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SpainA summer magnet that attracts millions, but often overlooked for gold winter vacation destination.
Although in a distant place Caribbean Sea Or Asia usually takes the spotlight winter sunshinethis Mediterranean The state offers a compelling short-haul alternative. The pleasant climate and lack of peak season crowds make it a smart choice.
Throughout the winter, temperatures in Spain’s southern provinces often hover around 20 degrees Celsius.
Year-round favorites like Seville still have plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures from December to March, providing the perfect opportunity for exploration, Unhindered by the heat This is a characteristic of summer.
Even on the East Coast, destinations include Valencia Offers opportunities for walks on the beach Starting on Christmas Eve Until spring.
this canary islandsKnown for its warm winter temperatures, it may be Spainmost respected winter sunshine destinations, but read below for the full selection.
Read more: Spain’s five most walkable cities (including one car-free city)
Tenerife
this canary islands Offers the best winter sunshine in Spain and Tenerife is the most popular. Not only is the island an important summer tourist destination, it has 6 hours of sunshine per day between December and February, and the average temperature in these months is about 18 degrees Celsius (the average maximum temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius).
By comparison, parts of the UK only get an hour and a half of sunshine a day in December. In London, this time dropped to 1 hour and 15 minutes, according to analysis by data analytics firm politician.
Many of the island’s highlights are its natural attractions. It’s home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, an active volcano that towers over the national park of the same name. While a cable car can take you to the top, there are plenty of hiking trails among the red rocks and rugged terrain.
If exploring isn’t your thing, don’t worry – the weather is still nice enough to spend a day at the beach, whether you’re looking for water sports in the coastal resorts of Costa Adeje or exploring the capital, Santa Cruz, and then lying on Teresitas Beach.
Where to stay
For the ultimate in child-free luxury and relaxation, head to the Red Level at the Gran Melia Palacio de Isora on the west coast.
This is a private area of the wider Gran Melia Palacio, with each room having a private terrace and views. It has a pool, hot tub and is very quiet.
Read more: Spanish island with sunshine and volcanic peaks
Valencia
Although cooler than other destinations on this list, Valencia offers pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine in the winter. From December to February, it’s not uncommon to see locals on the beach, with many staying away from the water despite temperatures hovering around 17 degrees Celsius.
This is a city that thrives in the winter, as many of its best attractions and most popular activities are suited to slightly cooler temperatures.
Cycling the roughly five miles along Turia Park is a virtual rite of passage, and at the end of the route is the City of Arts and Sciences, one of Spain’s modern wonders, with its avant-garde architecture, verdant gardens and Europe’s largest aquarium.
Whether you’re strolling around Ruzafa and Carmen or enjoying a New Year’s Eve drink al fresco, the temperature is never too hot or too cold.
The beach area may be more suitable for a walk than an afternoon swim, but having lunch on the beach while your friends in the UK clear the snow from their driveway can be very satisfying.
Where to stay
this Palazzo Vinci One of the best located hotels in the city, between the main squares and within easy walking distance of most landmarks. Inside, it’s an elegant blend of modern interiors and old-fashioned touches, from the building’s remaining period features to the art deco style of the bar area.
Read more: The best winter sun holiday without jet lag
seville
The Andalusian capital is famous for its year-round high temperatures, and while the average summer temperature of 36 degrees Celsius is enough to deter potential visitors, winter temperatures of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius are more popular.
A city invades seville Offering an impressive depth of culture, history and landmarks, from evening flamenco shows to boat cruises along the Guadalquivir River. several of them Highlights These include the Old Town, Cathedral, Giralda Tower, Moorish Castle and Casa Pilatos, all within easy walking distance of each other.
On a separate day, head to María Luisa Park and Plaza de España, where you can take a relaxing stroll, take a short boating trip on the canals, and admire the national pavilions built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition surrounding the park.
Where to stay
weird Amadeus Hotel The hotel offers comfortable accommodation close to the historic center and less than half a mile from Seville’s main attractions. With a rooftop swimming pool, comfortable outdoor and indoor dining areas, unique period features and rich musical elements (including three pianos and a 16th-century harp), this hotel is a special stay in the historic centre.
Read more: Best things to do in Seville
Nerja
Nerja is a smaller alternative to Malaga, about 30 miles east, perched on a cliff overlooking the Alboran Sea. The town begins on the shores of Salon and Calahonda and gradually rises through a field of white, low-lying buildings and gardens filled with palm trees.
A large number of independent shops, restaurants and squares await you in the narrow cobbled streets. Above the beach sits the Balcon de Europa, an impressive viewpoint with unobstructed sea views.
One of the town’s most popular attractions is its extensive cave network, which stretches for more than three miles and is decorated with paintings believed to date back 40,000 years ago.
Where to stay
The Hotel Balcon de Europa is built into the rock face and is located in one of the most tourist-friendly areas of Nerja. The hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms with direct beach access and some of the best views in town.
Read more: The best cities to visit in Spain and where to stay
lanzarote
When competing with Gran Canaria for the second Canary recommendation on this list, lanzarote It ranks high for its stunning natural landscapes and charming capital. The main city of Arrecife may be smaller than Las Palmas, but its city-fringe beaches, colonial architecture, and lively nightlife make it a worthy contender.
In Timanfaya National Park, where the sea of red rocks and volcanic soil looks almost alien, a guided hike or bus tour is the only way to explore. In addition to the beach and Hervideros cliffs, Jameos del Agua is another must-see attraction, an oasis-like landscape that contains a network of caves and a cultural center.
Where to stay
this Lanzarote Secret Resort It’s a massive 335-room complex with four outdoor swimming pools, six restaurants and a variety of sports facilities, as well as a large spa offering everything from hairdressers to lava and aloe treatments.
Read more: The best beaches in Lanzarote
Malaga
Andalusia’s main seaside destination is another great option for soaking up the winter sun in Seville. The average maximum temperature reaches 18 degrees Celsius, and although the sea may be too cold for most people, the port and long city beaches (including Malagueta and Caleta) are great places to walk, cycle or enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Spend an afternoon wandering the historic center through its wide boulevards, narrow alleys and churro cafes, while the La Concepción Historic Botanical Gardens and Gibralfaro Castle offer some of the best views.
Art lovers will love the Thyssen-Carmen Museum, which displays a large collection of 19th-century Spanish art, while Picasso’s birthplace also has a wonderful museum with more than 200 of his works (some of which are housed in the house where the famous artist was born).
Alcazaba, Malaga Granada’s Alhambra is an architectural highlight, a stone palace with horseshoe arches and gardens and courtyards filled with orange and palm trees.
Where to stay
The residence in Málaga of the Only YOU chain is striking in part because of its exquisite terrace on the eighth floor, which offers unobstructed views of Gibralfaro Castle. The interior features a range of popular rooms and is complemented by chic public areas, such as that of Carmen Restaurant.
Read more: The best hotels in Tenerife
This article was first published in November 2024 and has been revised and updated.