Have you ever thought of visiting Spain in the winter? Although many people see Spain as the perfect destination for summer, winter is also idyllic in the country of Gaudi. Maybe you won’t be able to sunbathe on a beautiful beach sipping some sangria, but you sure have what else to do, see, and taste. Therefore, to convince you that Spain is worth a visit this cold season, I compiled a list of some of the best places to visit during winter in Spain. And the best part about traveling to Spain in winter: there are no crowds! So let us start our journey of discovering this beautiful country during the cold season.

But first, let us see what winter is like in Spain during winter.

Spain winter weather

First, you should know that temperatures vary in Spain depending on the region. The general climate here is warm, but temperatures depend on whether you are closer to the sea or the mountains. For instance, temperatures are more generous in the southern parts, such as Andalusia and the Canary Islands. On warm days you can expect temperatures from 6°C to 23°C on average.

On the other hand, the northern part of Spain is home to the Pyrenees mountains, so the temperatures are a bit lower. However, they are perfect for skiing in the beautiful mountains.

Lastly, we have the in-between region of Spain where beautiful Barcelona and the Balearic Islands are. Here, you will find average winter temperatures, not too cold and not too warm. In the end, if you come to think of it, Spain has excellent temperatures in winter, no matter what you wish for. Therefore, there are lots of places to visit during winter in Spain whether you want sun and warmth or a bit of cold and snow. So without further ado, here are my recommendations for places to see in Spain during the cold season.

Madrid

If you want to see a fairytale winter city, Madrid should be your choice. Spain’s capital will amaze you with its beautiful winter clothes and Christmas decorations. There are many lovely parks you can visit and restaurants to explore. And even if temperatures are humble and you need a warm coat to explore the city on foot, you can still enjoy the magic. For instance, you can explore the Christmas markets, especially the one in Puerta del Sol, where you can see a magnificent Christmas tree. Or, you can admire the Three Kings Day Parade as part of Madrid’s winter festivities.

And if you need some fuel for the body when you get tired of walking, make sure to visit the street food vendors. They have the most delicious foods that will boost your energy for the rest of the day. For instance, I, for one, am a big fan of Cocido Madrileno. It’s a warming winter stew with chorizo, pork, and chickpeas that will warm your heart and soul and make you forget it’s winter.

Barcelona

As Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe stated in their famous song: Barcelona is “such a beautiful horizon, like a jewel in the sun.” And what is even more fascinating about this city is that it doesn’t lose its charm during winter. Furthermore, tourists have left in the winter so that you can enjoy all of Barcelona’s iconic sights without the crowds.

First on your list should be the one and only Sagrada Famiglia. That is Barcelona’s most famous church, and it’s a sight to behold. However, make a reservation in advance as this beauty can be pretty busy, even during winter. In addition, you should also get a guided tour as you will learn more about Gaudi and his final work.

Following that, you may attend Fira de Sana Llucia, an annual Christmas celebration that dates back to 1786. Or, you can pay a visit to the vendors in the Gothic Quarter and buy your loved ones gifts and souvenirs.

Seville

Seville is the sunny capital of Andalusia and one of the most incredible places to spend the winter in Spain. During the winter, Seville is one of the warmer cities in Spain and even Europe. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 17°C, so you can enjoy the city without your feet getting too cold. Furthermore, Christmas is celebrated big here, so it’s a perfect city to experience festive sentiments if you wish to escape the chilly weather!

So if you visit in December, don’t miss the Royal Orchestra of Seville’s beautiful Christmas concert or the Royal Postmen’s Christmas parade in the city center. The Royal Alcázar, the old Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower are also worth seeing. The many beautiful Christmas lights in the streets surround these locations, making them look magical. Another must-see is the Feria del Belén de Sevilla, the largest Christmas market in town and an ideal place to learn about the traditions and culture.

However, if you want to immortalize your experience in Spain using a film camera, ensure you keep your memories safe by packing the film or the pictures correctly. Upload them online for safekeeping, or use proper materials for packing that won’t stick or damage them. That way, you will have your memories of Spain for a lifetime.

Granada

Another beautiful place to visit during winter in Spain is Granada. Located in Andalusia, it is one of the few cities in Southern Spain that receives snow. Furthermore, the weather is rather chilly because the Sierra Nevada borders it. However, nothing will stop you from enjoying this fantastic city once you arrive here.

One of the first things you should know about Granada is that it is renowned as one of flamenco’s birthplaces. Therefore, watching a live performance is a must here. The greatest flamenco tablaos are in Sacromonte, the historic Roma gypsy district in the hills above the city.

In Granada, you must also see the Alhambra Palace. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has one of Spain’s most stunning examples of Islamic architecture. And if you are in Granada in November or December, go to Plaza Bib Rambla. You will find a fantastic Christmas market where you can enjoy the excellent local cuisine. I recommend you try the amazing Habas con Jamon, a mixture of beans with serrano ham that will leave you craving more.

If you go:

If you decide these fantastic places are worth a visit during winter in Spain, pack the right clothes with you. Have a rain jacket, a blazer, a light sweater, and even a scarf with you. Furthermore, ensure you pack comfy and warm shoes as you will walk around a lot.

 

About the Author:

Maria Pasquale is a travel blogger fascinated with Spain. She believes in “slow travel” and getting to know the culture and food of a place before you visit. Maria also loves exploring the world and meeting new people. With her love for the outdoors, she is always up to trying anything new and exciting.