Winter Rentals in southern Spain: Your Guide to Escaping the Cold
How to escape the worst of the winter in the UK, Ireland the Netherlands or Scandinavia or wherever you may be. Maybe you’re needing to put grey skies behind you and work from a remote location or perhaps the harsh winters are simply not good for your physical or mental health. The best weather in mainland Europe is likely found on Spains southernmost coast. Much of the stretch from Cartagena to Tarifa is dubbed the Costa del Sol or the eastern most part in the Costa Tropical and then going east the Costa de Almeria. These southern haunts can offer the perfect balance of good weather, pretty surroundings with relaxed Mediterranean charm as well as time to enjoy the healthy Mediterranean food.
The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are standout destinations along the Mediterranean coast, drawing guests each winter with their sunny days, sea views, and mild temperatures. You’ll find winter rentals here that suit every lifestyle from cosy apartments near the beach to spacious houses with a pool and garden. Our very own rustic cottage, Al Ladino provides a degree of serenity with spectacular views and access to the former fishing village of Nerja, now a hub for restaurants, tapas and low key entertainment in a pleasing climate.
For anyone dreaming of an extended winter escape, long-term rentals in Spain can offer you what you’re looking for.
Why a Holiday Home Is the Perfect Winter Base
Staying in a holiday home rather than a hotel gives you the freedom to live like a local and truly relax. But all rental properties are note the same. Some have a genuine feel of ‘home from home’, others are perfunctory ‘lock ups’ but if you want old world character you need to look a little more carefully. Only some rental properties in southern Spain are designed properly for the winter. Poor insulation is endemic during the winter months so you need to ask probing questions before you book. Our own properties El Monte Bajo and Al Ladino were rebuilt by us with Scandinavian-style insulation for comfort during the winter months. The days may be sunning and temperatures reaching towards 20c, great for sunbathing but the evenings will likely need some form of heating.
Booking a charming country home, you’ll have space to cook, unwind, and host visiting family or friends. Some holiday homes enjoy stunning unbroken sea views but others are tucked away on urbanizacions, often facing north and failing to capture the sun at any time of day. This will make a world of difference to your experience. Look out for sea views, well kept gardens and chimneys to make your stay even more special.
It’s the kind of winter experience where you can enjoy slow mornings, market-fresh lunches, and peaceful evenings all from the comfort of your own holiday rental.
Winter Rentals: Comfort and Flexibility for Every Guest
Choosing a winter rental gives you far more than just a place to sleep. You’re creating a base where you can spend time enjoying life at your own pace. With winter season rentals in Spain, you can truly settle in explore local villages, towns and cities, dive into regional history, and make the most of the season.
From budget-friendly apartments to luxurious villas with pools, Spain’s long-term rentals suit every budget and lifestyle. You’ll find properties with multiple bedrooms, private terraces, and fully equipped kitchens ideal for extended stays and winter lets.
Plus, many owners offer flexible rental terms and inclusive services like Wi-Fi, cleaning, and utility costs. That means more value for money and fewer surprises.
Spend Time Exploring the Best of Spain This Winter
Winter lets in Spain don’t just offer a warmer climate they open the door to exploring a country rich in culture, food, and history. Spend time visiting historic cities like Málaga, Granada, or Seville, where every street has a story and every plaza invites you to pause and enjoy.
Avoid the overpopulated tourist hubs and look for unique charm. For example the small whitewashed village of Frigiliana in the province of Malaga is frequently voted one of the top 2 or 3 prettiest villages (pueblos) in the whole of the country. One day you could be walking through a local market in a seaside town, the next hiking into the hills or discovering hidden villages tucked between the mountains and the sea.
What to Do When You Rent in Southern Spain for Winter
One of the biggest perks when you rent a place in southern Spain for the winter is how much there is to explore right on your doorstep. Wherever you choose, you’re never far from stunning beaches, lively towns, and cultural hotspots.
During your stay, your winter rental, you can head out to discover ancient cities full of history like Málaga, Ronda, or Granada. You could spend sunny afternoons wandering through local markets, visiting Moorish palaces, or just relaxing at a beachfront café with sea views and tapas.
Want something a little more active? There are scenic hiking trails through the hills, paddleboarding adventures, and even vineyard tours dotted across the countryside. Winter is the perfect season to explore without the crowds and the right home base will make all the difference, many people have found their favourite base and return year after year there.
