26/01/2026
What can you do on the Costa del Sol on rainy days?
Friends, we have aaaanother rainy week ahead of us.
If you live on the Costa del Sol and you no longer know what to do with your life (or if you’re planning to visit soon), here are ten ideas to help you enjoy your time doing something fun, even when the sun doesn’t show up.
1. Visit caves: The world-famous Nerja Caves are a real wonder at any time of the year. Less well known, but absolutely spectacular, is Cueva del Tesoro, a rare marine-origin cave located in La Cala del Moral, less than 20 minutes from Málaga city centre.
2. Let’s go to museums: Whether you prefer something more cultural, historical or artistic, here are a few great options: Ralli Museum (Marbella), Felipe Orlando Pre-Columbian Art Museum (Benalmádena Pueblo), Picasso Museum (Málaga), Málaga Archaeological Museum, Centre Pompidou (Málaga), Bandolero Museum (Ronda – dedicated to the history of Andalusian bandits), and the Miniature Museum “Carromato de Mijas” (Mijas).
3. Let’s visit churches: The Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación (Málaga Cathedral), the Basílica of Santa María de la Victoria (Málaga), the Church of Santiago Apóstol (Málaga), the Hermitage of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz (Marbella), or the Hermitage of Virgen de la Peña (Mijas Pueblo).
4. See, taste and enjoy the market: Atarazanas Market Going to a market might not sound like a very exciting experience, but if you’ve never been to Atarazanas Market, take advantage of a rainy day and go. Once you see it and taste it with all your senses, you’ll understand why.
5. Shopping centres: This one would probably be one of the least inspiring options for me, mainly because it’s not very original — but it can still be fun on a rainy day: Plaza Mayor (Málaga), La Cañada (Marbella), Muelle Uno (Málaga), Miramar (Fuengirola), Puerto Marina (Benalmádena), or Estepona Park (Estepona).
6. Arab Baths: Arab baths combine relaxation, pleasure and history. If you loved the spa at that 5-star hotel, try taking the experience to another level in an authentic Arab bath: Hammam Al Ándalus (Málaga), Hammam Andalusí (Marbella), Hammam Al Ándalus (Benalmádena), or Aguas de Ronda (Ronda).
7. Let’s go to castles: Although castles and historic monuments usually involve some outdoor areas, a bit of rain shouldn’t stop us from enjoying them: Gibralfaro Castle (Málaga), the Alcazaba (Málaga), Sohail Castle (Fuengirola), Colomares Castle (Benalmádena), the Alcazaba of Antequera, or the historic complex of Ronda.
8. Flamenco show: How can you come to Andalusia and leave without giving your ears and eyes a proper dose of flamenco? Even if you don’t fully understand it, the intensity and the emotion this art transmits will give you goosebumps: Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía (Málaga), Teatro Flamenco Málaga Club, Kelipé Flamenco Art Centre (Málaga), El Gallo Ronco (Málaga), Taberna Flamenca Pepe Flores (Torremolinos), or Tablao Flamenco (Marbella).
9. Traditional factories and craft workshops: There are traditions that are hard to let go of, even when technology dominates everything. In Málaga city, you can visit places like Cerámica Santa Ana or Alfarería La Cerámica, where classic Andalusian techniques are still alive.
In other towns, don't miss Mijas Ceramics (Mijas Pueblo), known for its hand-painted pieces, or Alfarería Hermanos Jiménez in Ronda, a family-run workshop keeping traditional pottery alive.
10. The last one is up to you: What place do you think is worth visiting on those days when you can’t rely on the sun? Leave it here so the rest of us can discover it too.
Cheers!
