Semana Blanca, also known as White Week, is a well-liked winter holiday in Spain, especially for families with school-age children. It marks the end of the Winter term and coincides with the start of Spring. Although Marbella is famous for its beaches and warm climate, it is also an excellent destination during the winter months when the temperatures are mild, making it an ideal location for those who want to venture out and explore the region. This area of the world is exceptionally beautiful, with a host of activities to enjoy all year round.
Skiing in Sierra Nevada Residents and regular visitors are already in the know, however, just a couple of hours away from the beaches of Marbella lies Sierra Nevada, the southernmost ski resort in Europe. Located in the province of Granada, just a couple of hours by road from Marbella, Sierra Nevada offers a wide range of skiing and snowboarding activities, suitable for all levels of experience. The resort boasts over 100km of ski runs, with 21 lifts and a maximum elevation of 3,300 meters. It’s a properly served ski resort with hotels, restaurants and equipment hire available. There can be few luxuries more thrilling than skiing in the morning before heading for a late lunch on the beach!
Explore natural Andalucía If skiing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the hillsides and mountains surrounding Marbella. There are numerous hiking trails in the area that are suitable for sedate rambles, through to Indiana Jones-style adventures. La Concha is a popular choice for hikers, it’s a testing hike and it pays to be fit and carry provisions, however, the panoramic view from the top is a reward that is well worth the effort. On a clear day, the spectacular Costa del Sol coast is laid out below along with the shoreline of Africa and Morocco. You can also explore the surrounding white-washed villages, such as Ojen and Istán, for a tranquil break from the bustle of the busy resorts below.
Discovering Marbella’s Old Town It’s right on our doorstep, but how often do we take the time to explore the charming cobbled streets of Marbella’s historic Old Town? It’s an enchanting area full of narrow streets and picturesque squares, and often overlooked as we hurry to one of the many fabulous bars or restaurants to be found here. Explore the area and discover its historic buildings, and of course, stop in the famous Plaza de los Naranjos to have a coffee, enjoy the scent of orange blossom and soak up the atmosphere.
Enjoy the Spring beach Although the weather might not be warm enough for most for a dip in the sea, the beaches in Marbella are still worth a visit during Semana Blanca. Take a leisurely stroll along the miles of beachside promenade, the Paseo Maritimo, and enjoy the fresh sea air, perhaps stopping occasionally to visit one of the many beachside bars, restaurants and typical chiringuitos for a drink or superb lunch of local fresh fish accompanied by a jug of sangria.
More active souls may prefer to get out and brave the cooler sea temperatures with wind and kite-surfing, the latter really coming into its own in recent years.
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