10 Things to Do in Malaga in Winter
Malaga is the perfect holiday destination to visit at any time of the year. Despite being associated with beaches and sun, the city offers a wide range of activities also in winter.
Malaga | ©Johannes Schwanbeck
Winter in the city of Malaga is the off-peak tourist season, which leaves travellers and locals with the best scenario to fully enjoy the city. The weather is usually quite pleasant and visitors will find a large number of activities to do and enjoy in Malaga in addition to its usual attractions.
Today I present you with a list of activities, events and festivities that you can enjoy during the Malaga winter. I hope you can integrate as many of them as possible into your itinerary and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
1. Enjoy the Malaga Carnival.
Every year between February and March the carnival is celebrated. It is a full week of festivities that make up an event colloquially known as Malaga's warm winter festival.
The date varies according to the current liturgical calendar, although it is generally celebrated between the last days of February and the first days of March.
Numerous events take place throughout the week, but those not to be missed are the election of the Goddess and God of Carnival on the first Saturday of the celebration, the Grand Carnival Parade, the children's Carnival activities, the Battle of the Flowers and, finally, the Burial of the anchovy.
I recommend visiting the official Carnaval Malagueño website to find out more about the programmed activities.
Where it takes place
The Carnival festival in Malaga takes as its main stage the streets of the Old Town of the city and its main public squares. Historically the places where you can expect big celebrations are:
- The Plaza de la Merced, where the Grand Carnival Parade concludes.
- Calle Larios, where the historic Battle of the Flowers takes place.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary. The event is free and open to tourists and locals.
2. Attend the Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men.
The colourful parade known as the Cabalgata de losReyes Magos takes place in Malaga every year on the 5th of January, on the eve of Three Kings Day: musicians, decorated floats, artists, trapeze artists and children's characters fill the streets of the centre of Malaga for the amusement of the whole family.
The parade usually takes place at dusk, from 18:00 onwards. Part of the fun consists of enjoying the magic of the parade and trying to catch as many of the sweets that the Three Wise Men throw from the floats as possible.
Between 12 and 15 floats take part each year. If you are going to Malaga with children for a family holiday, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Where it takes place
The parade takes place in the streets of the historic centre of Malaga. It usually starts from the City Hall, passes through points such as Avenida Cervantes, Plaza de La Marina, Alameda and Puente de la Esperanza and ends at Cortina del Muelle.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not necessary, the event is free for everyone. Make sure you arrive early and get a good spot.
3. Attend the traditional Andalusian Cheese Market
An event that takes place over two days every year during the winter in Malaga, specifically in mid-February. It is the perfect opportunity for travellers and locals alike to enjoy delicious artisan cheeses made by local producers.
Although the calendar of activities may vary from year to year, the programme includes different activities, among which the following stand out: cheese tasting, cooking workshops, homemade cheese making workshops, the opportunity to assemble your own cheese board and children's games.
The programme of activities usually starts shortly before midday and lasts until late in the evening. The event is organised by the Quesandaluz Association and the detailed activities are published every year.
Where it takes place
The event takes place every year in the municipality of Álora, located only 40 km from the city of Málaga. You can get there by private car or take the train Malaga - Alora, a journey of approximately 50 minutes.
Whenever you visit the city take the opportunity to visit other villages near Malaga.
How to buy tickets
Entrance to the event is free for all those interested.
4. The Flower Market is held in the Plaza Mayor.
The beautiful Flower Market takes place on the first weekend of every month in the Plaza Mayor, the most important public square in the city. The celebration is defined as a must for lovers of fashion, music and art in general.
The focus of the event is to support local business by promoting the work of entrepreneurs and artisans from the Malaga community. On your tour you will find all kinds of original and signature pieces, such as decorative items, costume jewellery and fashion pieces, as well as cosmetic and confectionery items.
Bear in mind that the organisers of the event usually take breaks during the annual calendar. For example, during the summer in Malaga the market does not take place.
Where it is held
It takes place in Malaga's iconic Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of the city's Old Town. The best way to get around this part of the city is on foot.
How to buy tickets
Admission to the event is free.
5. Winter in Malaga: the best time to visit the Alcazaba.
Winter is one of the best times to visit the Alcazaba, possibly the best example of the Muslim heritage in the city of Malaga and a must-see to learn about the city's historical past.
On arrival you will find an impressive fortified enclosure, an ancient Mussulman palace surrounded by impressive walls from where you get breathtaking views of the city.
The complex is one of the most visited sites in Malaga, which is why the tourist flow is usually overwhelming in the peak months. During the winter the number of visitors is reduced so that you can enjoy the Alcazaba in all its splendour.
Plan your excursion to this marvellous architecture and be sure to check the Alcazaba's opening hours and admission prices in advance.
Where to find it
The important historical monument is located on Calle Alcazabilla, in the heart of the historic centre. The best way to get there is to walk through the old streets of Malaga.
How to buy tickets
If you want the full experience, I recommend visiting the Alcazaba on an organised tour. You will find options that combine the Roman Theatre and the ancient castle for less than 20€.
6. Enjoy the last Christmas Markets in Malaga.
During the whole month of December and during the first week of January you can enjoy the Christmas markets in Malaga. It's the perfect opportunity to soak up the festive spirit and enjoy the Christmas decorations and local arts and crafts.
Several Christmas markets take place in and around the city. If you're in Malaga in January, take the opportunity to visit some of them.
Benalmádena Christmas market
It takes place in the Casa de la Cultura in Benalmádena, located 30 minutes by bus from the heart of Malaga. The local Town Hall sets up each year up to 50 stalls divided into categories: local crafts, Christmas-themed products and gastronomy.
- Date: It opens around the 5th of December and ends on the 6th of January.
- Opening hours: From 1 pm to 11 pm. Every day.
Christmas Market at Muelle Uno
If you want to enjoy the beautiful views of the coast of Malaga while attending one of the best markets in the city, don't miss this market.
Malaga's Muelle Uno offers stalls selling clothes, local gastronomy, gourmet food, crafts and more.
- Date: It usually opens in the last days of November and lasts until 10 January.
- Opening hours: From 10am to 6pm, every day.
7. Have a day of relaxation in an Arabian Hammam.
With temperatures dropping, winter is undoubtedly the best time to enjoy a relaxing hot bath. The Muslim conquerors who settled in Malaga instilled in their people the tradition of the Arab baths and there are still some in operation today.
Sip a Moroccan mint tea, receive an exfoliating massage and finally soak in the warm water for a relaxing afternoon to regain your strength. This is a great plan whether you're in town with friends or as a couple.
Perhaps one of the main advantages of visiting southern Spain is the chance to appreciate the remarkable combination of Catholic and Moorish traditions that define the country.
Where to go
In the city of Malaga, one of the most reputable centres is the Hammam Al Ándalus, located near the Plaza de los Mártires.
How to buy tickets
You can book the spa sessions at the Hammam in advance. The price is usually around 55€ for a spa session of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
8. Enjoy the winter ice rinks in Malaga.
During the winter you can skate on ice in the rinks that are installed in the city of Malaga and in the nearby towns, mainly during the month of December. Here are some interesting alternatives.
Ice rink in the Christmas Village.
Every year, the department store El Corte Inglés sets up the "Pueblo Navideño" fair in the heart of Malaga. This includes, among other activities, a spectacular ice rink for the enjoyment of adults and children.
- Dimensions of the rink: 35 M long by 15 M wide.
- Opening hours: Open to the public every day from 10am to 10pm.
- Price: Around 6€ per participant.
- Dates: The entire fair that makes up the Christmas Village is set up in Malaga from the end of November until the first days of January.
Ice Rink in Benalmádena
In Benalmádena, you will find a natural ice rink just 25 minutes from Malaga. In addition to the rink, there is a swimming pool in the sports complex for swimming in case you feel like it.
- Rink dimensions: The total size of the rink is about 900 square metres.
- Opening hours: The centre is open from 11am to 2.30pm and from 4pm to 10pm in the afternoon.
- Price: An adult ticket costs approximately €11.
- Dates: From October to May.
9. Attend the Chamber Music concerts at the Picasso Museum
Art lovers visiting Malaga during the winter will find interesting options in the programme of activities at the Picasso Museum. During the winter, and over the course of several months, the museum hosts numerous Chamber Music concerts.
The programme varies from year to year, but the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra performs constantly, often in an opening concert. The rest of the guest artists change from year to year.
The musical offer ranges from boleros to jazz, with guest artists from all over Spain and the world.
Where it takes place
The event takes place in one of the city's most important museums: the iconic Picasso Museum of Malaga, located in the Palacio de Buenavista, on Calle San Agustín.
How to buy tickets
You can purchase your tickets for the Picasso Museum in advance. Tickets for the concerts can be purchased at the virtual ticket office of the museum or directly on the day of the event at the physical ticket office.
10. Go on sale in Malaga.
Take advantage of your stay in Malaga during the winter to go shopping during the winter sales. The seasonal sales start at the beginning of January and last until the end of February or the first days of March.
This is the best time to buy fashion products such as clothes, shoes, accessories and perfumes at very low prices. It is also the perfect time to buy souvenirs of your trip to Malaga.
Where it takes place
Take a stroll through the streets of the historic centre of Malaga and the many shops available. If you want to get to know the local brands I recommend visiting Moda Malaga; Fusion Malaga, Bimba y Lola or Chavala .
I also recommend visiting the shops of Desigual, Pull & Bear and, of course, Romwe.
What is the weather like in Malaga in winter
Generally speaking, the winter in Malaga is usually quite mild. Highs are usually no lower than 15º, while lows stay at around 8º. The rain, although not very abundant, can appear during these months, so it is advisable to bring an umbrella or a mackintosh.
Despite the above, it is always advisable to check the weather forecast shortly before travelling to have a clearer idea of what you are going to find.