There’s something cheeky about winter in Andalusia. The rest of Europe bundles up in woolly scarves and scrapes off morning frost from windscreens. Yet, here the sun is still warming your shoulders and you’ll find yourself walking outside with barely even a jumper. It’s the 21st of December, technically the start of winter… but with 18 degrees, clear skies, and the Mediterranean sparkling away, you’d never guess it.
Why do you think foreigners as well as Spaniards from the north come driving or flying in? Many people don’t just for a holiday, but for a full season. Winter in Andalusia feels like a gentler, warmer, brighter and lighter version of the cold winter months you know. Let’s get into it!
Chiringuito Magic
Imagine this: it’s mid-December, and instead of hiding indoors next to the chimney, you’re sitting by the sea at a local Chiringuito. You have ordered a nice glass of Verdejo and you even have your feet playing in the sand. At this point you can see the starters coming your way: gambas pil pil and of course you have ordered the classic Andalusian almejas. Round 1 is finished and the waiter comes to ask if you are ready for seconds. You nod and minutes later you are enjoying a mouthwatering paella, or freshly grilled espeto Lubina.
There’s laughter: groups of friends and families taking in all the sun rays they can get. There is live music, waves breaking softly in the distance… And then suddenly it hits you. A brief moment of realisation: this is winter in Andalusia? You pause, look around you, really take it all in, and smile.
Christmas Markets with Soul
We all know the spectacular Christmas markets of Germany, Austria, France, Denmark,… the beautiful fairy tales that come to life. In Andalucía we do it differently. Why? We can’t fake beautiful stands with snow, because snow is quite rare down South, with 320 days of sun per year… In Andalucía you can expect something much more entertaining and maybe something you have never even seen before.
The Christmas market in Andalucia revolves around “Artisan Magic”. The markets are very local, where you can buy all sorts of artisan products. Whether it be delicious fresh goats cheese, the best price-quality Jamón Ibérico! Of course, warm and crispy rustic bread, and all sorts of nuts (our favourite the roasted chestnuts). You can find handmade christmas decorations and plentiful handmade leather bags, wallets belts.. what you find here is endless, and it will be an experience like no other!
Sparkling Christmas Lights
From Málaga to Estepona to Sevilla, the Christmas lights here aren’t just decorations — they’re an entire show. Streets glow in gold and silver. Palm trees sparkle and children run around wide-eyed as choirs perform in little plazas. You might think that it is mostly and mainly at the coast, or in the larger cities where you will find the Christmas decorations. But don’t be fooled!
It is precisely in the inland towns where you are shocked at how much they decorate their towns. If you are smart enough, you will look for the “Belén Viviente” (nativity scene/Bethlehem) in a town “lost” in the mountains. The village comes together and puts on a show in their streets. Not only do you find the barn with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the Three Kings. You will find that all the neighbours are part of the Bethlehem town, representing the bakers with fresh bread and pastries for sale. You will find women and children “washing their clothes in the river”, the shoe maker… and what’s most fascinating is that there are real live animals in the streets!
Something worth seeing for sure!
Villancicos: Beben y beben, y vuelven a beber!
Nothing warms the spirit like stumbling onto a group singing villancicos: The Andalusian Christmas carols. You will find people of all generations singing and dancing together in the streets. All generations come together to sing songs that have an origin approximately in the 15th or 16th Century. The sound fills the streets, warm and festive, like a hug you weren’t expecting.
The famous villancicos are often sung during the Zambomba festivals. If you have never heard if this before, then this is the year that you will discover the real Andalusian Christmas Spirit. A zambomba is really an instrument, a friction drum to be more precise. It has such a unique sound! Entire groups of people gather around the zambomba, and with other instruments such as the pandereta, guitars and clapping hands, people create a gorgeous musical ambiance!
Gorgeous Sunset Skies
And then—every afternoon—the grand finale. Winter sunsets in Andalucía are jaw-dropping. Cotton-candy pinks, fiery oranges, peachy golds painting the sky as the sun drops behind the mountains or melts into the sea. Locals stop to watch. Tourists stop to take photos. And somehow it never, ever gets old.
What can I tell you… You just know you want and need this lifestyle too! So what is holding you back? Hop on a plane and come to our office for a quick chat! We’ve got coffee, tea and cookies prepared — you just tell us what you’re looking for and we will find your dream Andalusian country home!
Country properties for sale in Andalusia
If you are looking for your very own country property in Andalusia then make sure you take a look at our portfolio! Give us a call so we can help you find your dream home to spend a 10/10 winter in Andalusia! Call +34 608 577 696 or email [email protected].
Danielle Ernstsen | 12th December 2025
