Discover everything about wintering in Andalusia. The best places, budget and mid-range apartments, cost of living, temperatures, care, transport, and handy tips for a carefree stay.
Wintering in Andalusia: the complete guide to a sunny winter in Southern Spain (2026/2027)
Why choose Andalusia?
While the Netherlands is grey, cold, and wet, Andalusia often enjoys sunny days with temperatures between 16 and 22°C. The region is easily accessible, relatively affordable, and boasts excellent infrastructure. No wonder thousands of Dutch and Belgians spend a few weeks or even months here every year.
Best places to spend the winter
1. Nerja ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perhaps the most popular place for winter visitors. Advantages:
Authentic Spanish atmosphere
Beautiful promenade
Cozy restaurants
Many walking opportunities
Good bus connections
Less mass tourism than Marbella
Average rent (1-3 months):
Budget apartment: €650-850 per month
Mid-range: €850-1,250 per month
2. Torrox Costa
This seaside resort claims the "best climate in Europe".
Advantages:
Very mild winter climate
Quiet
Affordable apartments
Many Dutch and Belgian winter residents
3. Estepona
An atmospheric coastal town with a beautiful old town center.
Advantages:
Authentic center
Beautiful promenade
Many flowers
Good restaurants
Less crowded than Marbella
Apartment:
€800-1,300 per month.
4. Mijas Costa
Perfect if you are looking for peace and quiet but still want to stay close to Málaga. Pros:
Good public transport
Many golf courses
Beautiful beaches
More affordable than Marbella
5. Almuñécar
A hidden gem on the Costa Tropical.
Why choose?
Lots of sunshine
Lower prices
Authentic atmosphere
Beautiful walks
6. Málaga
Ideal if you prefer staying in a city.
Advantages:
International airport
Excellent public transport
Museums
Shopping
Many winter activities
Average winter temperatures
Month Daytime Night Seawater
November 21°C 13°C 19°C
December 18°C 11°C 17°C
January 17°C 10°C 16°C
February 18°C 10°C 15°C
March 20°C 12°C 16°C
On the Costa del Sol, the sun shines for an average of 5 to 7 hours a day in winter. Budget and mid-range apartments
Those who rent for longer than four weeks often receive attractive discounts. Many landlords charge winter prices that are 20% to even 50% lower than in the high season. For stays of two or three months, there is often still room to negotiate the rent. The deposit usually amounts to one to two months' rent, and utilities (water and electricity) are not always included.
Indicative prices:
Studio: €550-750
1-bedroom apartment: €650-950
2-bedroom apartment: €850-1,300
How much does living cost?
Compared to the Netherlands, daily life is often more affordable. Average prices:
Cappuccino: €1.80-2.50
Menu del Día: €12-18
Glass of wine: €2-4
Beer: €2-3
Bread: €1-2
1 kg of oranges: €1.50-2.50
Public transport: from about €1.50 per ride or budget subscriptions
A comfortable budget for one person (excluding rent) is often around €700-1,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle.
Are restaurants open in the winter?
Yes.
In fact:
In larger towns, almost all restaurants remain open.
Only the very touristy beach bars sometimes close for a few weeks.
So you certainly don't need to worry that everything is closed. Flying to Andalusia
Cheap flights depart from, among others:
Amsterdam
Eindhoven
Rotterdam
Brussels
Düsseldorf
Destinations:
Málaga
Seville
Granada
Jerez
For winter visitors, Málaga Airport is usually the best choice.
Transport from Málaga Airport
You have several options:
Cercanías train to Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola
Airport Express bus to the center of Málaga
Intercity buses towards Nerja, Estepona, Marbella, and Almuñécar, among others (sometimes with a transfer)
Rental cars are often affordably priced in the winter
If you want to take multiple trips to white villages or nature reserves, a rental car is highly recommended. Dutch doctor or English-speaking GP
On the Costa del Sol, there are several international GP practices where English is spoken and where Dutch or other Northern European languages are often also available through staff or doctors. Good examples are:
Doctor Läkare Medical Center in Nerja (Bus Station)
Atlantic Clinic doctor (Marbella)
Compass Clinic - Medical Center (Marbella)
Always inquire in advance which languages are available at the time of your appointment.
Stay If you live in Spain for an extended period or register there, different rules may apply. Therefore, contact your Dutch health insurer in advance to avoid surprises.
Practical tips
✓ Bring a cardigan or light jacket; evenings can be chilly.
✓ Check if heating is available. Spanish apartments are not always well insulated.
✓ Book between September and November for the widest selection.
✓ Always ask if internet, electricity, and water are included.
✓ Consider a rental car if you want to explore much of Andalusia.
✓ Visitlocal markets for fresh vegetables, fruit, and fish at attractive prices.
Fun winter getaways
Málaga
Ronda
Granada and the Alhambra
Caminito del Rey
Frigiliana
Córdoba
Seville
Sierra Nevada
Cabo de Gata
The White Villages (Pueblos Blancos)
Conclusion
Andalusia is one of the best destinations in Europe for spending the winter. With mild temperatures, affordable apartments, a relaxed lifestyle, and excellent facilities, you can enjoy the Spanish sun here for a few weeks or even months. Whether you choose authentic Nerja, charming Estepona, quiet Torrox Costa, or the lively city of Málaga: everywhere you will find a combination of comfort, culture, and hospitality that makes winter much more pleasant.
