The great beauty of Europe – and something I will never cease to appreciate – is the ease of travel. I can work a full day in London and go to sleep in Spain, which is exactly what my husband and I did on our recent weekend getaway. As an American, I still consider a 2.5 hour flight a short hop, and will never pass up the opportunity to spend a couple of days in a foreign city (read: eat tapas in a foreign city).
Even in February, the sun is shining on the Costa del Sol which receives over 300 days of sunshine per year. The short distance and nice temperatures make this a perfect winter sun getaway. The average high temperature in February is around 18 celsius (65 fahrenheit). Though not exactly sunbathing weather, it’s perfect for exploring the Spanish coastline!
Getting here and Getting Around
You will fly into the Malaga – Costa del Sol airport to start your trip! Unless you plan to stay in Malaga, I highly recommend renting a car for your visit. There are plenty of affordable rental options, and all of the highways and roads are well-marked and easy to drive. Having a car will allow you to make the most of your weekend and explore on your own schedule!
Marbella, Spain
If you’re wondering where to make your home base for a sunny weekend, look no further than Marbella. Just about 40 minutes from the Malaga airport, Marbella is situated along a gorgeous stretch of Spanish coastline. It’s also the perfect jumping off point for other day trips around the region (more on that below).
I was surprised by how big and developed Marbella is, especially compared to other places I’ve visited in Southern Spain. However, beyond the high-rises and bustle is a quieter, traditional Spanish old town. Here, you’ll find picturesque white buildings, orange trees surrounding charming squares, and dozens of tapas bars and boutique shops.
You likely won’t be spending your time swimming in the chilly sea on a February weekend. Instead, I recommend grabbing a morning coffee para llevar and taking a walk along one of the many beautiful beaches. Another great option is to visit a weekend market for souvenirs and/or tasty foods.
If you are a golfer, you probably know that Marbella is a fantastic spot for you! With more than 70 golf courses along the coastline, you can enjoy a sunny round or two. Although golfing is not my forte, this seemed to be a major attraction for many fellow travelers and tourists.
Marbella is also not short of fantastic places to eat. A couple of my favourite spots were Taberna Casa Blanca and Taberna La Niña del Pisto for traditional Andalusian tapas and drinks. If you’re a gazpacho fan, be sure to try porra antequerana, a local version served in a tapa size and topped with boiled egg. Churro lovers will also be happy to know there are plenty of options, including Madrid’s famous Chocolateria San Gínes.
Ronda, Spain
Picture this: you’re driving through winding mountainside roads with views of the Costa del Sol to your left. Occasionally, you’ll pull off to the side to let thrill-seeking motorcycles pass.
As you near your destination, you’ll see olive groves, sheep, horses and pigs, and, if in season, dozens of flowering trees. This is the charming cliffside town of Ronda, Spain, just over an hour from Marbella.
I recommend approaching this gorgeous town from Mirador Puente Nuevo, the bridge connecting the old and new towns. From this vantage point, you can fully appreciate the beauty of both halves of Ronda. After climbing the stairs past lush plants and more cherry blossoms, you’ll come to an equally beautiful park with a view from above.
Bullfighting in Ronda
One of the main attractions of Ronda is its historic bullfighting ring. The large ring is impossible to miss when walking through the town, and you can visit it for just €9 per person or €11 with an audio guide. This ticket includes entrance to the bullfighting museum where you can view past awards and costumes worn by the fighters. You can also walk on the ring and into the stands to admire the view from above.
Equestrian History in Ronda
Ronda’s equestrian school sits inside the same complex as the bull ring. The entrance ticket will also provide access to this part of the facility. You can walk through the historical stables, and, if you’re lucky, you may even see one or two horses out practicing dressage.
On this tour, we learned that the Andalusian Horse is one of the oldest breeds of horse. They were also bred specifically for the equestrian arts, and as a result were the most desirable horses, often gifted to foreign countries.
Ronda’s Best Viewpoints
Of course, as a city situated on top of cliffs, you can expect to see stunning views in and around Ronda. Some of the best include the Mirador Puente Nuevo, Mirador de Cuenca, and El Tajo de Ronda.
Setenil de las Bodegas
Twenty short minutes from Ronda is Setenil de las Bodegas. I first saw this town on Instagram and wanted to come and check it out for myself. This small, walkable town of around 3,000 people is known for its abrigos bajo las rocas, or shelters beneath the rocks and is worth a visit!
What to see
Setenil de las Bodegas is located in a rocky canyon, and some of the homes and shops are actually built into the rocky cliff. Its two most famous calles (streets) are called Cuevas del Sol and Cuevas de la Sombra, which translate to caves of the sun and caves of the shade. The streets are right across the river from each other, and are uniquely different.
While Calle Cuevas del Sol is covered by a rocky cliff, the sun still beats down on the cafes and restaurants lining the road. Calle Cuevas de la Sombra on the other hand feels like the inside of a cave. Surprisingly, cars can still pass on this road which adds to the madness a bit. One of the benefits of visiting off season is fewer crowds, but because the town is so small, you can expect both streets to feel a little bit crowded.
Calle Herrería and is another must-visit street where you can find a large boulder nearly touching the roof of the buildings across the street. This calle is just off of the main square, and houses a hidden restaurant serving local Andalucian dishes. Here is where you’ll also find the Instagram famous sign “Besame en Este Rincón.”
Finally, before you start your journey back to Marbella, be sure to grab a sweet treat from Durán, located on Calle Cuevas de la Sombra. Try one of the local Andalusian delicacies, cortadillos de cidra, a sweet pastry stuffed with candied spaghetti squash!
Pro tip: One of the best parking locations is also an incredible viewpoint over the town.
¡Buen viaje!
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