Travel: Memories to keep us warm in winter in the Costa del Sol

Speaking about Scotland’s capricious climate, Billy Connolly famously said: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.”

Wouldn’t it be nice, though, to take a winter break somewhere where there’s no need to pack both swimming costumes and thermal underwear? Somewhere you know the sun will be shining, the sky clear and blue, and where crystal waters lap gently around your ankles as you saunter along a pristine golden beach?

In short, somewhere like the Costa del Sol.

Costa del Sol offers the best of Spain’s south coast, whether you’re looking for the bright lights of Marbella or the tranquil, rustic beauty of one of the many fishing villages set like jewels along the spectacular coastal cliffs.

We headed to the region in late September, flying from Glasgow. Stepping out into the Spanish sunshine a few hours later was magical and reenergising. That energy would soon come in handy because we had over an hour on the road ahead of us – and this would be my first time behind the wheel abroad.

Thankfully, there was nothing to fear. My driving was just about up to scratch (although my wife might tell a different story), and the journey along the coast was filled with the sort of epic scenery that made it a struggle to keep my concentration fully on the road.

Our destination was the Pierre & Vacances Holiday Village Terrazas resort in the quiet Manilva area. We arrived in the early afternoon, with the sun beating down and the temperature a very toasty 25 degrees.

First impressions were promising. Check-in was quick and easy, the staff super helpful. Our apartment was excellent: clean and modern, with a kitchenette, two bathrooms and a huge balcony/terrace area perfect for al fresco dining.

And then there was the view.

Our balcony afforded a panoramic vista, looking out towards the distant Rock of Gibraltar and the glittering Alboran Sea. Truly breathtaking, this was a sight that I never got tired of admiring and one I’ll never forget.

The Terrazas resort offered two pools. The first was huge, with ample loungers and plenty of room for families. This pool was next to the resort bar, where drinks and food were served all day by the first-rate bar staff. The second, smaller pool, was in a quieter area of the complex, and tended to attract those looking for a spot to read or relax in hushed surroundings.

The resort is fairly large, built around a central “village square”, where the main entertainment takes place in the peak holiday months. Here you’ll find a stage, a games room, another bar and a play area for the little ones.

Because we visited in late September, the entertainment was shut down for the season, but in the busy months there are a host of activities and themed evenings on offer, including live music and games – everything you’d expect from a modern family holiday.

The restaurant offers a nightly buffet, and you can also order food from the poolside bar all day – the freshly baked pizzas were crisp and bubbly, and absolutely delicious.

We spent the first day familiarising ourselves with the sprawling resort, sipping drinks at the bar and lounging around the pool, looking up now and then to take in the magnificent view out over the coast.

The rest of our break – we had five nights at Terrazas – we spent exploring the local area in our hire car. Having never driven on holiday I was slightly nervous. But I soon fell into the swing and, I have to say, we were very glad to have our wheels. The resort’s mountainside location, while amazing, makes a car something of a necessity should you wish to get out and about.

Among the highlights in the area are the vineyards, seafood restaurants and stunning coastal walks. A 10-minute drive from the resort we found Castillo de la Duquesa, a small village named after the 16th-Century castle situated there. The castle is fascinating, and the village boasts a picturesque marina and top-notch cafes, bars and a couple of wonderful traditional restaurants.

A 20-minute drive in the other direction is Sotogrande, an exclusive residential community where our jaws dropped at the beauty of the apartments, winding canals and gleaming luxury yachts. You can shop and eat here too, and it’s well worth a look – if only to catch a glimpse of how the other half live in southern Spain.

The region offers so much culture and history to immerse yourself in. At the end of a day’s exploring, we’d come back to Terrazas, lie in the sun and have a cocktail or two at the bar, watching the sunset from high on the hills. It’s a memory that will stay with us forever. Who knows, it might even warm us a little in the winter months back home.

Factfile

A seven-night self-catered stay in April 2025 at the Holiday Village Terrazas Costa del Sol costs from £527 total for a one-bedroom apartment which sleeps up to four. For more information visit www.pierreetvacances.co.uk

Boasting over 159 km of coastline and more than 125 beaches, the Costa del Sol has the best climate in Spain. The average temperature throughout the year is 18.5°C.There are at least 300 days of sunshine and the winters are the mildest in Europe, with little rainfall. So you should expect blue skies and warm weather whenever you visit.