Marbella is best known as a summer holiday destination, but have you ever considered coming here out of season? At Marbella Mountain Resorts, we know that the prospect of fewer tourists and milder temperatures is extremely appealing to many of our clients. If you’re one of a growing number of people who would rather travel off-peak or during the shoulder season, read on about what to do in Marbella in the spring, autumn and winter.
Marbella out of season: what’s Marbella like in the spring, autumn and winter?
Marbella in the Spring
Springtime: the season of rejuvenation and new life, when Marbella’s natural beauty is embellished with blossoming flowers and lush greenery. Those longer days with the promise of gentle spring sunlight are an invitation to emerge from your winter hibernation and explore. A few showers here and there add a freshness to the air and a tinge of deeper colour to the flora.
Here are our recommendations on what to do in Marbella in the spring.
Get outside
A stroll along Marbella’s beautiful beaches is a different experience at this time of the year: more space, fewer tourists and the pleasure of being outside without your winter coats and scarves. Hiking, cycling and horse riding are less of an exertion in the milder weather, so you can pay more attention to the wonders of nature. If you’re planning a family holiday in Marbella during the spring months, there are lots of children’s activities to keep them busy. From early February to late May, you can witness the bird migrations from sub-Saharan Africa, and what an amazing sight they are! Even if you’re not a bird watcher, you’ll be in awe at the vast numbers and variety of species that pass through here, including spectacular birds of prey. Bring your binoculars!
Soak up the culture
Marbella is beautifully bedecked with blossoming bougainvillaea and carnations during the spring, so simply losing yourself in Marbella’s Old Town is a feast for the senses. You won’t have to dodge the crowds and you can spend peaceful moments visiting Marbella’s beautiful historical buildings at your leisure. Your holiday snaps will look a thousand times better without other tourists getting in the way!
Marbella’s most important cultural event during the spring is the Easter Semana Santa (Holy Week), when the streets fill with parades, processions and the traditional activities that mark this annual religious celebration. It’s an unforgettable sensory experience, and a brief interlude of vibrancy and excitement before Marbella returns once more to her more serene spring self. There’s family fun to be had at the Marbella Carnival (mid-February to early March), shows to enjoy at Marbella City Theatre, plus museum exhibitions, sporting events and musical concerts. Even though Marbella’s outdoor installations can be visited all year round, springtime is the prettiest season to explore. Have a wander along Avenida del Mar, the picturesque avenue that runs from Marbella’s Old Town to the beach, and just one of many outdoor spaces where you can enjoy eclectic art, like Salvador Dalí’s weird and wonderful sculptures.
Indulge in great food and wine
You can’t beat eating with the seasons! Pay a visit to the bustling Saturday market at Marbella Arena or nearby San Pedro de Alcántara’s market every Thursday to stock up on the abundance of seasonal products, especially those perfectly ripe strawberries, blueberries, cherries, plums and apricots. Take leisurely lunches in uncrowded restaurants and seize the opportunity to chat to the locals, who just might tell you Marbella’s secrets… For the wine connoisseurs or enthusiasts, spring marks the start of tours of Málaga Province’s wineries; a walk through the scenic vineyards, and wine tastings and talks with knowledgeable and welcoming owners will give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of winemaking.
During the month of May, Andalucía celebrates one of the key social and gastronomical annual events on its calendar – the almadraba – a sustainable age-old tuna-trapping tradition which culminates in a week-long celebration in many towns along the coast known as the Ruta del Atún. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample delicious and mind-bogglingly creative tuna tapas at many of Marbella’s best restaurants!
Play a round of Golf
Marbella’s world-class courses will always be a hotspot for amateurs and professionals alike, but the quieter greens and less intense heat in spring can make for a more enjoyable golfing experience. Some clubs make use of the winter months to restore and maintain their courses, so playing in the spring on (even more) immaculate greens can be a real bonus. Tournaments and open championships are often held in the spring; Marbella will be the venue for two exciting events this February 2025: Marbella Legends at the Aloha Golf Club, and the World Junior Golf Championships at Villa Padierna.
Marbella in the Autumn
Autumn is for many the ideal season to travel. While Marbella may be a little too sizzling for some in the summer months, the mellower temperatures that herald the start of autumn are a welcome respite. From October, sudden flash showers may catch you off guard, but they’re often gone before you know it – stash an umbrella in your bag, just in case! With kids returning to school in September, the buzz of Marbella quietens to a hum and you’re free to wander and explore at your leisure. Read on to find out what to do in Marbella in the autumn.
Bask in the gentle sun
The softer sun and lower UV levels at this time of the year mean that a day at the beach needn’t involve non-stop slathering in sunscreen to prevent that lobster look! A seaside picnic, a jog or horseback ride along the water’s edge are so much more pleasurable when you’re not worrying about getting sunburned. The Med is still warm and calm enough for water sports, or a sunset cruise, if you prefer to take it easy. And Marbella’s exclusive beach clubs are still open and pleasantly crowd-free.
Although Marbella’s sandy beaches and evergreen palms, olive trees and agave cacti give it that all-year-summer vibe, take a short trip inland and the landscape transforms in a blaze of striking autumnal colours from September to November. The chestnut woods of Serranía de Ronda, and the deciduous forests across the region’s protected parks – Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja and Sierra de las Nieves – are a real visual treat and are well worth visiting at this time of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just a rambler, Marbella’s annual 4Days Walking event, with four routes of differing lengths through the town, beach and countryside, is a great option to explore the town’s urban and rural beauty.
Celebrate the arts and autumn’s harvest
Marbella’s streets, squares and cultural sites are a joy to explore in autumn when fewer tourists (and children…) mean no crowds or queues. It’s a great time to walk along the lovely palm-fringed seafront promenade – Paseo Marítimo – or make your way down to Puerto Banús marina, where you can spend the day exploring this luxury port’s high-end restaurants, designer boutiques and exclusive beach clubs, or sit at one of the terraces and enjoy a spot of people-watching.
Although many of Marbella’s biggest cultural events take place in the summer months – including the famous three-month-long Starlite Festival – the autumn is not without its fair share of festivities. In September, it’s all about classical music at the Marbella International Music Festival, which holds a series of concerts, masterclasses and competitions showcasing talented musicians from across the globe. There’s something special for film buffs in October: the prestigious Marbella International Film Festival, a glitzy five-day celebration of filmmaking, with screenings of independent and foreign language feature films and shorts, workshops, glamorous soirées and a chance to hobnob with the stars. Local harvest fairs, tapas and wine tours and many other commemorations of the region’s long-standing traditions abound in autumn – just ask the team at Marbella Mountain Resorts and we’ll be delighted to tell you more!
Indulge in autumnal abundance
Autumn is the harvest season, so local markets are bursting with seasonal fruit and veg, like figs, deliciously sweet blanquilla pears and persimmon, pomegranate, grapes and golden apples, as well as the first crops of wild asparagus and fennel, and freshly foraged mushrooms and chestnuts. Restaurant dishes reflect this season of abundance with soups and warming stews starting to appear on menus, alongside other Andalusian classics. Al fresco wining and dining are a delight in Marbella’s less crowded squares and cobblestone streets where you can enjoy the welcoming Andalusian atmosphere.
September is vendimia – the grape harvest – and celebrations of this important agricultural event are held throughout Málaga Province, even in the tiniest hilltop villages. These local street parties and fêtes of traditional winemaking are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Andalusian life, and taste the local wine, of course!
Enjoy the greatest golfing season
Although autumn is no longer high season for tourism in Marbella, it is peak golfing season, with golfers flocking to Marbella’s championship courses to take advantage of the blue skies and temperate climate. Marbella’s exclusive golf clubs are a hub of activity, both on the fairways and in the clubhouses, with tournaments and many social events on their autumn calendar. It’s a great period to spend time with like-minded golf enthusiasts or to watch the experts. This year (2025) the Andalucía Costa Del Sol Open De España (Ladies European Tour) will be held in October, but at the time of writing, we’re still waiting for the venue to be confirmed…
Marbella in the Winter
If you’re not a fan of the cold, Marbella’s gentle winters will suit you to a T. Although rainfall peaks in November and December, it’s nothing like the driving rain and never-ending gloomy grey days you get in some northern hemisphere countries. The sun still makes a regular appearance and there’s something special about the winter light in Marbella. But what is there to do in Marbella in the winter?
No winter hibernating in Marbella!
We often don’t feel like getting outside in the winter months, but Marbella’s mild winters can coax even the most reluctant bear out of their hibernation! Those crisp but mostly dry days are perfect for a brisk walk on almost empty beaches, with the waves crashing against the shore and the wind turning your cheeks rosy. The natural parks and foothills of Marbella are still eminently explorable on foot, two wheels or four hooves. And best of all after that outdoor winter exercise is a comforting hot drink at one of Marbella’s illustrious cafés accompanied by something sinfully sweet and sticky. Hot chocolate and churros are the perfect post-winter-walk treat!
Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year…
December is a magical time in Marbella: the scent of orange blossom fills the air and there’s the anticipation of Christmas everywhere. Christmas-themed markets and nativity scenes pop up around the town, and twinkling lights and light and sound shows fill the main squares and cobbled streets. Everyone gets into the Christmas spirit: choirs and bands sing and play everything from traditional carols to jazz and gospel, and of course it wouldn’t be complete without flamenco! Santa Claus comes to town too, staying at his grotto – Casa Papá Noel – in Parque de la Alameda.
Plaza de los Naranjos next to the Town Hall is where you can count in the New Year, eating one of those 12 “lucky grapes” on every chime of midnight to bring you luck for the coming year! There’s an early evening party for the kids and the adults can make merry into the early hours. And if all those celebrations aren’t enough, take a short drive to Málaga, which is ranked in the top 20 of the best Christmas destinations in Europe by the European Best Destinations organisation.
The celebrations culminate in the annual 5th of January procession known as the “cabalgata de reyes” (Kings’ Parade), where the Three Kings and other figures parade through the streets on floats, tossing sweets and toys to the children. Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, it’s a fun and joyful time for kids and adults alike, and the perfect excuse to let your hair down and enjoy the festive season the Andalusian way.
Indulge in winter feasting
Time to treat your tastebuds to some scrumptious seasonal products: buñuelos and other festive fare from the Christmas markets and shops, like turrón (similar to nougat) available in myriad flavours, and Roscón de Reyes (King’s cake). And make your way to the markets to stock up on all those winter-bug-fighting citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits and lemons.
During those rare wintry days when the sun decides to take a holiday, head to Marbella’s traditional eateries for some proper comfort food; hearty Andalusian stews beside roaring fires make for the ultimate in cosy dining!
If it’s super sophisticated gastronomy you’re hungering for, Marbella’s high-end restaurants put on Gourmet Galas on Christmas eve and New Year’s eve, where you can gorge on the finest Spanish and international cuisine, with festive favourites like Wagyu beef and truffles or acorn-fed Iberian ham, accompanied by live music. Or, for those with ultra-refined palates, caviar and oysters washed down with the finest champagne to toast in the New Year.
All-season activities for the discerning traveller
With our expertise in luxury hospitality and in-depth knowledge of Marbella, we at Marbella Mountain Resorts are well-placed to suggest and organise activities that are ideal out of season and tailored to our clients’ interests and preferences. Here’s just a snapshot of possibilities, but we’re all ears to your ideas!
For car enthusiasts
Ever wanted to get behind the wheel of a high performance car and channel your speed demon? Let us book you a session at the private Ascari racetrack resort near Ronda! You’ll be able to put your driving skills to the test on one of the most challenging circuits in Europe, with 5km of hairpins, chicanes, and flat out straightaways. Even if you’re a sportscar novice, Ascari’s expert instructors are on hand to help. Buckle up and prepare for the drive of your life! Or, for those who’d rather a slower pace than a race, how about taking the car of your dreams for a spin? We can hire your heart’s desire so that you can explore in style. Whichever route you choose – coastal highway or winding mountain road – you’re in for a stunningly scenic drive. Perfect during the low season when the roads are almost traffic-free.
If you prefer leisurely looking rather than high-octane driving, don’t miss the Costa del Sol Concurso de Elegancia (Elegance Competition), held in Marbella in September. This annual event is a celebration of excellence in automotive engineering and design, where enthusiasts and high-end brands gather to show off their classic and luxury cars. There are driving experiences and exclusive events too, and it all ends with a bang at the Grand Gala.
For seafarers
If it’s sailing that floats your boat, you could charter a catamaran, yacht or speedboat to explore Marbella’s coastline, or learn the ropes on a sailing course tailored to your level. Puerto Banús is synonymous with luxury superyachts and a lively hub for sailing enthusiasts. Enjoy a sunset cruise, try your hand at fishing, watch dolphins swimming alongside your boat, or take part in a regatta – there’s an aquatic adventure for every season in Marbella!
For sports lovers
Whether you like playing or spectating, Marbella has a lot to offer out of season other than golf. If you’re a fan of racquet sports, spring and autumn are ace seasons to practice, and tennis and padel players are well served in Marbella. The Puente Romano Beach Resort’s internationally acclaimed tennis club has eight clay and two plexipave courts, as well as four for padel; and the award-winning Nueva Alcántara Club (NAC) in San Pedro boasts 16 padel courts and an M3 Padel Academy. We can recommend several other excellent venues in Guadalmina, Sotogrande and La Zagaleta – just ask the team at Marbella Mountain Resorts.
If you prefer watching the experts do their thing, there are several tennis and padel tournaments taking place in 2025. This April, Puente Romano will be hosting the WTA Andalucía Tennis Experience where the world’s top women tennis players will be competing. If you like to watch your tennis from the beach, check out the Campeonato de España Absoluto de Tenis Playa 2025 (beach tennis championship) in May. And the International Padel Federation (FIP) Platinum Marbella II tournament will be held during the last week of September at a venue to be confirmed.
There’s something for equine enthusiasts too! Polo aficionados will know that Sotogrande is considered the top venue in Spain, with world-class clubs such as Santa María and Ayala. In May, you can watch one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in the polo world – the International Polo Tournament – hosted by the Santa María Polo Club. And for the pinnacle of equestrian show jumping, don’t miss the Marbella leg of the Global Champions Tour in October where you can watch elite riders and thrilling events.
For retail therapy advocates
You can shop to your heart’s delight in Marbella! If you’re a fashionista, Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile are designer chic central. You can find the latest collections from leading names in fashion, jewellery and watches and more. But how on earth will you choose from over 100 luxury brands? If fashion isn’t your thing, don’t fret! Whether you’re into interior design, gourmet goodies, art, original creations hand-crafted by artisans… you can find it all in Marbella’s luxury boutiques, shopping centres and traditional markets. And if you prefer to shop until you drop under one roof, there’s the biggest El Corte Inglés in Europe just off the marina – six floors of department store heaven!
For wellness devotees
Have you come to Marbella out of season to rest and rejuvenate? You’re in the right place and in the right hands! Need some pampering? Choose from indulgent treatments and massages in the comfort of your luxury villa in Marbella or go all out with a luxurious spa day. Marbella boasts an impressive selection of luxury spas and centres offering a variety of traditional and modern treatments and facilities: saunas and steam baths, hydromassage and aqua-therapy, cutting-edge cryotherapy treatments, therapeutic Thai Massage, and many more beauty treatments and indulgences that will soothe your body and mind and leave you feeling brand new.
At Marbella Mountain Resorts, we also offer yoga and mindfulness retreats in the stunning natural surroundings of Ronda. These 4-day programmes are aimed at women who are looking to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with themselves. Run by professionals in the field of wellness and coaching, they include yoga, breathwork, meditation, detoxification, creativity, Ayurvedic teaching, coaching techniques and many other activities. Contact us if you’d like to know more.
We think you’ll agree that no matter the season, Marbella has so much to offer. Here at Marbella Mountain Resorts, we’re privileged to experience the town in every season, year after year. And although Marbella undoubtedly changes with the seasons, many things remain constant: the friendly family atmosphere, the charm of traditional local shops and restaurants, and Marbella’s stunning natural setting.
Which is your favourite season? Are you ready to experience Marbella out of season?
Get in touch with the team at Marbella Mountain Resorts, and let us find you your perfect spring, autumn or winter luxury villa in Marbella!
