If you’ve clicked on this post, you probably enjoy getting active in the winter months. And why wouldn’t you with the magic of exploring the great outdoors, the feeling of wellness that comes hand in hand with the effort, the warm and comforting plates of food that you indulge in after? The Costa del Sol offers you this world of wonder all year round, thanks to its incredible weather 365 days a year. And that’s not to mention the many mountainscapes and natural areas that make the perfect backdrop for enjoying your favourite winter sport or trying your hand at something new. Keep reading to discover the best sports you can enjoy this winter in the province of Malaga.
Cycling and cycling trails
If you love pedalling through the wildest nature, winter in the Costa del Sol is the perfect time of year to get on your saddle. Just west of Sierra de las Nieves, Serranía de Ronda offers a simply stunning landscape for cycling. There are cycling trails for all levels in the area and you can even combine your pedal with a break to do a spot of paintballing in the heart of the mountainscape. An exciting day out.
Municipalities like Archidona, Villanueva del Trabuco and Villanueva del Rosario also have mountain biking trails where you can discover the history and artistry of the land. And if the mountain routes aren’t for you, you can leave the woodland behind and instead take your bike into the towns and cities. Of all the options available, Malaga and Marbella stand out for the myriad of ways to spend your time there.
Hiking through the natural parks
And if cycling isn’t really your thing, there’s hiking. And what a place to hike the Costa del Sol is. From the karstic landscape of El Torcal de Antequera to La Viñuela reservoir, not to mention the Gran Senda that crosses the whole province, the Costa del Sol offers a wide range of trekking destinations in its natural parks.
The most intrepid walkers can take an unforgettable hike along the raised platforms of Caminito del Rey in the heart of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes. And then, of course, there’s ruta de los Almendros (‘The Almond Tree Route), which will take you through a number of beautiful places in the province. A romantic idea for the winter months of January and February, this walk will immerse you in the beauty of the almond tree. The villages of Álora and Totalán as well as the Montes de Málaga are home to stunning walking routes where you can admire the trees.
Kayaking and caving: two great winter sports
In addition to the usuals, in the province of Malaga you can also enjoy a number of other winter sports, such as caving and - to a lesser extent - kayaking. Proof that you can enjoy all sorts of different activities in the Costa del Sol during the winter months.
For instance, you can kayak along the coastline of Nerja right up until the border of the province of Granada. Maro-Cerro Gordo, a beauty spot characterised by its dramatic cliffs, is also an incredible place to explore with your kayak. And then there’s El Chorro reservoir, at the Desembocadura del Guadalhorce, which is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a fresh water kayaking option.
And if you’ve got adventure running through your veins, there’s caving. Immerse yourself in Cueva de Nerja and explore the geological wonders that live below the earth’s surface. You can also explore the underground world at Pileta and Hundidero-Gato caves, and even do some canyoning in Sima del Diablo. There are also all sorts of caves and grottoes with prehistoric cave paintings.
Karting in good company
But as not everything has to take place in the depths of nature, we thought we’d suggest an electric option for lovers of speed: karting. Karting Campillos gives you the opportunity to show off your driving skills to your friends. This international race circuit, with certification from the CIK/FIA, proves that you don’t need to be in the middle of a mountain to enjoy winter sports. At the end of the day, it all boils down to how you best like to spend your time. Are you ready to rev up the engine?
And that’s the last of our recommendations! Now you know just some of the sports the Costa del Sol offers in winter - and it goes without saying that golf is also on the list - the time has come to start planning your next sporty trip to our exceptional destination. And while you’re away, don’t forget to make the most of the delicious warming dishes of the local traditional gastronomy. Is there anything better than digging into a hearty plate of food after a tiring day of sport?
