Discover what it’s like living in Marbella year round, with mild winters, long summers, and an easy rhythm that makes real life on the Costa del Sol a pleasure.
Living in Marbella
We often talk to people who are considering living in Marbella year-round and wondering what it would be like out of season, and how it would affect their lifestyle. Now the summer is coming to an end and we’re getting ready to change the clocks, life on the Costa del Sol is settling down into a quieter and more steady rhythm.
There are still plenty of people, still plenty of traffic, and the days remain mild, but the light is less intense and there’s more of a feeling of space. The great thing about Marbella is that it doesn’t stop when the summer ends — it just changes into a slightly different atmosphere and rhythm. For those of us who live here, it’s probably the nicest time of year.
Throughout the year, mornings can be the nicest part of the day. The air feels fresher, the light is softer, and the sea is usually calm. This is a great time to go out for an early morning walk along the paseo marítimo before work, or to take a quiet coffee on the terrace as the town gradually comes to life.
In Marbella, the shops, schools, and cafés open early, and there’s a general sense of routine. Everything you need is available but without the same level of rush that you feel in northern Europe. Whether you’re going out to the office, working from home, or just enjoying your retirement, the mornings set an easy, positive feeling for the rest of the day.
Marbella is an incredibly easy place to live full-time and is amazingly practical these days. We have great internet connections — most people now have fibre optic — excellent local services, and a good road network that makes it easy to combine work and lifestyle. Many people here run their businesses from home or work remotely, and for those who need to travel frequently, Málaga Airport just forty minutes away is a huge bonus.
Daily errands are a breeze, with a great choice of fresh food markets, local shops, and larger shopping centres. The sports facilities are wide and varied, and it’s easy to maintain a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle here. For families, there’s a wide choice of international and multilingual schools, and the sense of community in Marbella stays active throughout the year.
Marbella is famed for its microclimate, which basically means it’s mild throughout the year, and those of us who live here spend a lot of time outside. Whether your interests include golf, padel tennis, cycling, or just walking, the daily routine for most people in winter is comfortable, with average temperatures around 18 to 20 degrees in the afternoons.
Of course, in summer it’s much warmer, and the afternoons are a great time for relaxing in the shade, having a lazy lunch, or going for a swim. A drive inland for tapas in a mountain village or a walk along the beach are both great options once the crowds have gone.
Out of season, the evenings tend to cool and the sea breeze picks up, but it’s still mild and the terraces are filled with people. Locals meet in the bars for tapas, and there are small concerts and local events to enjoy. The social life runs at a different pace to summer — relaxed but consistent. There’s always something going on, yet it never feels overly busy. Because so many people live here year-round, there’s a sense of familiarity that builds over time and turns into a community rather than a crowd.
There’s definitely a rhythm to the seasons, and although the climate is mild throughout the year, each one has its own character. Winter brings crisp mornings, blue skies, and quiet beaches, while spring feels fresh and full of colour with local ferias and new energy. Summer days are long and bright — a great time to take advantage of the coast and early starts — and autumn arrives gently, with warm seas, cooler evenings, and a relaxed, contented atmosphere.
Unlike many other parts of Europe, living in Marbella isn’t about looking forward to the summer. We have a climate that lets you live well throughout every season, allowing for work, play, and relaxation at a pace that suits you. Marbella is a place that keeps you connected to the outdoors and lets you enjoy the small things every day — and that’s what makes it feel more like a home than just a holiday resort.
If you want to take the next step, here you have a selection of Apartments for sale in Marbella or, if you prefer, Villas for Sale in Marbella. We also work with a wide range of Luxury Marbella homes and can help you find your ideal property in the perfect location.
