What to Do in Marbella in January (Local Tips Included!)
Are you planning a trip to Marbella in January?
Well, if you wonder if it’s worth it, if it’s warm enough and if there’s much to do this month, I’ve got you covered.
As a Costa del Sol local who loves Marbella, I would say there are better times to visit Marbella.
Most of January is pretty quiet and the coldest month of the year, but there are still reasons why I think you would love it, such as exploring it without crowds.
However, if you come to Marbella at the beginning of the month, you’ll experience the Christmas atmosphere. The festive season doesn’t end until the 6th of January.
Without any further discussion, let’s jump into this Marbella guide that includes everything you need to know about travelling to Marbella in January.
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Weather in Marbella in January
January is the coldest month in Marbella, with an average of 14 degrees, but we still have lovely sunny days.
Here is a quick overview of the temperature:
- Maximum temperature: 17ºC (62.6ºF)
- Minimum temperature: 8ºC (46.4ºF)
- Average temperature: 14ºC (57.2ºF)
- Rainy days: 5 days
- Sea temperature: 16ºC (60.8ºF)
- Average humidity: 67%
If you’re wondering about sunlight, you can enjoy approximately 10 hours. The sun rises at 8:20 am and sets around 6:25 pm.
Things to do in Marbella in January
1. Enjoy the magic of Christmas
Who says Christmas is over after New Year? This isn’t the case in Marbella or the rest of Spain.
Our Christmas lasts until the 6th of January when the Three Kings bring presents to kids and adults!
So if you’re here in the first week of January, you’ll find a lively atmosphere in Marbella.
Everyone is out and about enjoying the holidays with family and friends. The restaurants are busy and the shops as well as adults look for the last minute presents.
If you aren’t ready to say goodbye to Christmas until next year, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy Marbella at Christmas.
Wondering what to do? Here are some of my favourite activities:
- Seeing the nativity scenes in the old town, I especially like the one in Ermita de Santiago.
- Going to the Christmas markets at Puerto Banus Marina and Puente Romano.
- Attending the Three Kings Parade on the 5th of January.
2. Stroll along the beach promenade
Crispy but sunny mornings in Marbella hit differently in Marbella.
If you’re an early bird, you’ll love stepping out of your accommodation and walking in the beach promenade at sunrise.
Whether you plan a walk by yourself or your other half, it’s a relaxing and beautiful experience.
However, walking in this area is nice at any time.
An alternative way to explore the coastline is by riding a bike. You can rent one at Faro Bikes.
Another option is to take a bike tour with a guide. The latter is great for learning about Marbella’s history.
3. Have authentic tapas at Taberna La Niña del Pisto
One place that never disappoints me is Taberna La Niña del Pisto.
This tavern, tucked in a narrow street of the old town, is charming and cosy.
The dishes are delicious and you’re guaranteed authentic local flavours.
My go-to dishes are espinacas con garbanzos (Chickpeas with Spinach stew) and solomillo con vino de Pedro Ximenez (sirloin medallions in Pedro ximenez wine sauce.)
I also love that the prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants in Marbella.
4. Get lost in the alleyways of Marbella old town
No Marbella guide is complete without mentioning the historic centre. It’s my favourite place at home.
The small alleyways with flower pots, white buildings and some tiles are incredibly beautiful, and you won’t be able to resist taking photos of them.
They are idyllic and so picturesque.
Start at the bottom of the old town (the entrance from Parque de la Represa and explore it at your own pace.
Not only will you find charming streets but also historic buildings like La Encarnación Church and Marbella Castle.
It’s a small old town but it’s rich in history, and if you want to learn about it, I highly recommend booking a free walking tour.
5. Book an art and wine session
One of the trendiest activities in Marbella is sip and paint. If you haven’t heard of the concept before, it consists of joining a painting session with wine included.
Unlike a regular painting session, you don’t need any experience. It’s all about having fun with friends or your partner while painting and sipping wine.
There are a few variations of these. Not all of them are about painting; some are about making ceramics.
It’s definitely a great activity for a rainy day in Marbella.
6. Have chocolate con churros for breakfast
If you want a traditional Spanish breakfast, opt for churros con chocolate.
There are good churrerías, cafes that specialise in churros, in Marbella.
The old town has two of my favourite cafes in Marbella. Churrería San Ginés, an emblematic churros place which you’ll also find in Madrid, and Churrería Ramón in Plaza de los Naranjos.
7. Join a yoga lesson
If you like staying active during your holidays, why not join a yoga lesson?
There are several spaces offering yoga lessons, including Ushna Yoga Marbella.
However, one of my favourite places to do yoga is Rachel’s Eco Love, a healthy cafe in Puente Romano and other Marbella locations.
The concept is you do yoga, and then you can enjoy a buffet breakfast. It’s definitely a great way to start your day.
I recommend checking out their Instagram page to look for the next yoga events.
8. Go on a day trip to Malaga
While Marbella is quiet most of the month, you can spend one of your days in Malaga, where you’ll find more things to do and see.
On a day trip to Malaga, you can’t miss exploring the historic centre. It’s home to impressive sights like Malaga Cathedral, Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle.
Malaga is also a paradise for museum lovers. Whether you love art and fashion or cars and video games, there’s a museum for you.
Picasso Museum is by far the most visited because of the renowned artist. However, I think there are underrated museums worth visiting, like the Malaga Wine Museum.
I visited it with a friend and enjoyed it. It included a free wine tasting, which was a surprise.
To end your day trip, walk in Muelle Uno at sunset.
9. Spend an afternoon in Benahavis
A short drive from Marbella, you’ll find the mountainside town of Benahavis.
It’s relatively small, but it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours.
The town has great restaurants and is well-known for its culinary school.
Stroll the town centre, where you can find the famous Benahavis stairway, a popular photo spot, stunning viewpoints and the Amanhavis Hotel.
The latter has a beautiful ceramic collection, which you can see even if you don’t plan to stay there.
I love the ceramics and the hotel aesthetics with traditional furniture and pastel colours.
Last but not least, Benahavis is a good place to hike. In the summer, you can hike in the Benahavis River, but winter and autumn offer a different experience.
10. Watch the sunset
No matter what time of the year you visit Marbella, you don’t want to miss watching the spectacular sunsets.
Some of my top places to watch a sunset include Puerto Banus, Playa Venus, Marbella Pier. However, if you have access to a terrace in your accommodation, you can enjoy the sunset more privately.
Coming with your partner? Then, you might want to consider doing something romantic, like a private photo shoot in the golden hour or a sunset cruise.
Where to stay in Marbella in January
Some accommodations close after the first week of January and take time off since January is low season, and many of their rooms end up empty.
However, there are still hotels that are open all year round.
You won’t be able to use some facilities like the pool or enjoy live entertainment available in summer, but you’ll still have a comfortable stay.
These are some of the accommodations available throughout January:
- Luxury: Puente Romano Beach Resort
- Mid-range: Óbal Urban Hotel
- Budget: El Caprichito Boutique
What to wear in Marbella in January
The afternoons are mild to warm, so you can wear a dress or a medium-sleeved shirt (sometimes short!) with jeans and be completely fine.
Nevertheless, it’s cold in the evening and early morning, so I recommend packing a coat.
Whilst there are not many rainy days in Marbella in January, you might experience rain, so pack a raincoat or umbrella too.
Another essential is sunscreen! Winter or summer, I wear it every single day because the sun shines strong, so it’s key to protect your skin.
Conclusion on spending January in Marbella
While I think there are better months to explore Marbella, January is perfect for a quiet romantic or solo getaway.
If you have questions about visiting Marbella or anywhere else on the Costa del Sol, join my Facebook community or leave them in the comments below!
Enjoy your trip to Marbella!
Cristina
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Top things to do before visiting Marbella, Costa del Sol
- Check out cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport here.
- Are you looking for the best accommodation in Marbella? Check this guide to the best accommodation in Marbella
- Book a free walking tour in Marbella Old Town.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Marbella and Costa del Sol.
- Book travel insurance for your trip. It’s a must for any holiday.
