Andalucia in Winter: 10+ Best Things to Do By a Local
Andalucia is one of the most beautiful counties in Spain. Okay, I might be a bit biased as I’m from this region, but many travellers agree it’s wonderful.
Although it may be a popular destination for those who love the sun and warm weather in the summer, it’s also a fantastic place to visit in winter.
In winter, you can do many things in Andalucia, including discovering and learning about historical buildings, eating Andalucia’s winter dishes, and immersing yourself in nature on one of the many scenic trails.
Additionally, the weather is very pleasant, the days are longer than in other European countries, and your trip will be much cheaper than during the peak season.
If these reasons aren’t enough to convince you to visit Andalucia in the winter months, I’ll tell you about all the activities you can do during this time of the year and other reasons to visit my beautiful region.
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Things to do in Andalucia in winter
1. Enjoy the sunny weather
If you want to escape the rainy and cloudy weather that can be found in Northern European countries or even in the north of Spain, Andalucia is the place to be, as it’s one of the sunniest places in Spain.
The sunny weather and long days allow you to do different activities – from sightseeing and cycling to going on a hike, most days.
In addition, most Andalusian cities enjoy mild winter temperatures. For example, if you go to Costa del Sol, seeing 20 degrees (68 °F) on the thermometer in December isn’t a surprise.
With temperatures like this, even a few brave travellers dive into the sea! But you won’t see locals like me swimming at this time of the year.
Having said that, you’ll still experience some rainy and cloudy days every now and then, but they don’t last long and are very uncommon.
2. Spend a different Christmas
Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, and spending Christmas in Spain is unlike in other countries. On top of this, you can have different Christmas experiences across Spain, as many regions have their own traditions.
Visiting Andalucia at Christmas is an excellent idea if you want a warm Christmas, far from the idea of a cosy winter wonderland, because you’ll rarely see snow, except if you visit a place like Sierra Nevada. However, you’re guaranteed to experience some unique traditions and events.
To start with, Christmas in Spain commences with the lottery (called El Gordo) on the 22nd and ends on the 6th when the Three Kings bring presents to children.
During this period of time, be prepared to visit Belen (nativity scenes), enjoy the beautiful Christmas light displays, eat grapes at 12 o’clock on New Year, and attend the Three Kings Parade on the 5th of January.
Local Tip
Don’t miss the Christmas light display in Malaga. Each year is different and attracts many national and international travellers.
3. Go on a scenic hiking trail
The beaches in Andalucia are very well-known, and this is one of the reasons why travellers keep coming back to places like Marbella and Cadiz.
Nevertheless, if you love spending time outdoors and immersing yourself in nature, Andalucia also has beautiful natural parks where you can go on scenic hiking routes. Winter is perfect for hiking in Andalucia because it isn’t too warm or too cold to explore.
The county is home to many incredible routes, ranging from easy to challenging, so you’ll find the best route for you.
If you’re visiting my city (Malaga), Los Montes de Malaga has routes for all levels, and it isn’t very far from the city either. However, if you want to challenge yourself, El Caminito del Rey was considered one of the most dangerous trails in Europe, but you don’t have to worry about that now because the paths have been adapted.
But that’s not all; other natural parks and hiking trails to check out are Doñana National Park, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Park and Sierra de Grazalema. Some of these parks have some of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain.
4. Ski at Sierra Nevada
Sierra Nevada, located a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Granada, is the ski paradise in Andalucia.
This mountain range, which is covered in snow from late November or early December, is home to the highest point in the Spanish peninsula, El Mulhacén, at 3,479 metres above sea level.
Sierra Nevada is an excellent escape from the city, especially if you love winter sports or want to pamper yourself in one of its fantastic resorts with spas and incredible views of the magical snowy mountains.
If you’re looking for the ultimate stay at Sierra Nevada, El Lodge is the best luxury boutique hotel in the area that welcomes couples and families. Not only will you feel at home in its cosy rooms, but you’ll love the outdoor heated pool with scenic views of the mountain backdrop. You can check out room prices and availability here.
Local Tip
The best time to go to Sierra Nevada is February and March, as it’s when you’re guaranteed enough snow, and the weather conditions are ideal for practising winter sports.
5. Play golf in the Costa del Sol
If you love golf, Costa del Sol is one of the best places to play golf in Spain, and many people call it Costa del Golf. Not only will you find incredible golf courses for all levels, but the weather conditions are perfect, too.
Despite the misconception that all golf courses are expensive, you can find budget-friendly options, too, especially in months like January and February.
Some of the best golf courses in the Costa del Sol are:
Overall, Costa del Sol is the ideal place for you if you love golf and the coast.
6. Visit one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Andalucia
Did you know that winter is one of the best times to sightsee in Andalucia? If you’re all about avoiding crowds, you’ll love visiting Andalucia in winter.
Summer in Andalucia is amazing if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, but it isn’t for exploring and visiting historical buildings as temperatures are very high in most Andalusian cities, especially places that don’t have coasts like Seville or Cordoba.
The pleasant and sunny weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper accommodation options in winter give you more opportunities to visit amazing historical buildings that UNESCO has recognised.
There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Andalucia, and they are:
- Antequera Dolmens Archeological Site
- Seville’s Cathedral, Alcazar and Archivo de Indias
- The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
- The Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzin in Granada
- The Doñana Natural Park
- The Caliphate City of Medina Azahara
- The monumental complex of Ubeda and Baeza
Local Tip
The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seville, Cordoba, and Granada are very popular, so book your tickets in advance. It’s also better to book them online because you often get tickets a bit cheaper.
7. Pamper yourself at the Turkish Baths
While swimming in the sea may not be an option, there are other ways to relax and be in the water during winter, like visiting a spa or a Turkish Bath.
You can find beautiful and unique Turkish Baths in Andalucia. For example, Hammam Al Ándalus has Arab Baths in Malaga, Granada and Cordoba.
Personally, I visited the Arab Baths in Malaga , and I was very impressed by the Moorish architecture inside the baths as well as the variety of cold and hot baths and the massage room.
Nevertheless, there are many other Turkish and Arab Baths in other Andalusian cities.
8. Visit a cake factory in Estepa or Rute
If you have a sweet tooth, why don’t you visit one of the popular cake factories and monasteries that make sweets in Andalucia?
Mantecados de Navidad (Christmas cakes), tortas de aceite (olive oil biscuits), almendras garrapiñadas (caramel coated almonds) are a few of the sweets you can find in Andalucia.
Despite the fact you can find these in supermarkets or many bakeries across Andalusian cities, visiting a small factory or a monastery is a unique experience.
You can watch how these sweets are made, taste typical Andalusian sweets, and buy some to take home.
Rute, a small town in Cordoba, is one of my favourite places to do this! The town is well-known for its gastronomy and sweet factories that make the best Christmas cakes and sweets. It’s also here where you can see a vast and impressive nativity scene made of chocolate.
Estepa, a town near Seville, is also popular for its sweet confections. La Colchona is the oldest bakery that makes delicious mantecados. They’re a must-try!
9. Attend the carnival in Cadiz
Andalusian people know how to party, and of course, they know how to celebrate the carnival.
Although you can experience the carnival in any city in the county, Cadiz is clearly the best Andalusian and Spanish city to celebrate carnival.
The carnival in Cadiz has been celebrated since the 16th century, and it’s believed that the Italians influenced some of its characteristics.
What makes Cadiz Carnival unique is its music. Music groups and performers sing chirigotas songs that talk about daily problems and controversial topics. But this goes beyond performance as there are official competitions for chirigotas in the popular theatre called Gran Teatro Falla.
The atmosphere is incredible as all the locals join in, wear custom dresses and sing along.
10. Go wine tasting
Wine tasting is an activity you can do any time of the year, but visiting mountainside towns and villages where you’ll find the best wineries in the summer is very warm.
September and October are the best months to go wine tasting and attend wine events, but early winter is also a good option.
The region of Cadiz has some of the best wineries in Southern Spain. You can taste traditional sherry wines in these wineries, mainly in Jerez and Sanlucar de Barrameda.
However, you can also try Moscatel wine in Malaga, young red wines in Ronda bodegas and white wines in Cordoba.
Some of the best wine tours across Andalucia are:
11. Visit incredible art galleries and museums
Although rainy and cloudy days aren’t the norm in Andalucia, it doesn’t mean it’s sunny every day.
If it rains during your visit to Andalucia, there’s nothing better than heading to the art galleries and museums.
There are significant museums across Andalucia, and not all of them are art-related. You can find different types of museums, from archaeological and science museums to wine and music museums.
No matter what your interests are, you’ll likely find a museum or art gallery that interests you.
Some museums you may want to check out are:
- Picasso Museum Malaga
- Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in Seville
- Museo de Bellas Artes de Granada (Fine Arts Museum)
- Archaeological Museum of Cordoba
Top reasons to visit Andalucia in winter
Fewer crowds
As much as I love summer in Andalucia, winter is the best season to travel. The main reason behind this is that you won’t experience big crowds everywhere.
There is a more relaxing atmosphere in the cities, which allows you to see their authentic side. This is something you probably haven’t seen in the summer, especially in popular destinations like Costa del Sol.
You don’t need to worry about getting to places very early to have them for yourself or take photos without people passing in front of your camera.
Taste the winter Andalusian cuisine
With colder winter days ahead, locals change their menus to the season. For example, cold soups like gazpacho are substituted for hearty and comforting stews like puchero andaluz (chickpea and meat stew), lentejas (lentils) and gazpachuelo (fish and seafood stew).
Although 17 degrees during the day isn’t cold for you, you’ll see locals with big coats and avoiding anything cold (no ice creams, slushies or lemonades).
In restaurants and tapa bars, you can find comfort dishes that aren’t common in summer, so it’s a great opportunity for you to try new Andalusian dishes.
📌 If you want an authentic cooking experience with locals, check out EatWith.
Cheaper accommodation and flights
Andalucia is a budget-friendly destination, considering you know where to stay and eat, but travelling off-season makes it even cheaper.
Apart from the Christmas period, you can find spectacular deals on hotels and flights, so you’ll pay half the price you’d probably pay in the summer months.
Of all the winter months, January is the cheapest month to visit Andalucia. It’s also the coldest month, but travelling to Andalucia in winter is a win-win situation if you’re on a budget and don’t mind the weather.
The weather and long days
I know I’ve mentioned the weather a couple of times, but if you love sunny winter destinations, Andalucia is for you.
During the day, temperatures can reach up to 20 degrees, while the average minimum temperature is about 9 degrees in the evening or early morning.
This pleasant weather is excellent because you can do any activity outdoors – from sightseeing to sitting on an outdoor terrace to enjoying a meal and hiking. In contrast, it’s too warm to do some of these things in the summer.
In addition to the lovely weather, you’ll also find that sunset is later than in other parts of Spain, so you can really enjoy the daylight! It normally gets dark around 6:30 pm in the city of Malaga, but it’s similar in other Andalusian cities.
Things to do in Andalucia in winter by month
Are you wondering what things to do each month in winter in Southern Spain? These are the main events that take place in Andalucia during the winter months.
Andalucia in December
December is a magical month in Andalucia. It’s the perfect time for anyone who loves getting into the Christmas spirit.
You can see the beautiful Christmas lights across cities and towns, visit huge Belen (nativity scenes), and try traditional Christmas sweets.
Andalucia in January
It’s still Christmas at the beginning of January, so you can experience the famous Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos, a parade in city centres on the 5th of January, in which the Three Kings and their helpers throw sweets and toys to kids.
Mid-January and the end of the month are quiet after all the Christmas celebrations, and this is why it is the cheapest time to visit Andalucia.
Andalucia in February
February is when things start to warm up a bit again. Apart from Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated in many countries, the biggest event is Carnival, so be prepared to dress up and have a fabulous time with friends and family.
If you love carnivals and want to spend them in the best place in Andalucia, head to Cadiz! It is not only the best place to celebrate carnivals in Southern Spain but also in the whole country.
Andalucia in March
With spring around the corner, March is an ideal month to go on hiking trails. The weather is slightly warmer, and you can observe the flowers blossom, birdwatch, and go camping.
It’s also a good time to go on a road trip in Southern Spain and visit the must-see attractions as well as hidden gems.
If you go to Andalucia in March, check out the event calendar of the place you’re planning to visit, but it’s good to know that Easter celebrations start in some places at the end of the month.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Andalucia in Winter
What is winter like in Andalucia?
Winter in Andalucia is mild. Temperatures can reach up to 20 degrees during the day, and the average lowest temperature is 9 degrees in the evening or early morning.
This time of year is calmer, and you’ll see fewer tourists, except at Christmas. Winter is perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the hearty and comforting food in Andalucia.
Does it snow in Andalucia?
It’s very rare to see snow in the cities of Andalucia; however, if you go to towns or villages on the mountainside, you can see the snow.
The best places to see the snow in Andalucia are the Sierra Nevada, Sierra de las Nieves and Sierra de Grazalema.
Is Sierra Nevada Spain worth visiting?
Absolutely! Sierra Nevada is one of the best places to practice winter sports like skiing, enjoy the picturesque snow-covered mountains and go away for a romantic escape with a loved one.
Even if you aren’t going to ski, you can visit the pretty towns next to Sierra Nevada.
Conclusion on the best things to do in Andalucia in winter
Andalucia is a fantastic winter sun destination in Europe; whether you’re a nature lover or crazy about Andalucia’s history and culture, you’ll enjoy visiting it in winter.
If you’re wondering what the best places to visit in Andalucia in winter are, Seville, Malaga, Cordoba, and Granada won’t disappoint you. These cities have many things to do, and although you can do them all year round, I wouldn’t recommend doing them in summer because of the high temperatures.
If you have any questions about visiting Andalusia, you can always drop a comment below.
Safe adventures!
Cristina x
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Top things to check before visiting Andalucia
- Check cheap flights with Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation with Booking.com
- Discover all the fantastic activities you can do in Andalucia with Get Your Guide.
- Enjoy free walking tours in Andalucia with Guruwalk.
- Have a look at this Andalusian food guide to eating authentic and traditional during your trip.
- Book travel insurance for your trip to Andalusia; this is a must for any trip!
