Dreaming of Experiencing Spain During Winter?
If you are looking for a guide to Spain during winter & the best places to visit we’ve got your back! We have a real passion for Spain and look to return given any opportunity. We hope to share our enthusiasm and insights with our 6 favourite places to go when the sun isn’t shining all day. Spain’s usually linked with flaming flamenco dances and sizzling paella under the summer sun.
No doubt hordes jet to this European hotspot to laze on Costa del Sol’s glittering beaches and bronze in happening Marbella and Malaga. But what if you’re an off-season traveller longing to discover a cooler Spain during winter?
We will venture out on the land that lies between the glimmering waves of the Mediterranean Sea and the massive peaks of the Sierra Nevada, all while experiencing the cold and harshness of winter.
I’ll tell you why winter’s the best time to tour Spain: First up, no crowds to cramp your style! Second, you can snag hotels and flights for way cheaper.
And finally, some sweet seasonal activities await in Spain this chilly month. Let’s eagerly dive right into the details! Ditch the crowds, save some euros, and embrace a blissful Spanish winter break! From snow-dusted mountains to cosy Christmas markets, an adventure tailored to the cooler calendar totally awaits. Let’s do this!
The 6 Best Places to Visit in Spain During Winter
1. San Sebastian: A Great Spanish Winter Destination
Kicking off our Spain winter break, firstly we’ll hit the stunning Basque region up north. San Sebastian stays lively despite the temperature drop. With fair weather tourists gone, San Sebastian takes on more local flavour – only free-flowing beer! For more ideas on how to spend your time in this vibrant city, check out our San Sebastian itinerary. Also the old quarter crammed with locals makes it feel really authentic.
As icy Atlantic winds whip the twisty lanes, duck into cosy pintxo taverns to nibble Basque-style tapas bites. Wander lovely Gipuzkoa Plaza with its French-inspired architecture. Then watch wetsuit-clad surfers shred swelling waves from a cafe on buzzing Zurriola Beach.
Side walk spots tempt with hot cider as you take in the surfing show. The cold won’t stop us from revelling in San Sebastian’s scenic seaside charms!
Marvel at crashing tides in the Bay of Biscay from dramatic Behatokia cliffs. Feel the salt spray as you stroll the sands of lively Gaztetape and windswept Zarautz.
From the salty Harbor of San Sebastian to the isolated coves of the rocky Basque coast, this northern Spanish region dazzles in the winter. Moreover, further east arty Bilbao wows visitors with the jaw-dropping Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum.
Additionally, nearby San Juan de Gaztelugatxe island beckons hikers with a highly photogenic narrow footbridge leading to a lone hermitage perched atop towering cliffs.
Why not forget the crowds and undoubtedly get a taste of what the region really has to offer? Say goodbye to lazy beach days and hello to a cool and cosy adventure! Come on over and breathe the fresh ocean air, the pintxos are calling!
San Sebastian Tours in Spain During Winter
2. Madrid: Spain’s Historic Winter Wonderland
From San Sebastian, reach Madrid in 5 magical hours riding slick fast trains. Book early for cheap tickets – prices rise even off-season. Spain’s grand capital amazes – a world top destination! If you’re wondering if Madrid is worth visiting, read our tips and advice to help you decide. Stay at least 4 days to dive deep.
First, hit the charming historic centre between the huge Retiro Park and the imposing Royal Palace. Wander Plaza Mayor’s immensity. Trace legendary writers’ footsteps through cobbled lanes.
Neighbourhood treasurers and iconic museums await – walkable Madrid overflows with art, food, and unforgettable discoveries! This non-stop wonder delivers. Furthermore, distinctive barrios like La Latina and Lavapiés teem with curbside cafés and hole-in-the-wall tapas joints to sample.
Moreover, the Golden Triangle of Art houses masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, and more! Additionally, tree-lined boulevards link lush parks with regal architecture galore.
Fair warning: pace yourself in party capital Madrid! Its nightlife rages on even as southern spots like Marbella and Magaluf board up come winter. Sing along at rollicking jazz joints in creative Huertas neighbourhood, or dance under the rainbow flags in lively LGBTQ hub Chueca. Madrid keeps the good times going all year long!
When you’ve had your fill of Madrid’s museums and tapas taverns, take a quick 30-minute train to Toledo. Perched over the Tagus River, this hill town sometimes dons a wintery white blanket, making its Gothic cathedral and handsome San Juan de los Reyes monastery even more striking.
From buzzy big city vibe to romantic small town charm, Madrid and Toledo together offer the best of all Spanish worlds amid festive winter backdrops.
So bundle up and prepare to eat, drink, sing, dance and be merry while revelling in Madrid’s rich history, culture and nightlife! No wonder Spaniards love their passionate capital – to them, it’s the world’s best city!
Madrid Tours in Spain During Winter
3. Cadiz: Spain’s Sunny Andalusian Winter Gem
Want a Warm Winter Break Without the Tourists? Marvel at Majestic Cadiz!
Along Spain’s southwest tip, this delightful shore town stays warm at 59°F thanks to Portugal’s mild Algarve region nextdoor. Plus, sunny days suit wandering historical plazas and eyeing beautiful Baroque buildings.
Also, evenings by the sea come alive with tasty tapas under glittery night skies – sip sherry in celebration! And skinny side streets and ancient Roman ruins never cease to dazzle personal discovery.
With oppressive summer crowds gone, soak up Cadiz’s underappreciated vibrance freely on your relaxed schedule. Snake down skinny alleys and stop atop landmarks for awesome photo ops without other travelers! History surprises everywhere like 2,000 year-old Roman ruins dug up below roads.
Additionally beyond streets, winter’s best Atlantic surf rolls in. Paddle out and ride barrels of perfect waves crashing toward scattered golden beaches dotted down the coastline. Or just stroll the sand before warming up with sweet hot churros dipped in chocolate – yum!
Boasting endless blue skies, zero crowds disturbing culture and gnarly surf thrills, Cadiz makes the ultimate sunny winter getaway escape. Avoid summer’s heat and inflated rates! Instead enjoy brisk nights, delectable tapas and vacant public squares yours to roam.
See also: The best of Southern Spain
Take a chance on this splendid southern Spanish gem and uncover charm galore. Let’s go to carefree Cadiz!
Cadiz Tours in Spain During Winter
4. Granada: Winter Wonderland in Andalusia
Our lively Spanish sojourn also embraces Andalusia’s breathtaking highlands! Undoubtedly gone one are the brochure-worthy beach scenes. Winter lends Granada and its mighty Sierra Nevada mountain backdrop a wild, untamed allure. Rug up and get ready to embrace the crisp air as we uncover this region’s winter magic!
Firstly lose yourself in Granada’s ancient streets, home to Spain’s finest fortress – the magnificent Alhambra citadel. Limited winter hours skip tedious queues exploring intricate Moorish palaces and gardens.
Bask in picture-postcard views of the soaring Sierra Nevada range framing the city before heading straight to those snowy peaks!
Just 30 minutes outside Granada, a skier’s paradise fires up as 35km of Sierra Nevada’s pristine pistes launch in late December. Trade beach towels for snow boots and hit Spain’s premier ski spot! Carve frosty mountain tracks, then recharge with hearty stews, chestnuts, and red wine back in Granada’s cosy tapas bars.
From the Moors’ last stronghold to the country’s top ski resort, Granada and the Sierra Nevada unveil their hidden winter magic for intrepid explorers escaping crowds to discover the real Spain!
Powdery pistes, hot chocolate, crackling fires – embrace it all with gusto! Snow-dusted Andalusia awaits!
Granada Tours in Spain During Winter
5. Barcelona: Spain During Winter on the Med
Our lively Spanish winter vacation advances to festive Barcelona! Meandering north from Cadiz along the sun drenched coast. Make pit stops in vibrant Valencia and Picasso-proud Malaga before arriving in the Catalan capital, now delightfully crowd-free. With the summer tourists gone, iconic Barcelona is yours for the taking!
First up, marvel at Antoni Gaudi’s mind-bending masterpiece, the still unfinished La Sagrada Familia basilica. Its soaring spires and elaborate stonework have earned this surreal church UNESCO World Heritage status as a must-see.
Secondly, lose yourself amid Gothic archways, tapas bars, and leafy plazas in the maze-like medieval lanes of Barri Gòtic.
For an authentic local vibe, snag tickets to see beloved football club FC Barcelona command the hallowed pitch of Camp Nou stadium. Also wander sandy Barceloneta beach, watching surfers catch crisp winter swells as the sunset paints the city pink and gold.
Finally, cosy up with coffee or cider in Gracia and El Born, Barcelona’s hipster heartlands.
From quirky architecture and pulsating nightlife to foodie delights and urban beach-fronts. Barcelona dazzles even in the off-season.
See also: 7 cool things to do in Barcelona
So skip the summer surge and instead find space to embrace this capital’s vibrant culture, creativity, and laid back winter charm. With less crowds and lower costs, now’s the perfect time to fall in love with magical Barcelona!
Barcelona Tours in Spain During Winter
6. The Pyrenees: Stylish Spain During Winter
This epic Spanish winter break deserves an awesome grand finale: the towering Pyrenees! Just 70 miles north of Barcelona, stop in lovely Girona or charming Berga town en route for bonus sights.
Then hit the main event: world-class skiing and snowboarding at Andorra la Vella, Europe’s most affordable resorts!
Grab your gear, soak up glacier-fed vistas and carve the legendary Pyrenean slopes. What better way to cap off amazing crowd-free Spain?
With mighty peaks calling, this finale crowns your coolest vacation ever!
See also: Places to visit in Tenerife & our travel guide to Nerja, Spain
Pyrenees Tours in Spain During Winter
Featured Posts for Spain
Travel Planning Guide For Spain During Winter
Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Spain During Winter
Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy Spain during winter stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.
Renting a Car in Spain
Indeed, renting a car in Spain during winter is easy and is a great way to explore Spain freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.
Finding the Perfect Accommodation
The best way to book your accommodation in Spain is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.
Booking Flights to Spain
Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Spain during winter.
