Spain’s best winter sun spots to visit in 2024

Although vacationers jet off to Spain in their thousands and thousands in the summer season, far fewer will take into account this a part of the Mediterranean for a winter vacation.

Locations in the Caribbean, South America or Asia might steal the headlines when it comes to winter sun, however Spain’s balmy climate and the absence of summer season crowds makes it the short-haul selection for these in the know.

The nation’s southern provinces see temperatures that hover round 20C at sure factors all through winter. Perennial Andalusian favourites like Seville are nonetheless sundrenched from December by to March, with decrease temperatures permitting alternatives to discover with out the specter of sweltering climate ruining your plans.

Even on the japanese coasts, locations together with Valencia provide alternatives for walks on the seaside from Christmas Eve till spring. The Canary Islands, famed for winter temperatures in the mid-20s, could also be Spain’s most revered winter sun vacation spot, however learn on beneath for a number of the others.

Tenerife

The Canary Islands are the capital of winter sun in Spain, and none of them are extra visited than Tenerife. Although a well-documented summer season vacation spot, this island receives six hours of sunshine per day between December and February, and temperature averages in these months stand at round 18C (with common highs round 22C).

Most of the island’s highlights are pure websites. It’s house to the very best peak in Spain, Mount Teide, an lively volcano that towers over the nationwide park of the identical identify. Whereas a cable automobile can get you to the highest, there are many mountaineering routes among the many pink rock and rugged terrain.

If exploring doesn’t attraction, don’t fret – the climate remains to be ok to spend the day on the seaside too, whether or not you’re in search of water sports activities in the coastal resorts of the Costa Adeje or exploration in the capital, Santa Cruz, earlier than mendacity on Playa Teresitas.

The place to keep

For the last word child-free luxurious and leisure, head to the western coast for Purple Stage at Gran Melia Palacio de Isora. It is a non-public part of the broader Gran Melia Palacio, and each room has a personal terrace and views. There’s a pool, sizzling tubs and loads of peace and quiet.

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Valencia

Although cooler than different locations on this record, Valencia gives nice temperatures and loads of sunshine in the winter months. It’s not unusual to see locals on the seaside from December to February, although many keep away from the water regardless of temperatures round 17C.

It is a metropolis that thrives in winter, as lots of its best sights and hottest actions go well with barely decrease temperatures. A cycle alongside the five-or-so miles of the Turia Park is virtually a ceremony of passage, and on the finish of the route lies the Metropolis of Arts and Sciences, one in every of Spain’s trendy marvels and the location of avant-garde buildings, verdant gardens and Europe’s largest aquarium.

Whether or not you’re strolling round Ruzafa and Carmen or having fun with some alfresco New Yr’s Eve drinks, the temperature is rarely too sizzling and infrequently too chilly. Seaside areas could also be extra suited to promenade strolls somewhat than afternoon swims, however there’s one thing extraordinarily satisfying about having lunch on the sands whereas your mates in the UK are clearing snow from their drives.

The place to keep

The Vincci Palace is likely one of the best-located resorts in town, sitting proper between the principle squares and inside straightforward strolling distance of most landmarks. Inside, it’s a cultured combine of recent interiors and old school aptitude, from the constructing’s remaining interval options to the artwork deco touches in the bar space.

Seville

The Andalusian capital is famed for its year-round excessive temperatures, and whereas common summer season highs of 36C are sufficient to deter would-be guests, winter highs of between 16 and 18C are way more welcoming.

A metropolis break in Seville gives an impressively deep vary of tradition, historical past and landmarks, from night flamenco exhibits to cruises alongside the Guadalquivir River. A number of of the highlights – together with the Previous City, cathedral, GeraldoTower, Moorish Alcazar and Casa de Pilatos – are inside a straightforward strolling distance of one another.

On a separate day, make your approach to the Maria Luisa park and the Plaza de Espana, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a relaxed stroll and a brief rowboat journey on the canal earlier than admiring the nationwide pavilions that stay across the park, constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Expo.

The place to keep

The eccentric Resort Amadeus supplies a cushty keep close to the historic centre, lower than half a mile from Seville’s most important sights. With a rooftop pool, cosy out of doors and indoor consuming areas, characterful interval options and loads of musical touches – together with three pianos and a Sixteenth-century harp – this lodge makes for a novel keep in the historic centre.

Nerja

A smaller various to Malaga, Nerja lies round 30 miles to the east, perched on a bit of cliffs that overlook the Alboran Sea. The city begins on the shores of Salon and Calahonda, rising steadily up by a sea of white-washed, low-lying buildings and palm-tree stuffed gardens.

Inside the slender, cobbled streets, a plethora of impartial outlets, affordable-yet-quality eating places and engaging plazas await, whereas simply above the seaside sits the Balcon de Europa, a powerful viewpoint that offers sweeping sea views. One of many city’s most visited websites is its intensive community of caves, which stretch for over three miles and are daubed in work which can be thought to date again 40,000 years.

The place to keep

The Resort Balcon de Europa is constructed into the rock face in one of many best areas of Nerja for vacationers. The lodge gives snug, trendy rooms, direct seaside entry and a few of the best views in city.

Lanzarote

When competing alongside Gran Canaria for the second Canary advice on this record, Lanzarote comes out on prime due to its wonderful pure websites and charming capital. The primary metropolis of Arrecife could also be smaller than Las Palmas, however its city-side seashores, colonial structure and full of life nightlife make it a worthy competitor.

On the Timanfaya Nationwide Park, the ocean of pink rock and volcanic soil seems virtually extra-terrestrial and guided hikes or bus excursions are the one methods to discover. Alongside the seashores and the Hervideros cliffs, the Jameos del Agua, an oasis-like panorama that incorporates a cave community and cultural centre, is the opposite must-see.

The place to keep

The Secrets and techniques Lanzarote Resort is an enormous, 335-room complicated with 4 outside swimming pools, six eating places and numerous sports activities amenities, alongside an in depth spa providing every thing from a hairdresser to lava and aloe vera remedies.

Malaga

Andalusia’s main seaside vacation spot can be an incredible various to Seville for a dose of winter sun. Common highs hit 18C, and although the ocean could also be too chilly for many, each the port and the lengthy stretch of metropolis seaside, which incorporates Malagueta and Caleta, are nice locations to stroll, cycle or have a laid-back afternoon meal. The historic centre calls for a day spent wandering its huge boulevards, slender alleys and churro cafes, whereas the Concepcion botanical gardens or Gibralfaro Fort provide a few of the best views.

Artwork-lovers will benefit from the Thyssen Carmen Museum, which showcases a number of Nineteenth-century Spanish artwork, whereas the birthplace of Picasso additionally has a incredible museum containing over 200 of his works (a part of which lies inside the home the famed artist was born in). The Alcazaba, Malaga’s reply to Granada’s Alhambra, is the architectural spotlight, the place stone palaces with horseshoe arches include gardens and courtyards lined with orange and palm bushes.

The place to keep

The Solely YOU chain has a number of luxurious resorts round Spain, and its Malaga residence stands out partly due to its marvellous eighth-floor terrace, which options sweeping views in direction of the Gibralfaro Fort. Inside, a sequence of on-trend rooms is paired with stylish interiors areas like these of the Carmen restaurant.

Learn our evaluations of the best Spain resorts