Why work in Marbella? Reasons and interesting facts
Marbella offers excellent work and business opportunities. Discover why it’s great to work in Marbella and where to invest on the Costa del Sol.
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[post_content] => The countdown is on to Christmas and if you’re planning a Christmas getaway, you still have time to come and join the celebrations in Marbella. The lights have been switched on across the Costa del Sol, and the packed Christmas programmes have been released, and we’re all getting very excited. It’s a wonderful time of year to visit, and we hope that this guide will help you make the most of your Christmas holiday in Marbella.
Why visit Marbella at Christmas?
Winter is a great season to visit Marbella full stop, with mild temperatures, blue skies and sunshine and lots going on. But when December begins, it ramps up to the next level!
Marbella is beautiful at Christmas! As a Catholic country, the Spanish really love this season, and as Marbella is such an international destination, the cultures of its many residents blend to create magic. You’ll love the streets of the Old Town decorated in pretty lights, the Christmas markets and events, the parades and parties. From the end of November to the 6th of January the fun never stops!
But it’s not just Marbella…There’s lots going on at Christmas across the Costa del Sol, with activities in Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Estepona and in all the pretty white villages too. Read our guide to Christmas on the Costa del Sol
Celebrating Christmas in Marbella in 2024
Christmas 2024 began in earnest in Marbella at the end of November, with the switch on of the lights and the presentation of the Christmas programme. We have a very busy month ahead, with lots of activities, events and Christmas spirit and we can’t wait. Here are the highlights that you can’t miss if you’re in Marbella for Christmas this year.
Christmas Events
Santa Arrives – On the 12th of December, there’s a parade to welcome Santa to Marbella and mark the opening of his grotto in the Plaza de la Alameda. It starts in the Santo Cristo square at 17.00 and winds around the streets of the Old Town, bringing festive fun and laughter for all the kids. The parade will feature lots of well-known and loved characters and of course Santa himself and there will be a kids show in the Paseo de la Alameda. His grotto will then be open every day between the 13th and 24th of December.
Christmas Eve – The 24th of December is Noche Buena, and the biggest day of the celebration for Spanish families. They tend to gather en masse for a wonderful dinner, which often features fish and seafood, platters of delicious cured meats and cheeses, and of course the famous Iberian ham, which you will see a leg or shoulder for carving at most Spanish houses this time of year. Expect the cava and Spanish wine to be flowing!
Christmas Day – As the most diverse town in Andalucia, with 153 nationalities living in Marbella, there’s no need to worry that there won’t be celebrations taking place on Christmas Day itself. The many international restaurants host Christmas lunches, dinners and events, with a host of different cuisines to try. Thanks to the strong British community, you’ll be able to find plenty of places serving up the traditional turkey and all the trimmings, singing carols, and pulling crackers. But that’s far from the only option, you really are spoilt for choice and can celebrate Christmas your way in Marbella.
New Year’s Eve – The Spanish really know how to party and there are New Year’s Eve parties in bars, restaurants and clubs. There are also parties organized by the Town Hall, with live music and DJs, which are usually free to attend. However, everything starts a lot later than in the UK, as people will often eat with the family and then head out to party around 11pm, with the celebrations lasting for many hours into New Year’s Day. In Marbella, the party starts at 11pm in the Represa Park, behind the Old Town and features a performance from, Los Calvin, as well as DJs.
The Arrival of the Three Kings – The fun doesn’t stop on New Year’s Day here in Spain! The big day is still on the horizon. The kids wait patiently for the arrival of the Three Kings, who bring their presents on the night of the 5th of January. On the 4th of January, the kings arrive in style by boat and have a little parade around the town to the main church, where they are presented with the keys to the city and able to prepare for the big day.
On the 5th of January, they are welcomed with a parade through the streets, with floats, bands, DJs, big mascots and fun designs featuring kids’ favorite characters. Families line the streets waiting for it to begin, ready with a bag or two, to catch the many sweets that rain down on them from the floats. It’s a mad scramble, but a really fun occasion for young and old.
The 6th of January is a family day, with the children opening their presents, enjoying a meal with the family and often taking a stroll.
Christmas Restaurants
There are Christmas meals available in almost every restaurant on the Costa del Sol. You can have a seafood feast on the beach, or a gala dinner at a fancy hotel such as the Kempinksi in Estepona, or the Marbella Club. Here are two really festive and fun restaurants that are very famous for their Christmas dinner in Marbella.
The Harbour Marbella overlooks the Marbella port, and goes all out on their Christmas decorations. They create a veritable grotto and run festive events throughout December, including visits from Santa and Disney characters. They offer a festive lunch menu for under 40€ per head from the 30th of November to the 31st of December, but not available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They also have a festive dinner menu for under 50€, throughout the festive period. Highly recommended!
La Sala Banus is a firm favorite throughout the year, but is beautiful at Christmas, with delicious food and live entertainment. There are special events with live music on the 18th and the 28th of December, and a great Christmas party menu for groups of 6 and over for very reasonable prices (29€ lunch and 39€ dinner). A local choir will sing carols on the 21st, 22nd and 24th. They are holding a big party on Christmas Day itself with live music throughout the day and into the evening for 120€ per person. The group also has Oak and The Clubhouse, offering Christmas menus and events and you can download their Christmas brochure for all the details.
Christmas Markets
There are a number of Christmas markets in Marbella throughout December. The two main ones for 2024 are in the Alameda Park in the center of Marbella and the market at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, which are both open for the whole month.
If you’re here earlier in the month, we’d recommend the beautiful market in the La Virginia area of town on the 8th of December, which is really magical. There’s also a charity Christmas Market in the Palacio de Congresos from the 12th to the 15th of December.
Recommended Christmas Activities in Marbella in 2024
Tour the Nativity Scenes – There are 16 nativity scenes dotted around Marbella throughout December and there is a route you can follow to visit them all. It’s a unique way to explore Marbella, and visit some of the churches, chapels and squares, as well as see the pretty winding streets decked with wonderful lights.
See the light and sound show in Orange Square – Marbella Old Town’s central square is stunning at Christmas and they are following in Malaga’s footsteps, by putting on a spectacular light and sound show every day. You can see it at 18.30, 19.30 and 20.00 and grab a drink in one of the bars, or have a bite to eat while you’re there.
Enjoy a Christmas Concert in the Señora de la Encarnación Church in the Old Town – It’s a stunning building, and they are holding regular concerts during the festive period, including the 10th of December at 20.30, the 15th of December at 17.00, the 16th of December at 19.30 and the 19th of December at 19.30.
Stroll down the paseo – Any time of year it’s a pleasure to stroll down the beachfront promenade, and stop in to one of the bars or restaurants for a drink, and they are all beautifully decorated for Christmas. It’s a great way to walk off those festive feasts!
Spanish Christmas Traditions
To feel like a local at Christmas you need to take part in these festive traditions –
Play the lottery – One of the big Christmas traditions is “El Gordo” or “The Big One”, the largest lottery of the year and in fact one of the largest worldwide. It is drawn on the 22nd of December and buying a decimo for €20 and then watching the draw on TV is a Christmas ritual.
Eat Christmas sweet treats – No Spanish Christmas would be complete without sampling polvorones (little crumbly biscuits), turron (nougat) and the roscon de reyes cake. Pop into a local bakery and ask what they recommend, or pick up a selection from any supermarket or shop.
See the Christmas lights – A visit to Marbella town center and the Old Town to marvel at the decorations is a must. Many also take a trip to Malaga, for their legendary light and sound displays and to enjoy the city looking at its best.
Go to a Zambomba – These traditional Christmas parties feature music and dancing, with Spanish Christmas songs and a flamenco vibe, which makes them unique.
Carve ham – Most Spanish households will have a leg or a shoulder of the delicious Spanish ham in their kitchen over the Christmas period. Carving the ham and sharing with friends and family is a very delicious ritual.
Eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve – You need to eat one per chime of the bell for good luck.
Welcome the Three Kings on the night of the 5th of January by attending the parades and collecting as many sweets as you can
We hope that this guide has inspired you to spend Christmas in Marbella. Vacation Marbella has a wonderful selection of beautiful holiday rentals which make the perfect base for a Christmas getaway. We’d recommend browsing our lovely vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town, which is the most festive place to be. Please also contact us with your requirements and we will send you some recommendations.
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[post_content] => We’re very lucky to have wonderful restaurants in Marbella and eating out is an amazing experience during your vacation. However, we know that people with allergies and intolerances find it more difficult to find a great restaurant which caters to their dietary requirements and gives them an amazing experience. But worry not, there are more and more restaurants which are responding to the increase in allergies and intolerances and providing amazing
Did you know that 1 in 100 people in the world have celiac disease according to the Celiac Disease Foundation? This means that eating even a small amount of gluten damages the small intestine and can cause a whole host of long-term health effects. So, it’s vital that they feel safe eating in a restaurant which has gluten free options and allergens clearly marked on the menu. There are many more people who are intolerant to gluten and prefer to avoid it where possible. To help you enjoy eating out on your next holiday, we’re sharing 10 restaurants in Marbella with good gluten free choices and a high level of understanding about celiac disease.
Celicioso is the best-known and only 100% gluten free café, restaurant and bakery in Marbella. It opened its doors in 2012, in the Puente Romano complex, and was an immediate hit. It started just as a bakery, but quickly grew into a restaurant and café, famed for healthy, organic and nutritious food, which those with and without gluten intolerance love. It is dedicated to being sustainable and reducing its carbon footprint too.
Open from 9am to 9.30pm, for breakfast, lunch and early dinner, they also offer delivery and have their own gluten free eco beer. Their gluten free cupcakes are legendary, and they have vegan cupcakes available too. They also have an amazing selection of cakes and pastries. Other very popular items are their pancakes, egg dishes, pastas, burgers and nachos.
Check out Celicioso's menu on their website.
Breathe is an elegant, fashionable bar and restaurant in Nueva Andalucia, which has a restaurant and garden area, an artisan café and bakery and a rooftop cocktail bar. It has been designed to offer a place to relax, dine, meet, socialize, enjoy a cocktail and be inspired by quality food made with care.
Their menu is clearly labelled with allergens, to avoid any difficulty or confusion, but there is no dedicated gluten free menu. There are lots of gluten free options, such as spicy guacamole with platano chips, BBQ-grilled asparagus, tuna tartare, wagyu kebab, pumpkin risotto, panang curry, green chilli sea bass, amazing steaks and a range of gluten free sides. They also have a great sushi menu.
Check out Breathe’s menu on their website.
This is a Mediterranean and Italian restaurant which prides itself on offering a menu which showcases the freshest ingredients and best techniques in a friendly and welcoming environment. They have lots of events and live music nights to keep you entertained.
They are proud of their vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menu options and their staff are very knowledgeable about gluten free food in general. The menu is clearly labelled with allergens, with lots of gluten free options, as well as alterations and substitutions to make dishes suitable. Their great selection of Italian pizzas are all available as gluten free, and their gluten free desserts are very highly rated.
Manuka is committed to healthy, local and sustainable food, with a wide range of amazing plant-based dishes. You can find them in La Cañada, Plaza del Mar and Marina Banus shopping centers, as well as on the Avenida Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, with a central location opening soon. They opened their first location in 2016 with a passion to nourish the body and respect the planet.
This doesn’t have a dedicated gluten free menu, but there are some stand out dishes which make it a firm favorite. The team also has a good awareness of allergies and dietary requirements. The star dishes include their gluten free quinoa pancakes, cheat-day quesadillas, chicken tacos, poke bowls, ramen, green curry and fantastic salads.
This Italian, family run restaurant has been in Marbella for 40 years and is located in Nueva Andalucia. Italian food is typically a nightmare for celiacs, but this restaurant offers gluten free pizza and pasta, as well as delicious salads and risottos. People enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly, well-informed staff, who are helpful and careful with all dietary requirements.
Located on Avenida Antonio Belon, this popular and busy burger joint has been delighting customers since 2016. They have an extensive, creative selection of burgers, including excellent vegetarian burgers. They offer gluten free burger buns and bun less burgers with a salad, so celiac customers don’t have to miss out. Their fries and sweet potato fries are gluten free, as are their nachos, which can be paired with a gluten free beer. They even offer a gluten free chocolate brownie too.
This is a lovely bar and restaurant on the paseo in Marbella, with a great terrace overlooking the beach and the sea. It’s open all day from 9am to midnight, 7 days a week and has a varied menu, which caters to dietary requirements, including celiac. They mark gluten free options clearly on the menu and the staff have a good understanding of the issues with contamination and safe foods for celiacs. Dishes which are suitable for celiacs include the Iberian meat board, prawns, Spanish omelette and paella.
This cool beach restaurant and bar is located on the beachfront of the Golden Mile and is open from 9.30am to 7pm seven days a week. They offer food and great cocktails by the sea, and good music too. Their brunch menu of delicious pancakes, syrniki and waffles are dairy free, gluten free and sugar free!
They have a range of excellent rice, fish and meat dishes and quite a few gluten free desserts too.
Check out Aua Playa’s menu on their website.
This bakery, cafe and shop offers a wide range of gluten free products, alongside traditional artisan breads, pastries and cakes. Located in San Pedro Alcántara, it has just been refurbished, and you can eat in, or take away their delicious treats. They have a dedicated gluten free bakery to avoid any risk of contamination and are famed for their delicious artisan breads, pastries and cakes. With 10 years of experience and a real passion and dedication to gluten free bakery, it’s a wonderful spot to try.
This restaurant right on Marbella’s seafront promenade has a great selection of gluten free dishes. The cuisine is a mix of traditional Italian and international dishes and it ranks very highly on TripAdvisor. The owner is friendly and knowledgeable about gluten allergies and the GF pizzas and pastas and gluten free beers, make it a very popular option, in an amazing location.
We hope our list of gluten free restaurants in Marbella will help you to navigate eating out on your next vacation. As the majority of restaurants are not dedicated to be gluten free, ringing ahead, or popping in to talk to the team before your visit is recommended, to make sure you are confident that they fully understand celiac and there is no hidden gluten in stocks and sauces.
If you stay in one of our luxury villa rentals in Marbella, we can also organize a private chef to come to your vacation rental property and cook up a gluten free feast.
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[post_content] => The weather is getting colder, the nights are drawing in and the countdown is on to Christmas. Where are you spending yours?
If you’re not sure where to spend Christmas and you’d rather have a Christmas holiday abroad, we’ve got you! There are loads of fantastic places to go, where you can experience the magic of Christmas like never before. In this article, we’re counting down the Top Ten places for a Xmas holiday, to help you find your perfect place.
1. Marbella, Spain
Marbella is a wonderful place to spend Christmas, with lots to do and see, plenty of Christmas spirit, plus bright sunny weather. It’s super easy to get here from Europe, with many airlines offering regular flights. This is the ideal short haul destination for a Christmas holiday in the sun.
Although you can’t expect the temperatures that you’d get in more tropical climes, the thermometer rarely dips below 10⁰C, even at night, and you can expect blue skies and daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20s. These pleasant temperatures make it so much fun to visit Christmas markets, see the Christmas lights, tour the traditional nativity scenes and make a visit to see Santa in his many grottos.
We recommend seeing the beautiful lights in Marbella’s picturesque Old Town and following the tour of the beautifully crafted nativity scenes in the churches, chapels and squares. You definitely need to take a day trip to Malaga for one of the very best sound and light shows around and try the delicious Christmas treats – roscón de reyes, turron and polvorones.
There are many restaurants to enjoy delicious food, with options for the traditional turkey dinner, as well as Michelin star taster menus, Spanish feasts and every cuisine under the sun. The Spanish celebrate their big Christmas meals on the 24th of December and the 5th of January, but as it’s such an international destination, there are special Christmas menus from every part of the globe on offer here.
Marbella is a fantastic shopping destination too, and there are lots of events and special festive activities taking place between the end of November and the 6th of January, so Christmas in Marbella just keeps giving! Walk on the beach by day and feel festive under the sparkling Christmas lights by night – the perfect combination, just a short flight away. Check out our guide to things to do and places to go at Christmas on the Costa del Sol and start planning your trip.
2. Dominican Republic
If you want to spend your Christmas in an island paradise with tropical weather, then the Dominican Republic rates very highly on the list! It’s the epitome of a warm Christmas destination, where you can lounge on the beach, while enjoying Christmas traditions Caribbean style. This includes the beautifully decorated charamicos, hand carved wooden decorations hung with beautiful ornaments, just like a Christmas tree. Feast on traditional foods including roast pork, stuffed banana leaves filled with savory treats and lots of yummy desserts. They celebrate Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day with the family, as they do in Marbella, and they also share the tradition of giving gifts to the children on the 6th of January, rather than the 25th of December. Enjoy fireworks on the beach, traditional dancing on the streets, Dominican Christmas carols and dance the night away at the legendary Christmas parties known as Parrandas Navideñas.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a very popular warm Christmas destination, with really hot weather, blue skies and amazing activities and experiences to enjoy throughout the festive season. Temperatures can hit 40⁰C and as a country with a large Christian population, this is a big holiday and there’s plenty of Christmas spirit in the air. Some of the highlights include; carols by candlelight at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a festival of lights, live music and lots of Christmas markets. You can enjoy a gourmet experience at one of the many wine estates, enjoy outdoor cinema and spend your xmas holidays in the sun. Why not combine it with a big game safari too? Now that’s Christmas with a difference!
4. Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s many islands and white sand beaches are a draw to tourists year-round and December is a great time to visit, as the weather is glorious. Phuket is one of the largest islands and offers lots to do and see for tourists, as part of Xmas holidays in the sun. You can expect balmy temperatures and low humidity (for Thailand) and the water is really warm and crystal clear for diving, snorkeling or simply lounging. Although the locals don’t celebrate Christmas, the tourist areas are decorated and there are lots of events and parties going on.
You will find hotels and tourist restaurants offering international Christmas favorites, or you can stick to the delicious Thai food. There’s even a Christmas Market at Phuket Boat Lagoon. Recommendations - explore the Old Town, visit the Sunday market, marvel at the view from the Karon Viewpoint and visit some of the beautiful Buddhist temples.
5. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a magical and enchanting place all year round, and is a place where you can escape from the endless carols and commercialism of a western Christmas and dive into a vibrant culture. The temperature in Marrakech in December averages around 20⁰C, perfect for exploring and sightseeing and visiting all the amazing landmarks in the city. There’s no need to worry about things being closed on the holidays, as this is just a normal day, and so nothing's standing in your way to explore the medina, the souk and the beautiful gardens. After a busy day seeing the sights, relax in a Hammam, and have an alternative Christmas meal in one of the city's amazing rooftop restaurants.
Did you know that you could combine a Christmas holiday in Marbella, with a visit to Morocco? It’s so close that you can easily do a day trip to the northernmost city of Tangier, and enjoy a Spanish Christmas and a Moroccan Christmas too!
6. The Maldives
The Maldives is an island paradise, and if you want to spend Christmas holidays in the sun, it’s a great option. It’s lovely and warm, with temperatures between 27⁰C and 30⁰C, even at night, and mainly dry weather. The many beautiful hotels hold lavish gala dinners over the festive period, with amazing food and entertainment and they usually arrange a visit from Santa for the little ones. Once you’ve ticked the Christmas celebration boxes, then the crystal-clear waters await you and you can enjoy water sports, diving, boat trips, or simply lounge on the beach sipping a cocktail. Bliss!
7. Canary Islands, Spain
The Spanish Canary Island group is a great place to spend Christmas, with lots of festive cheer and temperatures between 19⁰C and 26⁰C during the day, with warm evenings too. Christmas is a big celebration in the Canary Islands, kicking off with the Christmas lights turning on at the end of November and lasting all the way through to the 6th of January.
Just like Marbella, you’ll find nativity scenes, lights and beautiful decorations, with a Spanish flair of course. There are also cultural activities on Lanzarote, with live, traditional music throughout December, open air Christmas concerts on Tenerife, and delicious traditional sweets called “trucha”, which must be tried. There are lots of Christmas markets and events too!
8. New York City, USA
While definitely not a warm weather destination for Christmas, New York is such a special place at this time of year, that we couldn’t leave it off the list! Wrap up warm and take a Christmas walking tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the festive favorites, such as the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Bryant Park Christmas Market and of course the Empire State Building. The ultimate department store Macy’s is as pretty as a picture and is a great place to see Santa before the big day. We’d also advise a visit to The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland at Pier 15. For the most outrageously decorated houses, head to Dyker Heights Brooklyn – these homeowners really go all out! There are also Christmas markets and skating rinks a plenty and it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, on Fifth Avenue and beyond.
9. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a great city to enjoy Christmas in, because it’s summer there, yet Christmas traditions are strong. You’ll find some great Christmas markets, festivals, and festive events a plenty throughout December. Check out the massive tree in Martin Place and the Canopy of Light in Pitt Street Mall and head to the Queen Victoria Building for High Tea with Santa. There are lots of live music events and carol concerts around the city throughout December. Because of the beautiful weather you can go true Ozzie style and opt for a barbie on the beach, or perhaps a picnic in the park. The restaurants are epic and there’s loads of culture and shopping to be enjoyed too.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is an amazing city, which really embraces Christmas and looks pretty as a picture, even though culturally it’s not a big deal in Japan. Temperatures are cool but not cold – 12-7⁰C and the city artfully blends Western Christmas traditions with Japanese culture, to make it a unique place to spend the holidays. The lights in Tokyo for Christmas are epic, on the streets and in the stores, and will take your breath away. The Tokyo Christmas Market is a great place to get in some last-minute shopping and take part in activities and workshops. Enjoy live music, by going to one of the Christmas concerts or choir performances. Why not join the masses and have KFC on Christmas Eve? A peculiar Japanese tradition for the festive period, but finger licking good! Tokyo’s Disneyland is amazing at Christmas and there are even holiday themed tea ceremonies to try. We’d definitely recommend a cruise on Tokyo Bay and a visit to one of the outdoor skating rinks as well.
Why spend the Christmas holidays in Marbella?
These 10 destinations are all amazing places for a Christmas holiday, each offering a very different kind of Christmas. But for us (no surprise here I’m sure), Marbella and the Costa del Sol as a whole really are hard to beat! That’s because it blends many of the aspects of what makes Christmas great, and so you can have the best of all worlds.
Being a Catholic country, Christmas is a serious holiday, and celebrated by everyone, rather than simply put on for the tourists. Yet, it’s less commercial and more authentic than in a big city.
The weather strikes just the right balance for us Brits and Northern Europeans to feel festive. It’s cool enough in the evening to feel Christmassy when you’re strolling around the pretty streets, lit with twinkling lights, yet the days are usually mild and sunny and you can still enjoy lunch al fresco by the beach.
There are lots of events and activities for the whole family, up and down the coast and Malaga has one of the best Christmas light and sound shows that we’ve seen anywhere. And what’s more, you could even combine a Christmas in Marbella with one day on the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada and one day in Morocco. How’s that for a mix of experiences?
The shopping in Marbella is great, the restaurants in Marbella are amazing, and you will be able to find whatever food you want to make it feel like Christmas to you. All this, and it’s just a few hours from the UK and most of Europe and flights are very reasonable.
We hope you’ll join us for Christmas this year. Contact us and let us find you a beautiful vacation rental in Marbella to be your home from home at this special time of year and help you plan the dream Christmas holiday in the sun for your family.
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Why work in Marbella? Reasons and interesting facts
Marbella is a thriving international town, which is not only a summer holiday destination, but a great place to live and work all year round. There’s a very active, diverse business community, alongside the traditional sectors of hospitality and real estate. The sun, sea and laid-back attitude makes the perfect backdrop to achieve the ideal work-life balance.
There are an astounding 153 nationalities calling Marbella home, and working in local businesses, setting up their own ventures, or being a digital nomad. Why don’t you join them?
If you’ve dreamt of working in Marbella, we hope this article will inspire you to make that dream a reality in 2025.
Why work in Marbella?
Marbella offers a whole host of opportunities for work, alongside a wonderful lifestyle.
It is a large district, not simply a town, which covers an area of 117 square kilometers, between Cabopino and San Pedro. According to Andalucia’s statistics department, there are over 150,000 registered residents in this area and 12.7% of those residents are international. It offers a great selection of public and private schools, libraries, health centers, shops, bars, restaurants and leisure activities. All of which offer opportunities for work, whether it’s to set up your own business, or to find work within an established company.
But of course, it’s not only the residents who are potential customers for businesses in Marbella. The influx of tourists, particularly during the peak period, offers an incredible opportunity for income. There were a whopping 10.8 million international arrivals to Andalucia between January and September 2024 and many of those flock to Marbella and the Costa del Sol, ready to shop, dine and enjoy their holiday to the full according to the report International Tourism Statistics for Andalucia of Andalucia.com.
Many of the international residents living in Marbella, have opened up their own business, to serve the expat population and tourists in their own language. You’ll find real estate agents, financial advisors, insurance companies, plumbers, electricians and builders, to name a few, all working for themselves and marketing to the international residents and tourists coming from their home country. Having a niche with the English, Swedish, German or Dutch community, really helps to stand out from the crowd.
Others have found jobs within these international businesses, so that speaking Spanish is not a problem. Those with language skills, have a lot of opportunities within Spanish businesses too, who know they must have staff who can speak at least English, and ideally other languages too.
Since the introduction of the digital nomad visa, a new influx of people have arrived to work in Marbella, without having to worry about finding a job, or setting up a business. They already have a remote job in another country and can now work from Marbella and enjoy all the benefits of the wonderful climate, lifestyle and lower cost of living, while continuing with their job. This is a great new way of life which offers a world of possibilities!
What brings all of these international people of working age together, is their sense of adventure and search for a better life in the sunshine. They are willing to navigate the language barrier and cultural differences to have a lifestyle that they could never even dream of at home. And we’d agree – it’s worth every challenge you face.
Work in Marbella: Interesting facts
There are lots of strong sectors in Marbella and the Malaga province as a whole, so don’t think that it’s just tourism!
According to Malaga Open for Business, “the most dynamic sectors are Tourism, Construction, Agriculture, Technology Services and Logistics”. There’s been a lot of growth in the technology sector in the last decade.
Many international companies are being attracted by the low cost of living, position in Europe, travel connections and lifestyle. In just five years, 90 international companies chose the province for expansion, creating 7,000 new jobs, and this is boosting the employment figures, and pushing up salaries too. They explain that, “the average salary in Malaga has grown by 25% in the past ten years. According to the latest data from the Spanish Tax Agency, in 2022 the annual average salary in Malaga was €19,443”.
In Marbella, you’ll find jobs and opportunities within the real estate industries, alongside tourism, construction, retail and the service sector. Recently, there’s been a growth in the tech sector, with online gaming companies choosing Marbella as a base. The retail sector is growing fast as well, with 29% of employees in the Malaga province working in retail. Exports of food products, particularly olive oil, and the aerospace sector is growing and is a very important source of jobs and opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs.
If you are good at selling, there are lots of jobs on offer in the real estate sector, with many businesses finding it very hard to get the right team members.
If you speak several languages, then you will be able to access lots of jobs in hotels, bars and restaurants, particularly in the peak season. Again, we’re hearing reports of restaurants in particular struggling to employ reliable staff members and so there’s a lot of opportunity for work and career progression.
Where to invest on the Costa del Sol?
Malaga is in the top three provinces for investment in Spain!
There are many investment opportunities on the Costa del Sol. Many of these are in real estate. For example, Malaga City has a selection of investment catalogues for real estate investment opportunities for office buildings, residential developments, logistics centers, public facilities and hotels.
Many individuals and businesses have invested in residential real estate for holiday rentals and although this sector is facing some challenging new legislations, the long-term rental sector is booming, with lack of supply and high demand pushing prices up.
Franchises are also a popular investment, bringing international business models, with strong brands and marketing to the area, in a wide range of sectors.
The Malaga province understands the importance of foreign investments and startups, and Spain offers various tax incentives for foreign investors and support for international investors.
Best business opportunities in Marbella
There are many existing businesses for sale in Marbella, which allows entrepreneurs to take over an established brand, and take advantage of an existing client base, as well as facilities and equipment. This can be a quick way to get started and begin generating income fast.
Another sector which is really booming is the real estate industry. The property market in Marbella is really hot, and there’s interest from many international buyers, from a wide range of countries. Marbella is a safe place, with a strong economy and a great climate and way of life and that’s appealing for so many, especially in turbulent times. The lack of reliance on any one nationality, protects Marbella from economic or political changes abroad. Add to this, the lack of supply of quality properties, and this is pushing prices up and offering real estate agents excellent opportunities for generating income.
What appeals to many about the real estate sector, is that the costs of entry are quite low, and the potential commissions are high. There are many jobs in existing companies available, and while many are commission-only roles, if you’re a good sales person the rewards can be fantastic.
The tourism industry is obviously an excellent sector for Marbella, and the town hall has been working hard to extend the peak season, by appealing to different segments of the market. Golfers are excellent off peak tourists, with high spending power, and the area is growing in strength as a health tourism destination too, for procedures such as dentistry, plastic surgery and hair transplants.
Opportunities in the tourist sector extend beyond simply accommodation. The trend for experience-based travel is opening up more opportunities for companies offering tours, classes, wellness, health and gastronomy experiences. Service professionals such as concierge, transfers, chefs, beauticians, hairdressers, personal trainers, cleaners and maintenance professionals and more, all serve the tourist industry, so there are lots of opportunities in this field to start your own business.
Technology and digital marketing are also growth areas, with business opportunities in the online gaming and tech industries in Marbella.
Restaurants, hotels and bars are also always in high demand, particularly in the peak season. Off peak is also growing in strength, offering more business opportunities year-round. Opening a restaurant offering an unusual cuisine, or catering to a particular segment of the international resident population and giving them a taste of home is a good business opportunity. But you need to have something which makes you stand out from the crowd, or be in an excellent location, as competition is high.
Telework from Marbella
Working remotely for an international company while living in Marbella offers excellent opportunities. It enables people to work in their chosen field, earn an international salary, while enjoying the lower cost of living and incredible way of life that Marbella offers.
One way of doing this is to take a workation in Marbella, an extended period away from the office, in this stunning place, working remotely. We’re seeing a growth in this trend from companies and their employees wanting to avoid burnout, retain staff and boost their productivity.
There are dedicated visas for teleworkers. As the Foreign Ministry explains, these “allow nationals of third countries who travel to Spain to carry out a remote work or professional activity for companies located outside the national territory, through the exclusive use of computer, telematics and telecommunication media and systems.” This is also known as the digital nomad visa.
Jobs that are suitable for telework can really be anything where you don’t need to be face to face with a customer, for example –
Social Media Manager
Call Center Representative
Data Entry Clerk
Customer Service Associate
Content Writer
We believe that Marbella is a wonderful place to live and work, for short and long term and a fantastic place to bring up a family. As you can see, there are plenty of business opportunities and jobs available and visas which allow you to work here legally, so we’d encourage you to take the plunge and join us in Marbella!
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[post_content] => The countdown is on to Christmas and if you’re planning a Christmas getaway, you still have time to come and join the celebrations in Marbella. The lights have been switched on across the Costa del Sol, and the packed Christmas programmes have been released, and we’re all getting very excited. It’s a wonderful time of year to visit, and we hope that this guide will help you make the most of your Christmas holiday in Marbella.
Why visit Marbella at Christmas?
Winter is a great season to visit Marbella full stop, with mild temperatures, blue skies and sunshine and lots going on. But when December begins, it ramps up to the next level!
Marbella is beautiful at Christmas! As a Catholic country, the Spanish really love this season, and as Marbella is such an international destination, the cultures of its many residents blend to create magic. You’ll love the streets of the Old Town decorated in pretty lights, the Christmas markets and events, the parades and parties. From the end of November to the 6th of January the fun never stops!
But it’s not just Marbella…There’s lots going on at Christmas across the Costa del Sol, with activities in Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Estepona and in all the pretty white villages too. Read our guide to Christmas on the Costa del Sol
Celebrating Christmas in Marbella in 2024
Christmas 2024 began in earnest in Marbella at the end of November, with the switch on of the lights and the presentation of the Christmas programme. We have a very busy month ahead, with lots of activities, events and Christmas spirit and we can’t wait. Here are the highlights that you can’t miss if you’re in Marbella for Christmas this year.
Christmas Events
Santa Arrives – On the 12th of December, there’s a parade to welcome Santa to Marbella and mark the opening of his grotto in the Plaza de la Alameda. It starts in the Santo Cristo square at 17.00 and winds around the streets of the Old Town, bringing festive fun and laughter for all the kids. The parade will feature lots of well-known and loved characters and of course Santa himself and there will be a kids show in the Paseo de la Alameda. His grotto will then be open every day between the 13th and 24th of December.
Christmas Eve – The 24th of December is Noche Buena, and the biggest day of the celebration for Spanish families. They tend to gather en masse for a wonderful dinner, which often features fish and seafood, platters of delicious cured meats and cheeses, and of course the famous Iberian ham, which you will see a leg or shoulder for carving at most Spanish houses this time of year. Expect the cava and Spanish wine to be flowing!
Christmas Day – As the most diverse town in Andalucia, with 153 nationalities living in Marbella, there’s no need to worry that there won’t be celebrations taking place on Christmas Day itself. The many international restaurants host Christmas lunches, dinners and events, with a host of different cuisines to try. Thanks to the strong British community, you’ll be able to find plenty of places serving up the traditional turkey and all the trimmings, singing carols, and pulling crackers. But that’s far from the only option, you really are spoilt for choice and can celebrate Christmas your way in Marbella.
New Year’s Eve – The Spanish really know how to party and there are New Year’s Eve parties in bars, restaurants and clubs. There are also parties organized by the Town Hall, with live music and DJs, which are usually free to attend. However, everything starts a lot later than in the UK, as people will often eat with the family and then head out to party around 11pm, with the celebrations lasting for many hours into New Year’s Day. In Marbella, the party starts at 11pm in the Represa Park, behind the Old Town and features a performance from, Los Calvin, as well as DJs.
The Arrival of the Three Kings – The fun doesn’t stop on New Year’s Day here in Spain! The big day is still on the horizon. The kids wait patiently for the arrival of the Three Kings, who bring their presents on the night of the 5th of January. On the 4th of January, the kings arrive in style by boat and have a little parade around the town to the main church, where they are presented with the keys to the city and able to prepare for the big day.
On the 5th of January, they are welcomed with a parade through the streets, with floats, bands, DJs, big mascots and fun designs featuring kids’ favorite characters. Families line the streets waiting for it to begin, ready with a bag or two, to catch the many sweets that rain down on them from the floats. It’s a mad scramble, but a really fun occasion for young and old.
The 6th of January is a family day, with the children opening their presents, enjoying a meal with the family and often taking a stroll.
Christmas Restaurants
There are Christmas meals available in almost every restaurant on the Costa del Sol. You can have a seafood feast on the beach, or a gala dinner at a fancy hotel such as the Kempinksi in Estepona, or the Marbella Club. Here are two really festive and fun restaurants that are very famous for their Christmas dinner in Marbella.
The Harbour Marbella overlooks the Marbella port, and goes all out on their Christmas decorations. They create a veritable grotto and run festive events throughout December, including visits from Santa and Disney characters. They offer a festive lunch menu for under 40€ per head from the 30th of November to the 31st of December, but not available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They also have a festive dinner menu for under 50€, throughout the festive period. Highly recommended!
La Sala Banus is a firm favorite throughout the year, but is beautiful at Christmas, with delicious food and live entertainment. There are special events with live music on the 18th and the 28th of December, and a great Christmas party menu for groups of 6 and over for very reasonable prices (29€ lunch and 39€ dinner). A local choir will sing carols on the 21st, 22nd and 24th. They are holding a big party on Christmas Day itself with live music throughout the day and into the evening for 120€ per person. The group also has Oak and The Clubhouse, offering Christmas menus and events and you can download their Christmas brochure for all the details.
Christmas Markets
There are a number of Christmas markets in Marbella throughout December. The two main ones for 2024 are in the Alameda Park in the center of Marbella and the market at the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Meliá, which are both open for the whole month.
If you’re here earlier in the month, we’d recommend the beautiful market in the La Virginia area of town on the 8th of December, which is really magical. There’s also a charity Christmas Market in the Palacio de Congresos from the 12th to the 15th of December.
Recommended Christmas Activities in Marbella in 2024
Tour the Nativity Scenes – There are 16 nativity scenes dotted around Marbella throughout December and there is a route you can follow to visit them all. It’s a unique way to explore Marbella, and visit some of the churches, chapels and squares, as well as see the pretty winding streets decked with wonderful lights.
See the light and sound show in Orange Square – Marbella Old Town’s central square is stunning at Christmas and they are following in Malaga’s footsteps, by putting on a spectacular light and sound show every day. You can see it at 18.30, 19.30 and 20.00 and grab a drink in one of the bars, or have a bite to eat while you’re there.
Enjoy a Christmas Concert in the Señora de la Encarnación Church in the Old Town – It’s a stunning building, and they are holding regular concerts during the festive period, including the 10th of December at 20.30, the 15th of December at 17.00, the 16th of December at 19.30 and the 19th of December at 19.30.
Stroll down the paseo – Any time of year it’s a pleasure to stroll down the beachfront promenade, and stop in to one of the bars or restaurants for a drink, and they are all beautifully decorated for Christmas. It’s a great way to walk off those festive feasts!
Spanish Christmas Traditions
To feel like a local at Christmas you need to take part in these festive traditions –
Play the lottery – One of the big Christmas traditions is “El Gordo” or “The Big One”, the largest lottery of the year and in fact one of the largest worldwide. It is drawn on the 22nd of December and buying a decimo for €20 and then watching the draw on TV is a Christmas ritual.
Eat Christmas sweet treats – No Spanish Christmas would be complete without sampling polvorones (little crumbly biscuits), turron (nougat) and the roscon de reyes cake. Pop into a local bakery and ask what they recommend, or pick up a selection from any supermarket or shop.
See the Christmas lights – A visit to Marbella town center and the Old Town to marvel at the decorations is a must. Many also take a trip to Malaga, for their legendary light and sound displays and to enjoy the city looking at its best.
Go to a Zambomba – These traditional Christmas parties feature music and dancing, with Spanish Christmas songs and a flamenco vibe, which makes them unique.
Carve ham – Most Spanish households will have a leg or a shoulder of the delicious Spanish ham in their kitchen over the Christmas period. Carving the ham and sharing with friends and family is a very delicious ritual.
Eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve – You need to eat one per chime of the bell for good luck.
Welcome the Three Kings on the night of the 5th of January by attending the parades and collecting as many sweets as you can
We hope that this guide has inspired you to spend Christmas in Marbella. Vacation Marbella has a wonderful selection of beautiful holiday rentals which make the perfect base for a Christmas getaway. We’d recommend browsing our lovely vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town, which is the most festive place to be. Please also contact us with your requirements and we will send you some recommendations.
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[post_content] => We’re very lucky to have wonderful restaurants in Marbella and eating out is an amazing experience during your vacation. However, we know that people with allergies and intolerances find it more difficult to find a great restaurant which caters to their dietary requirements and gives them an amazing experience. But worry not, there are more and more restaurants which are responding to the increase in allergies and intolerances and providing amazing
Did you know that 1 in 100 people in the world have celiac disease according to the Celiac Disease Foundation? This means that eating even a small amount of gluten damages the small intestine and can cause a whole host of long-term health effects. So, it’s vital that they feel safe eating in a restaurant which has gluten free options and allergens clearly marked on the menu. There are many more people who are intolerant to gluten and prefer to avoid it where possible. To help you enjoy eating out on your next holiday, we’re sharing 10 restaurants in Marbella with good gluten free choices and a high level of understanding about celiac disease.
Celicioso is the best-known and only 100% gluten free café, restaurant and bakery in Marbella. It opened its doors in 2012, in the Puente Romano complex, and was an immediate hit. It started just as a bakery, but quickly grew into a restaurant and café, famed for healthy, organic and nutritious food, which those with and without gluten intolerance love. It is dedicated to being sustainable and reducing its carbon footprint too.
Open from 9am to 9.30pm, for breakfast, lunch and early dinner, they also offer delivery and have their own gluten free eco beer. Their gluten free cupcakes are legendary, and they have vegan cupcakes available too. They also have an amazing selection of cakes and pastries. Other very popular items are their pancakes, egg dishes, pastas, burgers and nachos.
Check out Celicioso's menu on their website.
Breathe is an elegant, fashionable bar and restaurant in Nueva Andalucia, which has a restaurant and garden area, an artisan café and bakery and a rooftop cocktail bar. It has been designed to offer a place to relax, dine, meet, socialize, enjoy a cocktail and be inspired by quality food made with care.
Their menu is clearly labelled with allergens, to avoid any difficulty or confusion, but there is no dedicated gluten free menu. There are lots of gluten free options, such as spicy guacamole with platano chips, BBQ-grilled asparagus, tuna tartare, wagyu kebab, pumpkin risotto, panang curry, green chilli sea bass, amazing steaks and a range of gluten free sides. They also have a great sushi menu.
Check out Breathe’s menu on their website.
This is a Mediterranean and Italian restaurant which prides itself on offering a menu which showcases the freshest ingredients and best techniques in a friendly and welcoming environment. They have lots of events and live music nights to keep you entertained.
They are proud of their vegan, vegetarian and gluten free menu options and their staff are very knowledgeable about gluten free food in general. The menu is clearly labelled with allergens, with lots of gluten free options, as well as alterations and substitutions to make dishes suitable. Their great selection of Italian pizzas are all available as gluten free, and their gluten free desserts are very highly rated.
Manuka is committed to healthy, local and sustainable food, with a wide range of amazing plant-based dishes. You can find them in La Cañada, Plaza del Mar and Marina Banus shopping centers, as well as on the Avenida Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, with a central location opening soon. They opened their first location in 2016 with a passion to nourish the body and respect the planet.
This doesn’t have a dedicated gluten free menu, but there are some stand out dishes which make it a firm favorite. The team also has a good awareness of allergies and dietary requirements. The star dishes include their gluten free quinoa pancakes, cheat-day quesadillas, chicken tacos, poke bowls, ramen, green curry and fantastic salads.
This Italian, family run restaurant has been in Marbella for 40 years and is located in Nueva Andalucia. Italian food is typically a nightmare for celiacs, but this restaurant offers gluten free pizza and pasta, as well as delicious salads and risottos. People enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly, well-informed staff, who are helpful and careful with all dietary requirements.
Located on Avenida Antonio Belon, this popular and busy burger joint has been delighting customers since 2016. They have an extensive, creative selection of burgers, including excellent vegetarian burgers. They offer gluten free burger buns and bun less burgers with a salad, so celiac customers don’t have to miss out. Their fries and sweet potato fries are gluten free, as are their nachos, which can be paired with a gluten free beer. They even offer a gluten free chocolate brownie too.
This is a lovely bar and restaurant on the paseo in Marbella, with a great terrace overlooking the beach and the sea. It’s open all day from 9am to midnight, 7 days a week and has a varied menu, which caters to dietary requirements, including celiac. They mark gluten free options clearly on the menu and the staff have a good understanding of the issues with contamination and safe foods for celiacs. Dishes which are suitable for celiacs include the Iberian meat board, prawns, Spanish omelette and paella.
This cool beach restaurant and bar is located on the beachfront of the Golden Mile and is open from 9.30am to 7pm seven days a week. They offer food and great cocktails by the sea, and good music too. Their brunch menu of delicious pancakes, syrniki and waffles are dairy free, gluten free and sugar free!
They have a range of excellent rice, fish and meat dishes and quite a few gluten free desserts too.
Check out Aua Playa’s menu on their website.
This bakery, cafe and shop offers a wide range of gluten free products, alongside traditional artisan breads, pastries and cakes. Located in San Pedro Alcántara, it has just been refurbished, and you can eat in, or take away their delicious treats. They have a dedicated gluten free bakery to avoid any risk of contamination and are famed for their delicious artisan breads, pastries and cakes. With 10 years of experience and a real passion and dedication to gluten free bakery, it’s a wonderful spot to try.
This restaurant right on Marbella’s seafront promenade has a great selection of gluten free dishes. The cuisine is a mix of traditional Italian and international dishes and it ranks very highly on TripAdvisor. The owner is friendly and knowledgeable about gluten allergies and the GF pizzas and pastas and gluten free beers, make it a very popular option, in an amazing location.
We hope our list of gluten free restaurants in Marbella will help you to navigate eating out on your next vacation. As the majority of restaurants are not dedicated to be gluten free, ringing ahead, or popping in to talk to the team before your visit is recommended, to make sure you are confident that they fully understand celiac and there is no hidden gluten in stocks and sauces.
If you stay in one of our luxury villa rentals in Marbella, we can also organize a private chef to come to your vacation rental property and cook up a gluten free feast.
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[post_content] => The weather is getting colder, the nights are drawing in and the countdown is on to Christmas. Where are you spending yours?
If you’re not sure where to spend Christmas and you’d rather have a Christmas holiday abroad, we’ve got you! There are loads of fantastic places to go, where you can experience the magic of Christmas like never before. In this article, we’re counting down the Top Ten places for a Xmas holiday, to help you find your perfect place.
1. Marbella, Spain
Marbella is a wonderful place to spend Christmas, with lots to do and see, plenty of Christmas spirit, plus bright sunny weather. It’s super easy to get here from Europe, with many airlines offering regular flights. This is the ideal short haul destination for a Christmas holiday in the sun.
Although you can’t expect the temperatures that you’d get in more tropical climes, the thermometer rarely dips below 10⁰C, even at night, and you can expect blue skies and daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20s. These pleasant temperatures make it so much fun to visit Christmas markets, see the Christmas lights, tour the traditional nativity scenes and make a visit to see Santa in his many grottos.
We recommend seeing the beautiful lights in Marbella’s picturesque Old Town and following the tour of the beautifully crafted nativity scenes in the churches, chapels and squares. You definitely need to take a day trip to Malaga for one of the very best sound and light shows around and try the delicious Christmas treats – roscón de reyes, turron and polvorones.
There are many restaurants to enjoy delicious food, with options for the traditional turkey dinner, as well as Michelin star taster menus, Spanish feasts and every cuisine under the sun. The Spanish celebrate their big Christmas meals on the 24th of December and the 5th of January, but as it’s such an international destination, there are special Christmas menus from every part of the globe on offer here.
Marbella is a fantastic shopping destination too, and there are lots of events and special festive activities taking place between the end of November and the 6th of January, so Christmas in Marbella just keeps giving! Walk on the beach by day and feel festive under the sparkling Christmas lights by night – the perfect combination, just a short flight away. Check out our guide to things to do and places to go at Christmas on the Costa del Sol and start planning your trip.
2. Dominican Republic
If you want to spend your Christmas in an island paradise with tropical weather, then the Dominican Republic rates very highly on the list! It’s the epitome of a warm Christmas destination, where you can lounge on the beach, while enjoying Christmas traditions Caribbean style. This includes the beautifully decorated charamicos, hand carved wooden decorations hung with beautiful ornaments, just like a Christmas tree. Feast on traditional foods including roast pork, stuffed banana leaves filled with savory treats and lots of yummy desserts. They celebrate Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day with the family, as they do in Marbella, and they also share the tradition of giving gifts to the children on the 6th of January, rather than the 25th of December. Enjoy fireworks on the beach, traditional dancing on the streets, Dominican Christmas carols and dance the night away at the legendary Christmas parties known as Parrandas Navideñas.
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a very popular warm Christmas destination, with really hot weather, blue skies and amazing activities and experiences to enjoy throughout the festive season. Temperatures can hit 40⁰C and as a country with a large Christian population, this is a big holiday and there’s plenty of Christmas spirit in the air. Some of the highlights include; carols by candlelight at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a festival of lights, live music and lots of Christmas markets. You can enjoy a gourmet experience at one of the many wine estates, enjoy outdoor cinema and spend your xmas holidays in the sun. Why not combine it with a big game safari too? Now that’s Christmas with a difference!
4. Phuket, Thailand
Thailand’s many islands and white sand beaches are a draw to tourists year-round and December is a great time to visit, as the weather is glorious. Phuket is one of the largest islands and offers lots to do and see for tourists, as part of Xmas holidays in the sun. You can expect balmy temperatures and low humidity (for Thailand) and the water is really warm and crystal clear for diving, snorkeling or simply lounging. Although the locals don’t celebrate Christmas, the tourist areas are decorated and there are lots of events and parties going on.
You will find hotels and tourist restaurants offering international Christmas favorites, or you can stick to the delicious Thai food. There’s even a Christmas Market at Phuket Boat Lagoon. Recommendations - explore the Old Town, visit the Sunday market, marvel at the view from the Karon Viewpoint and visit some of the beautiful Buddhist temples.
5. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is a magical and enchanting place all year round, and is a place where you can escape from the endless carols and commercialism of a western Christmas and dive into a vibrant culture. The temperature in Marrakech in December averages around 20⁰C, perfect for exploring and sightseeing and visiting all the amazing landmarks in the city. There’s no need to worry about things being closed on the holidays, as this is just a normal day, and so nothing's standing in your way to explore the medina, the souk and the beautiful gardens. After a busy day seeing the sights, relax in a Hammam, and have an alternative Christmas meal in one of the city's amazing rooftop restaurants.
Did you know that you could combine a Christmas holiday in Marbella, with a visit to Morocco? It’s so close that you can easily do a day trip to the northernmost city of Tangier, and enjoy a Spanish Christmas and a Moroccan Christmas too!
6. The Maldives
The Maldives is an island paradise, and if you want to spend Christmas holidays in the sun, it’s a great option. It’s lovely and warm, with temperatures between 27⁰C and 30⁰C, even at night, and mainly dry weather. The many beautiful hotels hold lavish gala dinners over the festive period, with amazing food and entertainment and they usually arrange a visit from Santa for the little ones. Once you’ve ticked the Christmas celebration boxes, then the crystal-clear waters await you and you can enjoy water sports, diving, boat trips, or simply lounge on the beach sipping a cocktail. Bliss!
7. Canary Islands, Spain
The Spanish Canary Island group is a great place to spend Christmas, with lots of festive cheer and temperatures between 19⁰C and 26⁰C during the day, with warm evenings too. Christmas is a big celebration in the Canary Islands, kicking off with the Christmas lights turning on at the end of November and lasting all the way through to the 6th of January.
Just like Marbella, you’ll find nativity scenes, lights and beautiful decorations, with a Spanish flair of course. There are also cultural activities on Lanzarote, with live, traditional music throughout December, open air Christmas concerts on Tenerife, and delicious traditional sweets called “trucha”, which must be tried. There are lots of Christmas markets and events too!
8. New York City, USA
While definitely not a warm weather destination for Christmas, New York is such a special place at this time of year, that we couldn’t leave it off the list! Wrap up warm and take a Christmas walking tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the festive favorites, such as the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Bryant Park Christmas Market and of course the Empire State Building. The ultimate department store Macy’s is as pretty as a picture and is a great place to see Santa before the big day. We’d also advise a visit to The Santa Clauses Winter Wonderland at Pier 15. For the most outrageously decorated houses, head to Dyker Heights Brooklyn – these homeowners really go all out! There are also Christmas markets and skating rinks a plenty and it’s the perfect place for some retail therapy, on Fifth Avenue and beyond.
9. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a great city to enjoy Christmas in, because it’s summer there, yet Christmas traditions are strong. You’ll find some great Christmas markets, festivals, and festive events a plenty throughout December. Check out the massive tree in Martin Place and the Canopy of Light in Pitt Street Mall and head to the Queen Victoria Building for High Tea with Santa. There are lots of live music events and carol concerts around the city throughout December. Because of the beautiful weather you can go true Ozzie style and opt for a barbie on the beach, or perhaps a picnic in the park. The restaurants are epic and there’s loads of culture and shopping to be enjoyed too.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is an amazing city, which really embraces Christmas and looks pretty as a picture, even though culturally it’s not a big deal in Japan. Temperatures are cool but not cold – 12-7⁰C and the city artfully blends Western Christmas traditions with Japanese culture, to make it a unique place to spend the holidays. The lights in Tokyo for Christmas are epic, on the streets and in the stores, and will take your breath away. The Tokyo Christmas Market is a great place to get in some last-minute shopping and take part in activities and workshops. Enjoy live music, by going to one of the Christmas concerts or choir performances. Why not join the masses and have KFC on Christmas Eve? A peculiar Japanese tradition for the festive period, but finger licking good! Tokyo’s Disneyland is amazing at Christmas and there are even holiday themed tea ceremonies to try. We’d definitely recommend a cruise on Tokyo Bay and a visit to one of the outdoor skating rinks as well.
Why spend the Christmas holidays in Marbella?
These 10 destinations are all amazing places for a Christmas holiday, each offering a very different kind of Christmas. But for us (no surprise here I’m sure), Marbella and the Costa del Sol as a whole really are hard to beat! That’s because it blends many of the aspects of what makes Christmas great, and so you can have the best of all worlds.
Being a Catholic country, Christmas is a serious holiday, and celebrated by everyone, rather than simply put on for the tourists. Yet, it’s less commercial and more authentic than in a big city.
The weather strikes just the right balance for us Brits and Northern Europeans to feel festive. It’s cool enough in the evening to feel Christmassy when you’re strolling around the pretty streets, lit with twinkling lights, yet the days are usually mild and sunny and you can still enjoy lunch al fresco by the beach.
There are lots of events and activities for the whole family, up and down the coast and Malaga has one of the best Christmas light and sound shows that we’ve seen anywhere. And what’s more, you could even combine a Christmas in Marbella with one day on the ski slopes of Sierra Nevada and one day in Morocco. How’s that for a mix of experiences?
The shopping in Marbella is great, the restaurants in Marbella are amazing, and you will be able to find whatever food you want to make it feel like Christmas to you. All this, and it’s just a few hours from the UK and most of Europe and flights are very reasonable.
We hope you’ll join us for Christmas this year. Contact us and let us find you a beautiful vacation rental in Marbella to be your home from home at this special time of year and help you plan the dream Christmas holiday in the sun for your family.
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