When the endless days of sun and beach are now just a fleeting memory on Instagram feeds, Marbella continues to be a great bet for those looking for a sunny destination with mild temps on its winter nights that allow you to enjoy a different Christmas, without missing out the magic and charm of these special dates. So, if you are one of those who prefers to escape from home every Christmas and celebrate the beginning of the new year in your favorite destination, keep reading, perhaps this post will be your ace up your sleeve.
Christmas is celebrated in Andalusia with great intensity, which is perceived in how they really go all out with Christmas lights and decorations for their cities. And Marbella were not to be an exception. And although it has always been synonymous with elegance and glamour on the Costa del Sol, its Andalusian accent at the foot of the Mediterranean forms the perfect oasis in which to let yourself be pampered by its Christmas spirit.
Unique nativity scenes, decorated streets and shops, Christmas carols and dances, gastronomic markets and white towns beautifully illuminated for the festive season to encourage you to make a very special trip to the south of Spain. Marbella is decked out for the occasion, the excitement, magical smells and flavors are felt everywhere. Walking through the streets and looking at the shop windows is an experience that makes anyone feel like a child, the atmosphere is filled with magic wherever you go.
Here are the best plans to make the most of your trip:
1. The switching- on of Christmas lights
During a trip to Marbella, make sure to find a gap in your schedule to attend the switching-on of Marbella Christmas lights. Thousands of people attend every year the celebration in front of Alameda park, nestled in the heart of the city, making the beginning of the Christmas celebrations and a full calendar of various activities that liven up the Christmas festivities: parades, zambombas, wonderful lighting performances in which the whole town participates.
To add a touch of glamour, you cannot miss the ceremony of lighting in Malaga on Calle Larios, the urban epicenter, with a huge decorative display and the typically Christmas lighting that has become a tradition since 1999, a spectacle with nearly half a thousand illuminated streets, squares and roundabouts in the city and endless events and live music. The light and sound shows have placed the city of Malaga among the preferred European cities to visit on these dates, according to the prestigious international platform “European Best destinations”, for its magic and charm.
2. A tour around Marbella city and the Old Quarter
Live a unique experience going on the Marbella old city, a surprising place where you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing walk, embark on a cultural and culinary journey and experience the flavors of Andalusia while you contemplate its white houses adorned with thousands of flowers, its narrow and labyrinthine streets and its rich Moorish history felt in every corner.
The rich history and cultural heritage of Marbella is transmitted through its churches, museums, castles, walls, hermitages and stately homes. The mythical Plaza de Los Naranjos, is an oasis of peace surrounded by beautiful orange trees, tropical flowers and jasmines. It houses three emblematic buildings: The Casa del Corregidor, the Hermitage of Santiago and the Town Hall. At night, it becomes a charming place illuminated with lanterns and lamps that twinkle on the trees and the facades of the restaurants, creating a romantic atmosphere. Just behind the Plaza de Los Naranjos are also the Muslim walls and the remains of a 13th century fortress. A corner of Marbella where time seems to stop.
A few minutes' walk is La Avenida del Mar, a rectangular square that stretches between Alameda Park and the beach, next to the Marbella marina, surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants. This place looks like an open-air museum as it houses 10 sculptures by the world-famous Salvador Dali.
3. Shopping in Marbella
Marbella is the ideal city for luxury shopping: the most important fashion brands in the world are based here and have stores of absolute exquisiteness in Puerto Banús, where they accompany Louis Vuitton, brands such as Versacci, Dior, Gucci, Dolce Gabanna, Hermès ... It’s common here to see luxury cars such as Ferrari, Porsche or Rolls Royce, as well as impressive yachts of Arab royalty, European nobility and international artists. Nearby, is El Corte Inglés, which covers more than 60 luxury brands in its establishments, in addition to an increasingly varied gourmet gastronomic offer.
Get the most of your walk within the center of Marbella and the old town and buy your exclusive Christmas presents. Establishments with tradition, luxury brands, artisan workshops in a privileged environment full of vestiges and monuments. On the Golden Mile, you have another date with glamour and luxury, and also you’ll be able to treat yourself to a culinary tribute in one of its exclusive restaurants, some with several Michelin stars. But if you are more into Malls, you can go to La Cañada, which is also a recreation space, which makes it an ideal alternative for rainy days.
4. Christmas Markets:
Marbella is a city with so much to see throughout the year. But heading the city over the festive season is definitely a double fun!
The main squares and streets of Marbella host the traditional Christmas markets, the streets are illuminated and Christmas carols in the background creating warm, festive and colorful atmospheres.
You can buy everything from funny and original Christmas decorations to delicious local specialties typical of Christmas: fritters, sweet treats, artisan bread, nuts and crepes or waffles among others, and an infinite number of other curiosities.
Nueva Andalucía’s market is one of the most popular, only a few walk from the luxury Puerto Banus, attracting numerous visitors each Saturday. Stalls come stocked with either fashion accessories or paintings, antiques and rugs.
The Organic Market held on the third Saturday of each month in La Campana is another must-see. El Patio, the most exclusive on the Golden Mile where the luxury of tapas meets the rhythm of the music of a luxury DJ. The one in Las Albarizas, open every Monday, the one in the Puerto Deportivo taking place every Sunday or San Pedro de Alcántara market held each Thursday.
As you can see on the Costa del Sol we have markets for all tastes, in all municipalities and every weekday:
5. Sun and Beach
There is no better place than Marbella’s incredible beaches to explore the best of the Costa del Sol. With more than 320 days of sunshine a year and 27 kilometers of coastline divided into 24 beaches, Marbella is the perfect destination to enjoy a holiday at any time of the year.
The best thing about going to the beach in winter is that you have almost the entire beach only for you, an ideal opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a pleasant walk along the shores, read a good book or enjoy the sound of the waves. On a clear day, you can glimpse The Rock of Gibraltar and the African coast.
If you have good equipment, you can also practice your favorite sports: swimming, surfing, paddle surfing, etc. A range of plans to make you enjoy yourself in the best company, from a breakfast bathed in the sun to dining under the stars, taking a boat ride to enjoy the sunset, make every moment count.
And if you are a bike lover, you are in the right place. The geography of the city allows you to enjoy bike routes next to the beach in a surprising environment with the mountain, La Concha, as a backdrop. The coastal path offers comfortable routes along wide tracks. Ideal for enjoying the landscape with children and family by the sea.
As for food, don’t live without trying the exquisite typical Andalusian dishes in one of the many restaurants and beach bars that will delight the most demanding palates. At El Puente Romano Beach Resort, you have around twenty restaurants with the most exquisite culinary offerings, special dinners and entertainment to celebrate Christmas and start a new year surrounded by the small pleasures of life.
As you can see in Marbella it is impossible to get bored. Culture, art, sea and mountains at any time of the year. If you are looking for accommodation, we can offer you a wide portfolio of tourist homes that will give you an unforgettable experience.