Winter stays on the Costa del Sol: choosing an apartment

Allow for cooler evenings and rainy days

AEMET’s climate normals for Málaga Airport show January average daily highs of 16.8 °C and lows of 7.4 °C. These are historical averages for 1981–2010 at one station, not a forecast for your stay. Rainy days occur too.

Choose a home where you will be comfortable indoors. Ask how the heating works and which rooms it serves. Pack layers and keep an alternative activity in mind when the weather changes an outdoor plan.

Build the location around your daily routine

List what you want to do several times a week: grocery shopping, walking, coffee or exercise. Find those places on a map around the exact address. A quiet residential complex may suit someone with a car; without one, proximity to everyday services may matter more.

Compare a central Estepona address with one near La Cala or in a Marbella neighbourhood. The actual distances and access roads are more useful than choosing by town name alone.

Check the apartment itself

Ask about the particular property rather than relying on photographs of shared facilities. A beautiful swimming pool tells you little about comfort on a rainy afternoon. Look at terrace orientation and whether there is a proper place to eat or work.

• Heating in the rooms you will use, with clear operating instructions.
• A washing machine and a kitchen suitable for everyday cooking.
• Wifi suited to your needs; request a recent speed check for video calls.
• Clear information about lifts, luggage access and parking.
• Confirmation of seasonal pool opening; do not assume heated water.

Plan the final part of the airport journey

The train connects Málaga Airport with Fuengirola. Aena gives an approximate journey time of 34 minutes. For a property further along the coast, plan the onward bus, taxi or car journey too. Check current departures and consider your luggage and arrival time.

Also think about transport during the rest of the stay. An airport transfer on the first day does not settle how you will do the weekly shop or take other trips.

Request a clear breakdown of the stay

Ask what the price includes and which items are charged separately. For a longer booking, explicitly check energy use, cleaning, linen, the deposit and arrangements for leaving early. Compare offers using the same set of costs.

Find out who to contact if something stops working and how problems are handled. These are practical booking checks; the specific terms for your accommodation should appear in the offer and booking confirmation.

How to enquire about a longer stay

Send Sander your preferred dates, party size, whether you have a car and your three main requirements. A lift, heating or walkable shops are useful specifics. He can then look for suitable properties and arrangements.

You can browse our holiday accommodation online. For a monthly or winter stay, or a period beyond the online search limit of 90 nights, contact Sander directly. Summer availability does not imply that a property can also be booked for an entire winter.