What's the Weather like in Puerto de la Duquesa in January
Midwinter on Costa del Sol is usually mild and uneventful, with a healthy but not exaggerated amount of precipitation and sometimes even a little bit of snow, if all conditions are met for such a rare phenomenon, giving January just a 10% chance of snowfall.
Temperature
The average temperature is 14°C, with nights cooler at 11°C, populated with crisp winds and rainfall. The warmer days shoot for the average high of 16°C , and humidity is relatively high at 75% but with non-oppressive dew points.
Average Sunshine Hours
There are up to 6 hours of sunshine per day during this month. Chances of rain are slightly lower than the neighbouring months at 28% on average, but chances of clouds also chime in at 10%, as well as fog with 7% throughout January.
Rainfall
Overall, this translates into a slightly greyish panorama of Puerto de la Duquesa, with rainfall reaching average volumes of 105mm spread over a total of 12 days. The winds are quite consistent at 35kmh, most of them cold and even biting before sunrise, continental influences from the mountains further inland.
Average Sea Temperature
Chances of windy days are not to be ignored at 22% on average, making for noticeable currents across the coastline and choppy waters for the dramatically beautiful Alboran Sea, which measures an average temperature of 16°C not a good time for swimming.
In fact, if you do plan on engaging in promenades along the shore, don't forget a decent windbreaker and a hat, as the sometimes capricious winter afternoons might take you by surprise. Don't disregard the value of an umbrella either, but be prepared to also enjoy some warmer and sunnier days throughout the third and fourth week of the month.
Puerto de la Duquesa Hotels in January
Harbour Club Aparthotel Duquesa
Harbour Club Aparthotel Duquesa can be found in the beautiful heart of Castillo de Sabinillas, about 22 miles away from the buzz of Marbella. The resort offers beautiful self-catering apartments complete with air conditioning, lounge area with flat screen TV, private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette. The views over the sunny marina are absolutely breath-taking even in the early mornings of January.
Hostal Venta Manolo
If you're looking for something smaller and a bit more intimate, then the lovely Hostal Venta Manolo might be a good choice. It's a charming guest house in nearby San Enrique de Guadiaro, only a 10-minute drive from the beautiful beaches of Torreguadiaro. Each room features air conditioning, plush lounge area with a flat screen TV, en suite bathroom and a terrace opening out to splendid views of the sea. Guests can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the restaurant on-site, and even relax in the communal garden, lush with greenery and flowers. Polo pitches and golf courses can be found within 15 minutes from the Venta Manolo.
Duquesa Village
Perhaps one of the best choices for this month (particularly if you're looking to celebrate New Year's Eve in Puerto de la Duquesa) would have to be Duquesa Village. This is a splendid property only 16 miles away from the famous Gibraltar, and about 23 miles from Marbella. Each self-catering apartment features a fully equipped kitchenette, as well as a private bathroom with a tub, cosy lounge area with flat screen TV and air conditioning. The property boasts a delightful pool area, as well as a tennis court, and golf courses can be found within 5-minutes' drive. This resort is perfect for couples looking for high quality accommodation during a weekend escape, as it's within close vicinity of numerous landmarks and the sunny marina of Puerto de la Duquesa.
Beach in Puerto de la Duquesa for January
Local Beach
While the temperatures and cold water are not exactly a great time for beach fun and swimming, you can still make your way to some of the stretches of fine sand that line Puerto de la Duquesa. The sea is beautiful and relatively shallow, and it changes colours several times a day. You can sit back on a picnic blanket, sip on a good local wine and watch the waters turn green, blue and turquoise throughout the day, as the light and currents participate in a beautiful visual performance of nature.
Bars and Restaurants
Marlow's Fish and Chips Restaurant
Appealing to classic tastes and gourmands, Marlow's Fish and Chips Restaurant specialises in some of the best fish you'll find in the area. Their traditional take on this popular British dish does not go unnoticed, as tourists and locals alike praise the quality of the fish, the chunky and crispy potato wedges, as well as the creamy and flavourful peas. This is one of the best spots to eat in Puerto de la Duquesa, and the staff are friendly, multilingual and highly professional.
Kinnaree Thai Restaurant
Popular even in January, Kinnaree Thai Restaurant offers a peak into the Far East with its dazzling and absolutely delicious selection of Thai dishes. The rice is cooked to perfection, and the sauces are spicy and authentic, as the chefs make no compromise as they attempt to deliver the authentic taste of Thailand. There's a variety of dishes to choose from, and the staff are always kind, welcoming and friendly, helping guests find the right introduction to such a rich and fascinating cuisine.
The Cork Tree
For a fun night out and drinks galore, visit The Cork Tree, an authentic Irish Pub catering to anyone looking for some good fun. Their selection of lagers, ales and whiskies does not go unnoticed, while the atmosphere is quite international, the staff are friendly and cool. The music is a selection of classic Rock and '80's and '90's, while the kitchen can also offer some light food and pies to accompany your drinks until late into the night.
Things to do in Puerto de la Duquesa in January
Castillo de la Duquesa
The historical gem known as Castillo de la Duquesa is just west of the marina, next to a little village bearing the same name. It's a massive structure built entirely out of grey stone, contrasting with the multitude of white washed walls and roofs of the surrounding buildings and houses. It was built as a fortress rather than a castle though, and its corners boast proud towers overlooking the region.
Many of the defensive structures scattered along Costa del Sol date back from the Phoenician period, but Castillo de la Duquesa is by far the most noticeable, as it imposes its grandeur above everything else surrounding it.
It was built during the 1760's during the reign of Carlos I, and it was designed by one of the era's most prominent architects, Francisco Paulino. It's now used as an exhibition centre for cultural and artistic events, and guided tours can be commissioned from the tour desk.
Marina
On any given sunny morning, you can make your way down to the marina and admire the plethora of yachts around the pontoons. The fishing boats can also be found there, just under the sea wall, ready to go out for a good catch every single day. Fishermen's huts and the boatyard give this area a particular charm, as some of the few architectural structures of the area.
You are most likely to pass by fishermen mending their nets in the doorway, as you walk up towards the yacht marina a spectacle of sumptuous white boats ready to go out and cut across the deep blue waters of the Alboran Sea.
Feel free to hang around and explore every nook and cranny of the port, as numerous shops and cafes line the pontoon, ready to welcome you with freshly brewed coffee and traditional pastries.
