Despite the sunny temperatures, Marbella isn’t a major winter destination, with the summer crowds decreasing by around 30%. This is great news if you’re on a budget, as you can enjoy a ‘luxury’ resort like Marbella for less in low season.

The Costa del Sol is popular with tourists for its endless sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Med. As winter approaches, falling crowds mean there is plenty of low cost accommodation available for a last minute beach break on HostelBookers.

Forget high rise hotels and packed out package resorts, Marbella is the most stylish spot on the Costa del Sol and one of the warmest places in mainland Europe in winter, temperatures in Marbella can still reach a scorching 25ºC in December.

With 27km of coastline and 24 spotless beaches, Marbella is also renowned for its elegant marina packed with luxury yachts, and charming Spanish Old Quarter. Home to ten golf courses, chic shopping at Puerto Banus and the ‘Golden Mile’, a stretch of palatial beachfront villas, Marbella has long been the destination of choice for the well-heeled. But the crowds drop during the winter as sun-seekers flock to popular winter sun holidays such as the Caribbean, Turkey and Africa.

If you get bored of sunbathing, the fascinating region of Andalucía is yours to explore, with Moorish palaces and amazing architecture on offer in Granada and Seville.

Plus there are a bunch of affordable places to stay; Marbella hotels are one of the better options for the budget travelers, who can enjoy this luxury resort for less with HostelBookers. For example, prices at the Aparthotel Puerto Azul, set on Marbella’s sea-front boulevard, and overlooking Fontanilla beach, start from just 19.67 per person per night. Boasting chic neutral decor, kitchens and cable television, and opening onto a furnished terrace with stunning sea views, these spacious suites are just some of the winter sun bargains available online now.

With these kinds of deals on luxury holiday destinations, the days of scrambling for sun loungers and overpriced cocktails are long gone.