Spain in Winter: Best Places to Visit

When you’re dreaming of the perfect winter destination for a tour through Europe, most of us would immediately conjure up an image sipping on Glühwein in Vienna, skiing in the French Alps, or wandering around the Christmas markets in Germany. But what about Spain in winter? 

While Spain isn’t your typical winter destination, it makes for a perfect getaway for travellers seeking warmer temperatures (minus the sizzling heat of summer), unique cultural experiences, magnificent museums and delicious food-filled encounters. And the best part? Far fewer visitors to contend with compared to the peak summer months. If you want to save a few dollars, enjoy shorter lines at the main attractions while still enjoying warm temperatures, we suggest you start heading over to Spain for your winter adventure sooner rather than later, and these are the places you need to visit. 

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Southern Spain

Seville

Along with munching on endless amounts of tapas while sipping on sangria, Seville has plenty of things to see. When planning your escapades to Spain in winter, it pays to think strategically about all of the activities that don’t rely on the warm weather. And when in Seville, the traditional Flamenco dance is a colourful tradition that is very much alive all year-round. So, why not test your dancing skills in the cooler months?

If you have two left feet, there are many tablaos in Seville where you can sit back and watch, or you can spend time exploring the Royal Alcazar Palace, the Giralda Bell Tower, Casa de Pilatos or visit Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. With the winter temperatures averaging 16–17°C, plenty of sunshine and blue skies, the mild climate in Seville will feel like a heatwave compared to the rest of Europe. 

Costa del Sol

The ever-popular summer tourist destination, the Costa del Sol, is just as beautiful in the winter. Yes, the temperature will be much cooler across the region compared to summer, but it should not be overlooked as a must-visit winter spot. Far less populated compared to summer, the temperature will still be mild (averaging around 15°C), and the white-sanded beaches are just as inviting; especially for travellers searching for a relaxing getaway. While the region becomes hot or overcrowded in summer, the winter months allow you to enjoy a cooler, more relaxed, and cheaper environment with plenty of cultural experiences.

Granada

It’s impossible to ignore the lure of The Alhambra (a breathtaking Moorish palace) when talking about Granada. However, this city boasts far more than just one-star attraction. There’s street art. Brilliant tapas bars. Vibrant gardens. Intricate architecture and historic cathedrals. The best part is that every one of these sites is just as beautiful in winter as they are in summer. Due to Granada’s location at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the temperatures from December to February will average between 9-11°C, but the blue skies will make up for the cooler weather.

Don’t forget to look out for the snow-draped peaks that surround the city, and if you’re a skier or winter-sports enthusiast, the country’s best ski resorts are just an hour’s drive away.

Northern Spain

Barcelona

As one of the most exciting cities in Europe, some would argue that Barcelona is best explored in winter and it’s hard to deny that this city is filled plenty of with sights to keep you entertained – especially on rainy days. With mild temperatures that vary between 11-13°C, you can hit the streets to visit the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Milà and the Casa Batlló. Spend time tucked away inside a bar on Las Ramblas watching the world go by and later go on a hunt for the best paella. If you find yourself in Barcelona in late December, don’t miss the New Year’s spectacle at the Plaça d’Espanya or the must-see Three Kings parade on the night of January 5th. No matter when you visit, there will always be something to see or do. 

Madrid

How could you not love Madrid? As the capital city of Spain, located in the centre of Spain, the summer months see the city packed with visitors, whereas the winter months are the complete opposite. For a glimpse into the lives of the royals, look no further than the Royal Palace in Madrid or check out the vintage stores and flea markets in Malasaña or the El Rastro Market in La Latina. If you find yourself in Madrid in December; you’re in for a treat as the city will be covered in Christmas lights and hosts an incredible fiesta on New Year’s Eve at the Puerto del Sol. And if it does get too chilly, make sure you visit Chocolatería San Ginés. This famous Spanish café has been serving delicious treats since 1894, and you can warm up with fresh churros dipped in hot chocolate. Just don’t expect Madrid to be warm, as the temperature in January in particular ranges from 6-10°C.

Bilbao

Winter in Bilbao means fewer crowds, lower prices, and it is an excellent time to take in the local culture, cosy up in the many hidden cafés, and spend hours admiring world-class museums and galleries. Even if you make the journey to Bilbao purely to go to the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum, nobody will fault you for it. Aside from museums being the perfect place to retreat to when the temperature drops, over winter you won’t have to contend with lines out the door or queues to the best exhibitions. It will be cool, but sunny, so you’ll find plenty of things to do both indoors and out.  

San Sebastian

Located in the mountainous Basque Country, San Sebastian is a resort town known for the famous La Playa de la Concha. While it might be too cold to spend your days lazing on the beach, but with the blue skies and temperatures around 10-13°C, it will hardly feel like a harsh winter. In San Sebastian, there are more Michelin-starred restaurants then you could hope for, and the culinary scene is by no means weather dependent, food lovers won’t be short of things to do (or eat).

Have we missed anything on our guide to Spain in Winter: Best Places to Visit? Let us know in the comments!