll enjoy amazing views over the Costa del Sol.

17. Visit the Benalmadena Butterfly Park

Benalmadena Butterfly Park is a great place to visit in Malaga in the winter as it’s indoor and heated to retain suitable conditions for the butterflies.

We visited as we were close to the area and had some time to spare. We enjoyed an hour walking around the park, admiring the incredible variety of butterflies and moths inside. The park also houses a wallaby to improve its quality of life, and you can also see some interesting birds, such as Zebra Finches.

There’s a cafe onsite but it’s quite pricey. I also thought the entry price was quite high (€12 for adults) for what it is, but if you’re stuck for things to do on a rainy day, this could be a good option.

18. Eat Lunch Like a Local

If the weather is less than favourable, why not spend an afternoon eating lunch like a local? Order a variety of tapas and drink local wines, before heading back to your accommodation for a siesta.

We spent about 4 hours at lunch one day, and it was delightful! We ordered a variety of tapas and ate them over the afternoon, with a few glasses of wine to wash it down.

Avoid touristy restaurants on the seafront, and head inland to a local tapas restaurant in Benalmadena Pueblo, or Malaga Centro Historico! You’ll find better food and lower prices, too.

19. Enjoy a Hike

Malaga is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, offering an abundance of hiking trails and stunning scenery too! We enjoyed hiking some of the Puerto Verde de Marbella, which is a hiking trail that connects Marbella with Ronda.

The route we followed took us to the Embalse de la Concepción, a stunning reservoir surrounded by mountains and a beautiful white-washed village perched on the mountainside.

The route was only 8.5km and a fairly easy one to navigate and walk. This is a great way to spend a day in Malaga in winter. I highly recommend this route, which is a great one for beginner hikers.

20. Do a Free Street Art Walking Tour in Estepona

Something we stumbled across in Estepona when doing some research before our visit was the Route of the Murals. If you fancy something a little different and free, why not spend a day trying to locate all of the art murals in Estepona?

We spent a couple of hours trying to locate some of the impressive artworks and really enjoyed working our way around the beautiful streets looking for the next painting. It’s a great free activity to do near Malaga in the winter!

You can download the map and list of murals here.

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