The Costa del Sol continues to be one of the most popular winter destinations for tourists from the UK, Ireland and northern Europe. Eager to escape the cold and dreary winters of their home countries, these visitors make the most of the great prices and short flight times to visit our beautiful Coast and bask in some winter sun!

But the sun isn’t the only thing bringing these visitors to our coast in the winter: Below we’ve put together our list of 10 reasons to visit the Costa del Sol in the Winter.

1. Easy Access: Most major European airports have regular and reasonably priced flights to Málaga airport. With flight times of just two and a half hours from the UK and Ireland, a quick weekend break in the sun becomes a very viable option. For flights from the UK we recommend you check out Easyjet, Jet2 and Ryanair. For flights from Ireland you can search the Aer Lingus site or Ryanair.
2. Mild Climate: We´re fortunate enough to enjoy an average 6 hours of sunshine a day, average daily temperatures of 18ºC (November to March) and very little rainfall. Check out this page on our website for more detailed information about the weather on the Costa del Sol.
3. Culture: The Coast’s capital city, Malaga, is a treasure trove for culture lovers: The Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Alcazaba fortress and historic centre, are just some of the must-see attractions. The world-famous Alhambra Palace in Granada is just 1.5 hours away by car and daily excursions are available to visit this unique and breathtaking landmark (just ask at reception).
4. Gastronomy: Book one of the popular Tapas Routes & Tours and enjoy Andalucian and international cuisine while you sample some of the superb Spanish wines… need we say more?
5. Local towns and markets to visit: Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena Pueblo Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella, Torremolinos and many more. Click on the following link for more details about local markets and the days and times you can visit them. 
6. Discover the charming White Villages of Andalucia: Hire a car and head off on an adventure into the hills to experience the beauty and tranquillity of towns like Ronda, Ojen, Frigiliana, Gaucín, and Casares to name but a few. Our Reception team will be happy to give you some tips and suggestions. 
7. Walking Holidays: From a gentle stroll along the Benalmádena seafront to the more challenging walking routes taking you into the hills and mountains, there’s something for walkers and hikers of all levels.
8. Shopping: From daily local markets to vast shopping centres, you’ll have trouble resisting temptation with all the amazing (and cheap) clothes, souvenirs and food on offer. We recommend the local street markets or the large shopping centres in Fuengirola (Miramar) and Malaga (Plaza Mayor).
9. Golf: They don’t call it the ‘Costa del Golf’ for nothing! With over 50 courses to choose from, this part of Spain is a golfer’s paradise. At Sunset Beach Club we’ve got a great relationship with many of the Coast’s best courses and can help you book green fees at discounted rates. We highly recommend you try one of the 3 stunning courses at La Cala Golf, our sister resort! 

10. Relax and enjoy the sun: Simply chill out with a good book and your favourite drink by the pool here at Sunset Beach Club or on one of the two excellent beaches located on either side of the hotel.

There’s no doubt that our list could be a lot longer, but we’ll leave that for another post! Can you help us? What other reasons can you think of to visit the Costa del Sol in the Winter? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you’re looking for a great-value hotel for your next visit to the Costa del Sol, be sure to check out Sunset Beach Club! Located on the seafront in Benalmadena, we have fantastic 4* facilities and apartment-style accommodation ideal for a relaxing Winter Break.