Local Guide: Andalusian spring and 10 experiences for April & Easter

April in Andalusia offers a magical confluence of perfect weather, cultural richness, and natural beauty. As almond blossoms fade and orange trees burst into fragrant bloom, the region reveals itself in a particularly authentic light—before the summer crowds arrive, yet with days long enough to savor every experience.

This guide presents ten carefully selected experiences that showcase the best of Andalusia during this special season. From the spiritual depth of Semana Santa processions to the technical artistry of world-class trial biking, from ancient patios in Córdoba to sunset horseback rides through fragrant hills—each offering invites you to engage with the region on a deeper level.

1. TrialGP World Championship in Benahavís

4–6 April, Benahavís – Opening Round of the 2025 TrialGP World Championship – FREE EVENT

Benahavís will host the 2025 TrialGP World Championship opening round— the premier global competition for motorcycle trials riding, which is a specialised discipline within motorsport that emphasises precision, balance, and technical skill rather than speed.

The championship showcases extraordinary skills as riders hop, balance, and maneuver their motorcycles through seemingly impossible terrain, often climbing obstacles that would be challenging even on foot.

Toni Bou – 36 times World Champion

Key aspects of TrialGP:

Sport format: Riders navigate through a marked course featuring challenging natural and artificial obstacles like rocks, logs, steep inclines, and concrete structures.

Scoring system: Unlike traditional racing, the goal is to complete sections without putting your feet down (called "dabbing"). Riders accumulate penalty points for feet-downs, falls, or exceeding time limits. The rider with the fewest penalties wins.

Specialised motorcycles: Trial bikes are lightweight (around 150 lbs/70 kg), have no seats, feature high ground clearance, specialised tires with soft rubber compounds for maximum grip, and are engineered for extreme low-speed maneuverability rather than speed.

Elite competition: The World Championship series typically runs from spring through fall with events across multiple countries. Riders compete in different classes, with the premier TrialGP class being the highest level.

Notable figures: Spanish rider Toni Bou has dominated the sport with an unprecedented 36 world championships (combining both indoor and outdoor titles), making him one of the most successful athletes in any motorsport.

The championship showcases extraordinary skills as riders hop, balance, and maneuver their motorcycles through seemingly impossible terrain, often climbing obstacles that would be challenging even on foot.

More information about the event in Benahavís, 4–6 April

2. Witness the Semana Santa processions in Málaga

Málaga’s Holy Week processions are centuries old, deeply emotional, and unlike anything else in Europe. Processions of candlelight and silence—broken only by drums or brass—move through the city’s old streets. You won’t need to be religious to feel something.

Sit back in a reserved seat along Calle Larios, or walk just behind a procession through side alleys and watch the city hold its breath.

Read more about the celebration of the Semana Santa.

Pricing

• Adults: €275 per person (VAT included)
• Children (5–12 years): €125 per person (VAT included)
• Under 5 years: Complimentary

Reservations Essential:
📞 +34 951 552 688
📧 [email protected]

Early booking is recommended as this signature event sells out annually.

4. Ride horses through the sunset in Benahavís

Right at our doorstep of Marbella Club Hills, experience the magic of Andalusian landscapes on horseback. As the golden hour approaches, saddle up and traverse narrow trails lined with wild rosemary and ancient olive trees, while the Mediterranean shimmers in the distance and mountains glow with the day's final light.

The Marbella Club Equestrian Centre in Benahavís offers access to pristine, pine-scented terrain—an unspoiled wilderness just minutes from coastal luxury.

World-Class Facilities

• 4,500m² state-of-the-art arena with innovative geo-textile surface
• Home to the Spanish Show Jumping Championships
• Two modern competition arenas
• 36 luxury stables with elegant Monarch Victorian fronts
• Premium imported golden grass footing

Exceptional Equine Collection

Our stables house a carefully curated selection of Arabian, Spanish, German, and French horses—each chosen for temperament, training, and bloodlines to ensure a perfect match for every rider.

Experiences for Every Level

For Adventure Seekers:

• Mountain trail rides through ancient pine forests
• River valley explorations following seasonal streams
• Mediterranean vista paths along the historic Cañada Real

For All Riders:

• Beginner-friendly guided treks
• Advanced dressage training
• Competition-level coaching with international instructors

Where nature and luxury meet in perfect harmony, create memories that will stay with you long after you return home.

Reservations:
📧 [email protected]

5. Dance of life at Marbella Club Hotel with Antonia Pilbrow

From an early age, Antonia has lived and studied with many great Masters throughout Africa, South America, and India, immersing herself in and absorbing the depth and breadth of their teachings and traditions.

She offers therapeutic healing bodywork, Yoga and Pranayama, Soma Breath work, and Rapid Transformational Coaching.

Session Offerings Include

• Opening Your Heart Yoga (60 min: €250, 90 min: €350)
• Pranayama – The Art of Breathing (60 min: €250)
• SOMA Transformational Breath and Meditation Journey (90 min: €360)
• Dance of Life Journey (2 hours: €450, 3 hours: €600)
• And more specialised treatments

How to book

📞 +34 952 82 22 11
📧 [email protected]

6. Visit Córdoba’s patios before the crowds

7. Luminaries in Bloom

IPPO introduces two exclusive aquatic treatments at the Marbella Club's Thalasso seawater pool. These therapies use water as a medium for healing, aiming to restore physical mobility, reduce tension, and promote mental clarity through free and fluid body movement.

These techniques are grounded in science and intuition, led by Dr. Pablo Olabe, a PhD in Aquatic Physiotherapy and Professor of Anatomy at UCAM. His IPPO method supports natural regeneration, prevention, and deep relaxation.

Session Offerings Include

• Water Dream – a deeply restorative aquatic therapy that combines massage, stretching, and gentle mobilizations in warm seawater.
  60 min – €320 per person
  90 min – €460 per person

• Aqua Elastic – a dynamic, movement-based therapy in water designed to improve coordination, body elasticity, and natural balance.
  60 min – €320 per person

How to book

📅 Dates: Available from 5th to 20th April
📍 Location: Thalasso Seawater Pool, Marbella Club
📞 Phone: +34 952 82 22 11
📧 Email: [email protected]

8. Consider visiting Ronda 

Ronda is only 90 minutes from the coast, but the journey itself is part of the experience. The mountain road winds through ancient pine forests, dramatic limestone ridges, and whitewashed villages seemingly frozen in time. The A-397 route offers breathtaking vistas at every turn—take your time and embrace the journey.

Upon arrival, resist the urge to rush to the famous Puente Nuevo. Instead, begin at Plaza de María Auxiliadora for a less crowded panorama of the 120-meter-deep El Tajo gorge. Feel the weight of 2,500 years of history as Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, and Spanish influences blend in this dramatic landscape.

When you're ready, cross the 18th-century Puente Nuevo bridge and follow the path down into the gorge along Camino de los Molinos and look skyward—this view has inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Winery Detour: On your return journey, visit Bodega García Hidalgo in the verdant Guadalcobacín River valley. This family-owned boutique winery, established in 2006, produces exceptional artisanal wines, including their signature Alcobazín. The terroir of Llano de la Cruz near Ronda creates distinctive vintages that perfectly capture the essence of Andalusian winemaking.

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm (Reservations recommended)

Photo: Courtesy of Andalucia.org

9. Aromatherapy Masterclass

Immerse yourself in the aromatic heritage of Andalusia with an intimate aromatherapy workshop nestled in the historic gardens of Finca Ana María. Under the guidance of our master perfumer, you'll embark on a sensory journey through the Mediterranean's most cherished botanical treasures.

This hands-on experience begins with a guided tour of our aromatic garden, where you'll harvest fresh botanicals like lavender, rosemary, jasmine, and citrus blossoms—the foundation of Andalusian perfumery for centuries. Learn to identify subtle aromatic notes while discovering the therapeutic properties behind each essence.

In the sunlit studio, you'll blend cold-pressed olive oil with your selected botanicals to create a personalised fragrance that captures your experience of southern Spain. You'll leaves with a 30ml bottle of custom perfume oil and a deeper connection to the Mediterranean landscape.

18th April at 12:00 PM
📍 Location:Finca Ana María, Marbella Club
📞 Phone: +34 952 82 22 11
📧 Email: [email protected]
💶 €60 per person

10. Flamenco Lo Serás Tú Festival in Málaga