Late December 2025 found us travelling from Edinburgh to the Costa del Sol with our twin granddaughters, Reagan and Maisie. Edinburgh Airport functioned exactly as one hopes it should: fast parking justified its premium, security was efficient, and the Jet2 flight set an encouraging tone — clean aircraft, professional crew, and two young travellers who handled the journey with composure.
Arrival into Málaga was straightforward, with Benalmádena a manageable 25-minute drive from the airport. The first friction emerged immediately. Our pre-arranged hotel transfer failed to materialise, eventually forcing a self-managed alternative. It was an early reminder that operational reliability along the Costa del Sol can be uneven, even when pre-booked.
Accommodation — Function Over Finish
The Sunset Beach Club Hotel check-in was chaotic. A poorly executed change in computer systems left the front desk overwhelmed and guests waiting; our own process approached two hours. Credit where due: staff were unfailingly polite and visibly embarrassed, but courtesy cannot fully compensate for systemic failure.
The hotel’s branding deserves clarification. There are no meaningful sunset views — sunrise, yes. Nor is there a true beach directly at the property. A short walk toward Málaga reveals a volcanic, pebbled shoreline rather than sand. Practical notes matter here: mountain-facing rooms are quieter than sea-view rooms, and during peak summer months the three elevator banks will struggle under volume.
That said, the hotel ultimately delivered what we required. Dining options were solid, children’s facilities were well-run and staffed with care, and three pools — though too cold for me — suited younger guests. An indoor play area proved especially valuable. A small supermarket on site is supplemented by a larger one across the road, and a very good Argentinian restaurant sits only metres away.
Once expectations were reset, the stay found its rhythm.
Málaga at Christmas — Scale, Light, and Identity
The city centre — approximately 35 minutes away in good traffic — is particularly attractive at Christmas. Calle Larios is transformed by ambitious light installations, while the historic core rewards unhurried exploration. Roman remains, the Cathedral, and the city’s museums give Málaga a cultural density that exceeds first impressions.
Málaga is inseparable from Pablo Picasso, whose early years here shaped a restless creative trajectory that later unfolded elsewhere. The Picasso Museum is deliberately restrained — less an attempt to summarise genius than to contextualise it. The city also claims a more contemporary cultural ambassador in Antonio Banderas, whose visible involvement in local theatre and civic initiatives reinforces Málaga’s self-image as both outward-looking and rooted.
Local Highlights Beyond the Centre
Closer to Benalmádena, the cable car ascent to Mount Calamorro delivers expansive coastal views and offers a well-judged experience for adults and children alike. Simple promenade walks nearby became part of the daily routine — undemanding, restorative, and well suited to a multigenerational group.
Golf — Enduring Appeal, Even in December
For a golfer, the Costa del Sol’s appeal persists even in December. Golf Torrequebrada, opened in 1976 and designed by José “Pepe” Gancedo, remains the most serious nearby and has hosted the Spanish Open. Chaparral Golf Club, dating from 1991 and also a Gancedo design, offers variety and technical interest through a balanced layout set among pines. Benalmádena Golf is compact and family-friendly — ideal for short-game focus or limited time.
Closing Perspective
Málaga at Christmas delivers atmosphere, cultural substance, and climate advantages that few European cities can match in December. Golf was a secondary consideration for me on this trip, but I would like to go back and play Torrequebrada one day.