Spain: 5 Things to do in Malaga in Winter

Fancy some winter sun? Some adventures in Andalusia? With roughly 320 days of sunshine a year on average, Malaga and the Costa del Sol are a perfect sunny but stimulating getaway. It’s just over a 3-hour flight from Manchester, but yet a world away from the grey skies, winter chills and general dullness of England at this time of year.
Winter can be a comfortable time to explore southern Spain without the peak summer heat and crowds, although sunshine is never guaranteed.

Practical travel details checked in October 2026. This is a record of my own trip; schedules, prices and availability may change.

Why visit Málaga in winter?

Malaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and a great place to base yourself for a few days when exploring the region. The city itself is the birthplace and early inspiration of Pablo Picasso. Malaga reflects the eclectic and sometimes peculiar nature of his work. Peculiar in a good way though! Malaga is a blend of past and present.

5 things to do in Málaga in winter

Explore by bike or Segway

One of the best ways to get your bearings in a new place is to take a tour. I took a Segway tour, but took the route by cycle instead… which was better for everyone because the only way I can stop a Segway is to steer it into the wall of a building! (Not everyone has this problem, it’s just me). Even if you haven’t ridden a Segway before, the staff will show you how to get the hang of it.

Alcazaba Castle, Malaga

Take a ride up to Alcazaba, to the beach, or both.

The beach in Malaga

Take a Málaga cooking class

Join Spain Food Sherpas in their kitchen, don an apron and learn how to make paella, a stereotypical but tasty traditional Spanish dish, before sitting down for lunch and eating your freshly whipped up culinary delight!

Pedro and I with our creation!

Another option is to browse Málaga cooking classes on GetYourGuide (affiliate link). Check the menu and class location before booking.

Flamenco Dancing – El Pimpi Restaurant

I enjoyed flamenco at El Pimpi on my visit. Performance schedules change, so check the venue’s current programme before planning an evening around a show. El Pimpi is one of Málaga’s best-known restaurants and is a maze of rustic charm.

Flamenco dancing!

Visit the Picasso Museum

If you like a bit of culture, Malaga’s museums are for you. We visited the Picasso Museum Málaga (Picasso was born in Malaga).

The visitor-friendly recently refurbished rooms depict a timeline of how his work varied over the years, and how he could master almost any medium.

For a winter visit, check the museum’s official hours and tickets before setting off; its listed November–February hours are 10:00–18:00, with special dates subject to change.

Tapas & Wine Tour

Tapas is almost unavoidable when you’re in Spain. Many bars, cafe’s and restaurants offer tapas – and Antigua Casa de Guardia was no exception. It’s more like a traditional tavern with a variety of different wines, and being in Malaga on the coast offers mainly seafood tapas.

Wine 🙂

Fancy a guided tasting? See a Málaga wine and tapas tour (affiliate link). This is a bookable alternative to the bars I visited.

Where I stayed in Málaga

I stayed with Jet2 Holidays at the Barcelo Malaga Hotel – a modern and comfortable 4* hotel with a rooftop bar and pool. The beds so huge that I could choose if I slept in them horizontally, diagonally or just normally! It also had a slide that takes you down to the reception area. (I slid down several times.) The hotel is also located right next to the train station so it’s perfect too if you’re travelling to or from the area by train.

Slide at the Barcelo Malaga Hotel

Getting to Málaga

Fly to Malaga with Jet2 from several UK airports including Manchester and Leeds Bradford. Check the baggage included in your particular flight or holiday booking before you pack. The C1 airport train reaches Málaga city centre in around 12 minutes; check the current timetable for your arrival. Flights, hotels or the whole shebang can be booked here at Jet2Holidays

Disclosure

This trip was sponsored by Jet2 and Vista Costa Del Sol – massive thanks to them 🙂 However, the thoughts and opinions in this post are as always, my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.