Southern Spain In January or Early Feb?
 

We have the opportunity to stay for a week In the Marbella area of Spain in Late January early Feb. How is the weather? Are many restaurants closed? Any suggestions on things to do or places to visit? Thank you.

Based on past 15 years statistics for late January/early February:

Daily highs between 59 and 66ºF. Average of six hours sun pr. day, two days with rainfall pr. week.
http://www.wetteronline.de/Spanien/Malaga.htm

Go to fabulous Málaga city, genuine Andalusian atmosphere, great sights (both the newly excavated Roman amphi-theater, the 8-11th Century Moorish Alcazaba, the 16th Century Cathedral, Picasso's birth place and the Picasso museum are within some 300 meters in the center), bars, restaurants and night-life. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/

Granada with world famous Alhambra is also fairly close. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/gran...hamhistory.htm

Or go into the beautiful mountains inland from Marbella.

Some places might be closed in Marbella which is much based on tourism, but Málaga and Granada are "normal" cities and here it will be business as usual.

Excellent suggestions from kimhe. Would also add Cordoba.

yes, you could easily add Córdoba - with the Mezquita etc. - only some 50 mins away from Málaga with the high speed AVE/AVANT train.

Some fresh Córdoba impressions:

The "other" Córdoba around Plaza de las Tendillas, the Plaza Mayor-like Plaza de la Corredera, the Roman ruins etc can be highly recommended. All very close to the main tourist attractions but a totally different and more local atmosphere. Bustling outdoor cafés long into the night.

Several fine bodegas/tabernas in this area. Here you'll find great local places on every corner. Just had some excellent meals in a couple of them. Taberna Salinas comes recommended in the Michelin guide, and we were perfectly happy after two raciones, a bottle of wine and a couple of brandys for some 35€. http://www.tabernasalinas.com/

Bar Santos in Calle Magistral González Francés, 3 along the eastern side of the Mezquita is a laid-back and small respite in this heavily touristy area. Wonderful Jamón Ibérico.

Felt immediately at home in Plaza de las Tendillas. The thousands of people gathering here for the midnight eating of the grapes on New Years eve is traditionally directly televised on national tv. The clock on Plaza de las Tendillas has got no bells. Since 1961 the hours has been chimed in by recorded flamenco chords from the guitarist Juanito Serrano. Great atmospehere and good spirit well into the small hours, at least in the week-ends. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fexMbX4EsRE&NR=1

We lived in modern Hotel Córdoba Centro, just excellent, some 300 meters north of the Mezquita, next door to the main Tendillas Plaza. Some 60€ for a double. http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/cord...?rid=702348143

Thank you for great suggestions on Málanga, Córdoba and Granada. Is Gilbraltar worth a trip? Also is there a high speed train to Madrid? We may spend a night or two there on our last leg of our vacation.

For a one week stay, I would not go to Gibraltar and yes the high speed train AVE runs between Madrid and Sevilla. But Madrid can get nippy in Jan and Feb.

I highly recommend Sevilla for a stop of a couple of days. We love Andalucia and especially Sevilla.

High speed AVE train also between Málaga and Madrid in 2h 30mins. Málaga is some 30 mins driving from Marbella.