Property in the Costa del Sol – ideal for a winter escape

Dreading the gloomy skies of the UK’s winter? The dark nights? The damp, chilly weather?

Winter is certainly on its way.

But if you had a property in the Costa del Sol, it wouldn’t matter.

When the UK is at its coldest and wettest, many people – particularly retirees – choose to swap their home in Blighty, for a villa or apartment along the sunshine coast. And it’s perfectly understandable. Southern Spain is the ideal escape for winter.

Here we explore why.

6 reasons to take a 3 month winter break in Spain

1. Sunshine and warmth

Unlike the majority of Europe, ‘winter’ in Spain is more like spring.

The Costa del Sol, specifically, enjoys over 320 days of sunshine every year. And during the winter months, the weather is mild and temperate. It rarely reaches less than 8˚C – even throughout the night – and the average daily temperature hovers around a very pleasant 18-20˚C.

Plus, rain showers tend to be light and brief – seldom lasting more than a couple of hours.

This dreamy winter climate offers plenty of opportunity to get out and explore the local area. Short sleeves are certainly still the order of the day. And although the sea might not be warm enough for swimming, there’s nothing to stop you from relaxing on the beach and soaking up some sunshine.

This year, this favourable climate has drawn many Brits hoping to beat the cost of living crisis.

Indeed, Spain has also seen a sizeable increase in bills. But thanks to its sunny weather, properties in the Costa del Sol require much less energy to keep them warm. And as such, they’ve become a magnet for so-called ‘energy nomads’ looking to dodge a harsh (and expensive!) UK winter.

2. Low season

Long gone are the hordes of tourists.

Winter in Spain is low season. Which means, not only do you get to enjoy the fantastic weather, you can experience everything the Costa del Sol has to offer – just without the heavy crowds.

The picturesque ‘pueblo blancos’ are particularly slow-paced at this time of year, allowing visitors to enjoy a truly authentic experience. Queues are virtually non-existent. You can visit most major attractions for a reduced cost and will likely have them to yourself. And it’s possible to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the real laidback Spanish way of life.

3. Year-round culture

Just because it’s low season, doesn’t mean everywhere shuts down.

Andalucía is widely regarded as the most culturally rich region of Spain. From its unique architecture to its colourful fiestas, it’s steeped with tradition – and this doesn’t stop just because the weather gets slightly cooler. This tradition and culture is still evident throughout the winter months.

Art galleries and museums remain open. You can see magnificent cathedrals and historic sites. Wander through the whitewashed villages. Visit the prettiest seaside towns and the beautiful countryside. And enjoy al fresco dining at restaurants and chiringuitos morning, noon and night. All without being overwhelmed by crowds of tourists.

If you’re looking for a winter culture fix, it certainly won’t disappoint.

4. Opportunity for winter golf

In most countries, autumn signifies the end of the golf season – but not in the Costa del Sol.

Here, the pleasant climate allows golfers to enjoy their hobby 365 days a year. Currently, there are over 70 stunning courses on the ‘Costa del Golf’ – including everything from value pay-and-plays to fairways that host international championships – with something to suit all preferences and abilities.

These courses all remain open throughout the region’s low season.

Set among the beautiful Andalusian landscape, under the warm winter sun, they’re a golfer’s paradise. Little wonder then, that the Costa del Sol is Europe’s top winter golfing destination.

5. Outdoor activities

No need to stay cooped up indoors. Living in the Costa del Sol, it’s possible to stay active and agile throughout the winter months.

The mild temperatures combined with clear sunny days allow for a healthier lifestyle, with lots of outdoor activities to keep you occupied. For example, there are many breathtaking natural parks on the doorstep, filled with relatively easy walking and hiking routes for you to try.

You can go cycling, horse riding, play a game of tennis.

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort is also just a short drive away. So if you’re a fan of winter sports, or fancy trying something new, you can hit the snowy slopes with some guaranteed winter sunshine.

6. Festive celebrations

Taking a 3 month winter break in Spain doesn’t mean you have to give up Christmas.

Christmas is celebrated in Spain just as much as it is in the UK. And during the month of December, you’ll find there are countless festive activities and events to enjoy throughout the region.

One of the biggest attractions is Málaga’s Christmas lights. You can also find Nordic-style Christmas markets in both Puerto Banús and along the boardwalk of Estepona, as well as pop-up ice skating rinks. And many restaurants and bars offer delicious festive menus throughout the season.

At New Year, large hotels and restaurants also organise special menus and parties.

There’s certainly no need to miss out on the festivities, just because you’re living in sunny España.

Take the leap and enjoy your winters in Spain

For anyone looking to dodge the worst of the British weather – and get a little winter sun on their bones – a property for sale in the Costa del Sol is the perfect retreat.

The area is warm and sunny. There’s plenty to see and do. There are far fewer tourists.

And the best bit? In line with the 90-day rule, it’s possible to enjoy a 3 month winter break in Spain, with minimal red tape. You can escape the UK winter. Enjoy a total of 90 days in the Costa del Sol, without the hassle of becoming a resident. Maintain your current tax, healthcare and other arrangements at home. And, if you wish, rent your property out for the remainder of the year.

Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? And it doesn’t have to be a pipedream.

If you’d like to spend your winters in the sunshine and are interested in a property in the Costa del Sol, we’re here to help.

As a leading real estate agency in the area, we have a comprehensive portfolio of villas, apartments and townhouses – with something to suit all needs, preferences and budgets – and are always on hand to offer our expert assistance. Over the years, we’ve helped countless clients to discover their dream winter home in the Costa del Sol. And we could do the same for you.

The first step is to simply get in touch. Either give us a call on +34 952 939 460 (+44 208 068 7606) or, if you prefer, send an email to in**@br********************.com and we’ll respond to your enquiry as soon as possible.