Five small towns where colder days glow with warmth and character. Beyond Málaga’s coastline, small towns reveal a beauty that belongs entirely to this quieter time of year.
Rute – Sweetness and Spirit in the Mountains
In the Subbética hills, Rute becomes the capital of Christmas flavours. Its artisan workshops open each winter to share turrones, liqueurs and handmade chocolates, filling the town with the aroma of almonds and anise. The Museo del Anís and the charming Chocolate Nativity Scene turn a visit here into a sensory celebration that feels timeless.
Alfarnate – The Flavour of the Highlands
Set almost a thousand metres above sea level, Alfarnate is known as “the Pyrenees of the South.” In winter, the landscape turns crisp and the chimneys come alive. Each February, the Matanza Festival brings the village together to celebrate traditional pork dishes, paired with local olive oil and mountain wine. Hikers will find spectacular winter trails across the Sierra de Enmedio, often dusted with frost.
Vélez-Blanco – Castles and Caves in the Cold Light
High in Almería’s northern mountains, Vélez-Blanco blends history, silence and stone. Its Renaissance castle dominates the skyline, and the nearby Cueva de los Letreros, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. After exploring, warm up with a plate of gurullos con conejo — a traditional rabbit stew made for chilly days.
Antequera – Ancient Stone, Winter Sun
In the heart of Andalusia, Antequera feels both grand and serene when the temperatures drop. The Dolmens glow gold beneath the soft winter sun, while the El Torcal natural park invites long walks among its otherworldly rock formations. Inside town, cafés serve thick hot chocolate with mantecados, and the pace of life slows to the perfect rhythm of the season.
Genalguacil – Art Among the Chestnut Trees
Hidden in the Serranía de Ronda, Genalguacil is a small white village turned open-air gallery. Each corner holds a piece of art created during its celebrated Art Encounters. In winter, mist drifts between the chestnut trees, the valley glows with copper tones, and fireplaces flicker in every home — a quiet refuge for those who seek inspiration in stillness.
SIMED 2025: Mediterranean Living Redefined in Málaga
From 13th to 15th November, SIMED 2025 returns to Málaga to celebrate Mediterranean living through design, innovation, and wellbeing. More than a fair, it’s an experience that redefines how we live by the sea.
