This Watercolour painting holiday will take place In Sayalonga, in an enchanting corner of Malaga, Spain, immersed in the beauty of the seascapes and country side
Dates:
In English April 2026, from Saturday the 11th to the 18th (7 nights)
This year I did a holiday in Sayalonga, a white village near the coast in Malaga, as I still have a family home, as it is the place where my father was born. The village is located 40 km from Malaga, at 400 m above sea level.
Over the past 20 years, the village has become very touristy. It’s a typical whitewashed village with narrow streets adorned with brightly colored flowers and stunning mountain views, a perfect place to find endless inspiration. So I thought to organize a painting holiday there .
Below is a link to a video I created to showcase the area.
I visited several accommodations in the village as there are many renting houses and small hotels, and tasted the delicious food at the local restaurants, both in the villages and on the beaches.
The menus are written everywhere in English, German, and French, as there are large English and German communities there. Sayalonga is very close to tourist destinations such as Nerja, Frigiliana, Competa, and, of course, Malaga, which I’ve included in the excursions.
The idea is to focus the course more on outdoor painting than indoor painting, to see all the wonderful places in the area. Plus, April is neither very hot nor very cold
The Course
The course will cover watercolour technique, sketching, tonal values, composition, perspective, and proportion. It lasts 20 hours, divided into half-days over 5 days. A detailed list of materials will be sent to participants. We’ll need a travel watercolor set and a small three-legged chair.
Schedule:
On the arrival day, we’ll meet for a welcome drink at my house, which is right next to the village church. We’ll then have dinner at the Jocavi restaurant in Sayalonga, sitting outdoors in the town’s main square.
The first day of class will be held indoors. On the other days, we’ll paint and draw outdoors, each in a different location; Malaga, Nerja, Frigiliana and Sayalonga
During the week, we’ll take three excursions: one to the center of Malaga, one to Nerja, and one to Frigiliana. On the other days, we’ll decide together, based on your needs, to visit the surrounding area and the beaches.
Maximum number of participants: 12
A Transfer from Malaga airport will be organized
Excursions
Malaga
Nerja
Frigiliana
Torre del Mar ( optinal)
Guided tour in Sayalonga
Lunches and Dinners
The village restaurants are delicious and cost around 20-30 euros per person. Prices are more or less the same as elsewhere.
How to book:
Contact me by email to check availability in the course. Once your place is confirmed, you can book your accommodation. It’s important to book in advance to ensure your place in the course and your room. The reservations will close once filled the course.
Price
Contact me by email or whatsApp
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkPVtcMbFrQ
More information about the excursions:
During the week, we will enjoy three carefully chosen excursions that balance cultural discovery, artistic inspiration, and the natural beauty of the region.
The first excursion takes us to the heart of Malaga, a vibrant city full of light, historic architecture, and Mediterranean views — a perfect setting for plein-air painting and urban sketches.
Our second trip leads to Nerja, known for its stunning coastal panoramas and crystal-blue sea, offering endless inspiration for watercolor landscapes.
The third excursion visits Frigiliana, one of Spain’s most charming white villages with winding streets and vivid floral accents that captivate every artist’s eye. These excursions are designed not just as sightseeing, but as immersive, creative experiences where you can paint, explore local life, and connect with the beauty of Andalusia.
To see more painting retreats:
