Semana Blanca, the half-term winter break in Andalucía

If you live in southern Spain, you will have heard the phrase countless times: Semana Blanca. Literally translated as “White Week”, it refers to a mid-winter school holiday that gives families a pause between Christmas and Easter.

In Andalucia, Semana Blanca is designed to align with the Día de Andalucía (Andalusia Day) on February 28th. This school holiday week, which usually results in four days off plus weekends, always incorporates the Feb 28th regional holiday to create a, or a nearly, full-week break. For 2026, Málaga’s Semana Blanca is scheduled for 23–28 February.

The term is widely believed to have originated as a way of encouraging families to head to the mountains for winter sports. Andalucía is home to the ski resort of Sierra Nevada↗, one of Europe’s southernmost ski destinations. The idea was to promote time outdoors in the snow during the half term school break.

Today, while many families still use the week for a short ski trip, the meaning has broadened. Semana Blanca has become less about snow and more about rest, travel and time together.

Some families head to the mountains to hit the snow-covered slopes, where it is entirely possible to ski in the morning and be back on the coast by evening. The contrast is part of the region’s appeal.

Others stay closer to home and make the most of:

• Beach walks and outdoor sports while the coastline is quieter than in summer
• Day trips to historic cities such as Granada, Seville, Cádiz or Córdoba
• Family lunches in the old towns of white villages inland
• Cultural visits and museums, often less crowded than during peak tourist periods

For international families living in Andalucía, Semana Blanca can also align conveniently with February half-term breaks in other European countries, making it a popular time for visiting relatives. It’s common during this time of year that the Costa del Sol will see many days of sunshine, blue skies and daytime temperatures in the high teens, perfect for outdoor activities.

Roads towards the mountains and major cities can be busier than usual at the beginning and end of the week. Ski accommodation in Sierra Nevada often books up well in advance. At the same time, some urban areas feel quieter during school hours, with families away or adjusting their routines.

Semana Blanca sits at an interesting point in the calendar. Christmas decorations have long disappeared, spring has not quite arrived, and the days have been gradually lengthening.

In many ways, Semana Blanca captures what living in southern Spain is about: flexibility, outdoor living and access to contrasting landscapes within a short drive. Snow-capped mountains in the distance, the Mediterranean at your feet, and a week set aside simply to enjoy it.

At Puente Romano Real Estate, we specialise in homes that place you at the centre of this year-round lifestyle. Whether you are relocating with family or investing in a second residence, our team can guide you towards properties that work beautifully in every season.

Explore our latest listings↗, browse the nicest neighbourhoods↗ in Marbella or contact us↗ to speak with our team, and discover what living in Marbella truly feels like year-round.