Winter in Spain: 17 Best Places to Visit in Spain in Winter

When we think of Spain, we imagine spending our time sunbathing on the beach, drinking sangria, or indulging in local cuisine. However, spending winter in Spain is as rewarding as in summer. One of the benefits of traveling to Spain in winter is getting the cheapest airfare deal and attending various festivals, events, and Christmas markets. 

Here are some of the best places to go to Spain in winter, recommended by other travel bloggers, with snow-topped mountains and warm winter weather. But before you go, you might also want to learn some useful Spanish travel phrases.

What’s the weather like in Spain in winter? 

Even though temperatures vary across the country, Spain’s climate is still one of the warmest and mildest among other European countries. The winter season here starts in December and lasts till March. The temperature highly depends on the region and its proximity to the sea or the mountains. 

If you plan skiing in Spain, the temperature in mountainous ski resorts gets below zero, while northern Spain sees a lot of rain during winter. Coastal towns reach a temperature of 15C during the day in winter, with Costa Brava and Catalonia regions being sunnier with little chance of rain. 

The temperature gradually decreases in January and February, with January being the coldest month. However, the weather in the Canary Islands is still warmer these months, reaching 20C. Overall, visiting Spain in winter is an excellent option to spend your winter holidays exploring the country. 

---

---

8 Big cities to spend winter in Spain

Barcelona

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, is probably the most visited city in Spain. Although many travelers flock here during spring or summer, there are plenty of activities for you to do here in winter. 

Winter in Barcelona is characterized by mild weather compared to other parts of Spain. The average temperature during the day is around 12C, while it doesn’t go below 5C at night. The days are mostly sunny, and the streets see fewer crowds. 

In winter, your trip to Barcelona will most likely include visiting its famous architectural masterpieces and monuments, tracking down Gaudi’s houses, and walking through the colorful Park Guel. While most of the museums don’t offer winter prices for tickets, there are two hacks you need to know about exploring Barcelona on a budget: 

1. Always buy tickets online. Although there might not be huge lines at the entrance in winter, you might get a discounted fare when purchasing it online.
2. Some of these venues offer FREE entrances on certain days, such as the first Monday or Sunday of the month, or have open days throughout the year. Learn more here. 

When wandering through the streets, hop in one of the cafes in Barcelona for delicious tapas or hot chocolate to warm up during the sightseeing. If you love sweets, don’t forget to try traditional Turron (nougat) or Polvoron (crumbly shortbread). 

And if the weather gets cold, visit the revived ancient Roman bath located right next to El Born Market. Aire de Barcelona offers hot baths of different temperatures in a candlelit room along with other services like a relaxing massage, red wine bath, and candle oil experience, to name just a few.  

Other winter activities in Barcelona include visiting the Christmas market, ice skating at one of the many rinks, and attending a Three Kings Parade on January 6. 

Madrid 

One of the best places to spend the winter in Spain is the city of Madrid. There are many things to do in the capital, including visiting one of the museums in Madrid and walking through one of the best and oldest Christmas markets in Madrid at Plaza Mayor, which features many stalls selling a variety of winter items and gifts. It is a great place to get that Christmas feeling! 

Another winter activity to do in Madrid is to admire its Christmas lights hanging everywhere you look. These are not regular lights as you see in other cities. Spain’s best artists and designers come together to create a display of lights that should be unforgettable. 

Moreover, visit one of the many Christmas trees scattered throughout the city, especially Puerta del Sol. If you wish to have a relaxing winter walk, visit Madrid’s parks; however, El Retiro Park is wonderful during this time of the year. 

Recommended by Dym Abroad

Zaragoza 

Zaragoza is one of the most underrated cities in Spain. Indeed, the capital of Aragon has so much to offer. Due to its location between Barcelona and Madrid, it’s a great stopover option for a roundtrip. 

When visiting Zaragoza, spend at least one day in the city; however, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 days to get to know the sights of Zaragoza even better.

The most famous places in the city are the Moorish Palace Aljafería and the Basílica del Pilar. The remarkable Pilar is not only the most significant baroque church in all of Spain but also the landmark of Zaragoza. The basilica impresses its visitors with colorful and stunning details from the outside and inside.

But Plaza del Pilar, where the basilica is located, is also a popular attraction because this is where the Christmas market takes place in winter. In addition to handicrafts, you can find all kinds of yummy snacks and even mulled wine, like the one common in Central Europe. Above it, you can discover festive lights and a vast nativity scene that you can walk through.

Recommended by Vicki Viaja 

Valencia

With average annual temperatures of 23C and sunny winters that feel more like spring, Valencia is the perfect place to escape for some off-season “sol y sangria.” Head to the city beaches for a stroll along Paseo Maritimo and some of Valencia’s famous paella by the sea (paella was invented here!), or explore the many tapas bars that line the ancient historic old town. 

Moreover, during winter, bustling Christmas markets come to life and flow out into the streets around Central Market, Market Square, and the Silk Exchange building. During this time of the year, you’ll also find an ice-skating rink and carousel in the famous Plaza del Ayuntamiento, while the iconic City of Arts and Sciences becomes a wonderland of food trucks and Christmas cheer. 

Also, be sure to visit the arts and crafts fair at Valencia’s iconic Colón Market, where you can meet Santa and Spain’s beloved “Three Kings.” You may also want to pop into the Museu Faller de València to see the city’s legendary “ninots,” which are set alight during Valencia’s crazy Las Fallas fiesta (every March).

End your days with warming churros con chocolate, or treat yourself to an altogether more fortifying jug of Agua de Valencia, made with cava, vodka, gin, and fresh orange juice from the city’s signature oranges. Now, that’s what you call a winter escape!

Recommended by Driftwood Journals

Granada

One of the best places to visit during the winter in Spain is the lovely city of Granada in the Andalucía region in the south of the country. 

Being one of the most popular cities to visit in Spain, winter travel lets you experience the city’s beauty with a fraction of the crowds. Some of the best things to do in Granada for a couple of days is to explore the famous Alhambra complex (make sure to buy tickets in advance!), wander through the historical Arab quarter of Albaicín, indulge in the unique tapas culture of Granada, and visit the Sacromonte neighborhood to see the unique cave dwellings.

Apart from the typical attractions you can experience year-round, visiting Granada during winter also means enjoying some unique experiences. Travelers can take a day trip to the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountain range to ski or enjoy other winter sports. Christmas markets also occur annually in the city in Plaza de Bib-Rambla and around Puerta Real.

Recommended by The World Was Here First

Seville

If you’d like to spend a winter in Spain under the sun, then definitely head over to Seville, the stunning capital of Andalusia. This city is one of Europe’s sunniest places, with average temperatures ranging from 8C to 17C during winter! This makes it the perfect place to enjoy the festive vibes without bearing the cold. 

It’s recommended to visit Seville for 3 days to enjoy everything this city has to offer fully. Some of the top things to do here include rowing a boat inside Plaza de España, exploring the majestic Royal Alcázar, seeing the tomb of Christopher Columbus in the Seville Cathedral, and climbing up the Giralda Tower. The best part about visiting in the winter is that you’ll see tons of beautiful festive lights when walking around these places!

Don’t miss out on the most popular Christmas market in town – the Feria del Belén de Sevilla. You can buy all kinds of gifts for your loved ones there, and it’s also a great place to get a glimpse of the local culture and traditions. Make sure to also stop by the Exposición y Vento de Dulces, which takes place at the Royal Alcázar. There, you’ll find local convents giving out delicious homemade sweets! 

In mid-December, you can also watch a glorious Christmas concert performed by the Royal Orchestra of Seville. Towards the end of December, you can also see some Christmas parades organized by the Royal Postmen (Reales Carteros) in the city center!

Recommended by The Diary of a Nomad

Cordoba

Cordoba is a great sunny destination to spend a few days in Spain in winter. Daytime temperatures are around 14-16 degrees Celsius and fall to 4 degrees on the coldest nights. Moreover, the region also sees very little rainfall, while most days are bright with clear skies. 

The city of Cordoba is visually stunning. Throughout history, it’s been ruled over by the Romans, the Moors, and then the Christians. Naturally, the number one thing to do in Cordoba is to visit the UNESCO Heritage-listed Cathedra-Mosque. Originally built as a Mosque, it was completed in the 10th Century. In 1236, Cordoba was captured by the Christians and was transformed into a Cathedral.

Other worthy points of interest are the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, the iconic Roman Bridge, and the ruins of Medina Azahara just outside the city. The latter is 8km from the city, so you’ll either need to rent a car or book a guided tour with transportation. It’s definitely worth the trip out to see the once-grand city’s ruins, nestled into the hillside.

Another great thing to do here is to find the pretty flowered patios. As Cordoba sees the sun year-round, flowers bloom even in winter! You can find pretty patios dotted all over the city or visit the Palacio de Viana. Alternatively, head towards the Calleja de las Flores (Alley of Flowers) to find the cute cobbled alleyways adorned with colorful flowers.

During Christmas time, Cordoba is decorated with lights and displays like other cities. The primary Christmas market is at Plaza de las Tendillas, featuring live music, food stalls, sweet treats, and traditional toys and gifts. 

Recommended By Meet Me In Departures

Costa Brava

While the seaside region of Costa Brava may not be the first place you think of to spend winter in Spain, there are many reasons to visit it in the cooler months. During winter, the area typically experiences cool days with clear blue skies – perfect for walking the coastal trails and admiring the empty beaches. 

You’ll find plenty of small villages and towns along the coast, some very quiet and others still buzzing with daily village life. Head to Tossa de Mar to walk the ancient city walls and visit the Christmas fair that takes place early in the month. Visit the Begur Castle and the stunning Sa Tuna seaside nearby and discover fascinating Greek and Roman heritage at the Ruins Empuries. 

For Christmas events, head inland to Girona, where you’ll find a lively open-air Christmas market at Plaça Independència, then walk the charming streets surrounding it that are adorned with festive lights and fun window displays. This unique area also has its own traditions when it comes to celebrating the Christmas season, and you can witness some of these curious customs for yourself during events that take place in Tossa de Mar, Bàscara, Pals, and Castell d’Aro.

You can visit the Costa Brava as a day trip from Barcelona, but to take full advantage of the quiet season, stay at one of the coastal towns and experience life as a local.

Recommended By Le Long Weekend 

6 Charming towns to spend winter in Spain

Alicante

This coastal and peaceful town in the Costa Blanca region sees 3,000 hours of sun per year. There is no doubt that traveling to Alicante is an excellent choice for those who’d love to travel to Spain in winter. 

You won’t get bored in Alicante, rich in history, sandy beaches, plenty of attractions, and colorful streets. The main sight here is the Castle of Santa Barbara, nestled on the hilltop overlooking the sea and the city. The surrounding Santa Cruz neighborhood is also worth checking out on your way to or from the castle. The area is full of cute white houses adorned with flowers and colorful windows. 

Afterward, visit impressive cathedrals dotted in the city or explore some of its exciting museums if the weather gets colder or rains during your stay. 

The town’s location also lets travelers explore its nearby charming towns, such as Altea, Javea, Benidorm, Villajoyosa, and even Pink Lake in Torrevieja. 

Sitges

One of the most beautiful destinations in Spain is Sitges, the tiny coastal city south of Barcelona. This gorgeous beach town on the Costa Brava is a joy to visit any time of the year. It’s also a popular LGBT travel destination with gay Sitges attracting tourists from all over Europe and beyond. While the crowds swell in the summer, it’s just as enchanting during the winter months. 

On average, Sitges sees 310 sunny days per year and mild temperatures in the winter months. Even though the water temperatures are cool, you’ll commonly have beach days all winter long. A walk on Passeig Maritim, the coastal promenade, is a nice activity after sunbathing. The strip is full of boutiques, cafes, and ocean-view bars, many of which are open through the winter. 

At the end of the promenade, you’ll find the picturesque Iglesia de San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla on the southern end of the coast. It’s a charming seaside church that’s open for tours and belongs in any Instagram feed. 

Besides the beach, promenade, and brilliant church, the food in Sitges is delicious. Tapas are a must in the region, and one of the best restaurants to enjoy them is El Cabel. It’s an airy tapas place that’s always full in the summer season, but you’ll have no problem getting a table in the winter. Another great dinner option is La Picara, a Basque-style restaurant that serves exquisite pintxos.

Recommended by Robe Trotting

Toledo 

Most people go on a day trip to Toledo, but this incredible historical town has so much to offer.  With daytime temperatures around 12-14C, it’s a great place to go for the winter sun in Europe. It’s a beautiful city to get lost in the streets of the old town on sunny days.  

There are historical sights and buildings around every corner, and you can easily spend a whole week in the city without running out of things to do and see. This self-guided Toledo Walking Tour will guide you through its highlights.

Ensure you visit the cathedral El Alcazar and Monasterio de San Juan de Los Reyes. It’s worth going for a stroll along the river that divides the old town from the rest of the city as you will cross beautiful medieval bridges like the Azarcuiel Bridge.

You might enjoy a Christmas market if you’re there at the right time. Otherwise, winter is the perfect time to indulge in Toledo’s finest marzipan and snuggle up with a hot drink in one of the many cafes to warm up. With some luck, you might even get to see the picturesque, snow-covered ancient town.

Recommended by Brainy Backpackers

Villajoyosa 

Villajoyosa is another charming town in the Costa Blanca region of Spain. This colorful little town will leave you in awe when wandering through its narrow streets. Villajoyosa is ideal for those who’d love to embrace a peaceful environment during their winter break. The town’s name means “joyful,” and it lives up to this title.  

Apart from having a historical value, Villajoyosa is also known for its chocolate, sandy beaches, nearby fishing houses, and perfect climate in winter. Those who’d love to mix cultural travel with their relaxing vacation should visit the Valor Chocolate Museum, the archeological museum Vilamuseu, and Torre El Aguilo for stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the coastline. There’s a bustling dining scene here with beach bars and restaurants to try local cuisine and delicacies.  

Like Alicante, you can base yourself in Villajoyosa and explore the nearby towns as a day trip. 

Cadiz 

Cadiz is one of the less touristy cities in Andalucia, making it a fantastic place to experience the authentic region and mingle with the locals.

In winter, Cadiz’s temperatures remain pretty high, warm enough to wear just a t-shirt and even sunbathe during the day in February. Being located in southern Spain, Cadiz also benefits from an average of 300 sunny days a year, which makes it a desirable place in Spain in winter. 

Whilst the winter holidays are not celebrated with Christmas markets and street celebrations like elsewhere, Cadiz still attracts thousands of visitors for its annual carnival. 

In the second part of February, the Cadiz carnival brings the city to life through music, street performances, parades, competitions, great food, and fireworks displays. The carnival stretches over ten days and is one of Andalucia’s liveliest and must-see spectacles. 

Cadiz’s first carnival was held in the 16th century, and since then, it has become a proper tradition. The most famous groups in the parades are the chirigotas, who wear identical costumes and train for the entire year before the carnival.

Recommended by Andalucia In My Pocket

Avila

When you gaze down at it from a vantage point, Ávila looks like a page plucked from a fairytale book. More than a holiday destination, Ávila is about traditional Spanish culture rooted in its history. Thousands of tourists flock here yearly because of its connection with Saint Teresa, who was born here. 

The fortified medieval walls surrounding the intra-muros town Ávila in Spain are among the finest city defenses globally and are called Murallas. Therefore, the first thing to do in Avila should be to take a walk around these walls, passing through its arches and gateways, for a feel of the historical town. 

The Cathedral of Avila is one of Avila’s oldest religious buildings and represents the finest Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance architecture in Europe. The Cathedral’s museum has an extensive artifact collection, including valuable tapestries and embroidered pieces.

Ávila has the coldest winter and low temperatures among other provincial capital cities. There are several museums and churches to visit to remain indoors if the weather is too cold. The collections at the Museum of Oriental Art include some stunning ivory carvings and metalwork and a roomful exotic animal. 

And don’t forget to visit Avila’s famous Tapas Bars. Avila’s veal is very famous, as is the baked dessert Yemas de Avila. Visit the Christmas market at the Town Hall to see a giant Christmas tree with lights glowing around, try some food, and maybe even buy some souvenirs. 

Recommended by Le Monde, the Poetic Travels

Top 2 Islands to spend winter in Spain

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is a great spot to take a little break from the cold, grey Europe. And while the rest of the continent is covered in layers, scarves, and gloves, you can roam around here in a bathing suit and go to a beach bar for Christmas Eve.

Gran Canaria is the biggest of all Canary Islands and a gorgeous place. It offers sun, sea, and sand without breaking your bank. Don’t think of it as a beach spot; this beautiful island also offers adventure, culture, and nature.  

On the north of the island lies the capital called Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which has a very local culture and vibe. Find beautiful beaches on the south of the island and the famous dunes of Maspalomas, where the desert meets the sea. 

Gran Canaria island also offers a chance to hike and explore nature with a chance to enjoy delicious local cuisine in its tiny villages. If you want some adrenaline rush, join a scuba school and explore the seas around, or get your life vest on and head for a water sports center. Prefer to fly instead? Check out the parasailing adventures on offer.

For New Year’s Eve, enjoy the Spanish traditions of eating 12 grapes in the last 12 seconds till midnight and partying till dawn.

Recommended by Brown Boy Travels 

Puerto de la Cruz

Tenerife is another island out of eight Canary Islands. Like Gran Canaria, it’s a popular destination for the rest of Europe. The Canary Islands, often called “the land of eternal spring,” enjoys a 22C average temperature even in January, making it probably the warmest place in Spain. 

Located just off the coast of Morocco, Tenerife offers the perfect blend of beach relaxation, incredible scenery, and outstanding hiking. Each island in the Canaries has its own highlights and personality. Even though Tenerife is often stereotyped for its rowdy beach resorts and raucous crowds of British package tourists, those resorts are almost entirely centered on the far southern coast. 

Instead, head up to the northwest corner where beautiful Puerto de la Cruz retains a traditional atmosphere and relaxed expat community. Particularly popular with Germans, Puerto de la Cruz boasts a wide range of outstanding German restaurants, along with several British pubs and many other great choices from Italian to Moroccan.

Many people don’t realize that Tenerife is also a fantastic hiking destination, with trails ranging from short, scenic cliff strolls to stunning valley hikes to spectacular ascents of iconic Mount Teide. Renting a car to explore the island is easy, or you can take advantage of the simple, extensive, and affordable public transportation system. 

Moreover, Puerto de la Cruz is more affordable than other European beach destinations, especially if you have the time for a long-term apartment rental. 

Recommended by Routinely Nomadic

Adventurous winter in Spain

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park 

Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is an under-visited wilderness area dotted with deep canyons, lush green vistas, and craggy mountains. It’s an excellent place to spend winter in Spain, where you can enjoy hiking under snow-capped mountains on trails still framed by colorful winter flowers.

Sierra de Grazalema is home to an exciting array of wildlife, and winter is the best time to see them. Ibex can be spotted in the grassy hillside meadows; eagles are common, and Griffon vultures are particularly active in winter. It’s an excellent destination for active people who enjoy hiking and photography in a beautiful setting.

Several different trails are suitable for winter, the best being El Pinsapar – a half-day hike with an easy ridge climb. It offers excellent views over Andalucía then descends into the protected forest area, which is the only place in the world where you can see the Spanish fir tree (Pinsapo).

Once refreshed from some winter hiking, enjoy a stroll around the famous white villages of Andalucía. Grazalema’s town sits on a rocky ledge deep in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, with towering, craggy mountains rising all around it. Zahara de la Sierra is a postcard-ready white village with magnificent views, a cute atmosphere, quirky churches, and excellent eating options.

Recommended by Anywhere We Roam 

Winter in Spain planning essentials