Wintering in Spain: Best Winter Destinations in Spain

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The ultimate guide to Spain in winter

Spain has been our winter escape for years. Since we started travelling full-time, we’ve spent many winters exploring the country by motorhome and overland truck, from the Atlantic beaches of the Costa de la Luz to Andalucía, the Mediterranean coast and the mountains of inland Spain.

And if you’re looking for winter sun in Europe, Spain is hard to beat. Head south or to the Mediterranean coast and you’ll find mild days, plenty of sunshine and towns that stay lively long after the summer tourists have gone home. Go further south to the Canary Islands and winter temperatures are warmer still.

But Spain is a big country and winter conditions vary enormously. We’ve experienced everything from T-shirt weather and lunch outside in January to snow, torrential rain and bitterly cold nights.

In this guide, we share the best places to spend winter in Spain, what sort of weather you can realistically expect and the destinations we’d choose for winter sun, beaches, cities, hiking and longer stays.

Key Facts: Wintering in Spain

Destinations: The Gap Decaders’ guide covers the best places to spend winter in Spain, from Andalucía and the Mediterranean coast to Madrid, northern Spain and the islands.
Winter sun: The Canary Islands offer the warmest winter climate, while southern and southeastern Spain offer some of the mildest conditions on the mainland.
Best areas: Top mainland choices for winter sun include the Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almería, Costa Cálida and Costa Blanca.
First-hand experience: The Gap Decaders’ recommendations are based on years of travelling extensively through Spain by motorhome and overland truck, including multiple winters.

Reasons to Visit Spain in Winter

The Weather

When is winter in Spain? Well, winter in Spain actually starts twice. That’s because seasons are defined in two ways: astronomical seasons, which are based on Earth’s position as it rotates around the sun, and meteorological seasons, which are based on annual temperature cycles.

The meteorological winter in Spain, and the whole northern hemisphere, starts on the 1st December and lasts until the last day of February. The astronomical winter in Spain starts on the 22nd December and lasts until the 21 March.

December is one of the coolest months in Spain, but it’s rarely harsh. In the south and along the coast, daytime temperatures typically range from 15 – 18°C | 59 – 64°F, with plenty of bright, dry days. Inland areas like Madrid are colder, especially at night, while the Canary Islands enjoy subtropical conditions with highs around 20 – 22°C | 68 – 72°F.

Spain in January has the coolest daytime temperatures of the winter months. Still, much of the country sees dry and sunny weather, with average daytime highs in the mid to high teens celsius (around 60 – 65°F). The south and the islands remain the warmest regions, while central and northern areas can experience frost and occasional snow.

Spain in February sees temperatures begin to rise gradually, and there’s a noticeable hint of spring in the air. In southern regions like Andalucía, Murcia, and the Valencia coast, you’ll often see wildflowers blooming as average highs reach 17 – 20°C | 63 – 68°F. The days get longer and sunnier, particularly toward the end of the month, making it an appealing time for early outdoor adventures.

The Carnivals

Another great reason to winter in Spain is the carnival! Celebrated during February in cities, towns, and villages all over the country, carnaval is a special time of festivities in Spain that takes place in the days leading up to Lent. Traditionally a time to indulge in food and drink, Spanish festivals are a noisy riot of colorful outfits, dancing, music, and parties.

The largest and best celebrations take place in the coastal city of Cadiz (known for the naughtiest carnival in Spain!), on the Canary Island of Tenerife, and in the resort town of Sitges, near Barcelona. But wherever you are there will be some sort of celebration during this time, and carnivals in Spain are always well worth attending!

Christmas in Spain

Spain in December is a vibrant and joyful experience, filled with unique traditions, festive markets, and mild winter weather. From the twinkling lights of Madrid to the lively nativity scenes in Barcelona and the sweet treats like turrón and polvorones, a Spain Christmas blends religious heritage with lively street celebrations like the Three Kings Parade.

Alternatives to Winter in Spain

If you’re wondering whether the European countries of Portugal, Greece, or Southern Italy might be a better destination than Spain to spend the winter season, remember that it’s not all about mild temperatures. It’s also about predictability, air currents, wind, sunshine hours, and sometimes, a bit of luck!

If you prefer cooler winter holidays, we’ve also got the best Northern Europe winter destinations for you which have a good dose of snow, ice, and Christmas Markets!

Winter in Spain Weather Map

This winter temperature map shows the average heat across Spain in the winter and you can see how much the average temperatures vary, from a balmy 21 degrees Celsius | 70 degrees Fahrenheit on Spain’s Canary Islands to a pretty chilly 8 – 14 degrees Celsius | 46 – 57 degrees Fahrenheit in Galicia in northern Spain.

Southern Spain

The south of Spain is the first choice of winter holiday for many, offering some of the best winter temperatures in Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. In fact, winter is a perfect time to visit Andalucia, as it’s often unpleasantly hot and humid during the summer months.

Costa Tropical

The Costa Tropical, sometimes called the Costa Granadina, begins just east of Nerja and runs along Granada’s Mediterranean coast towards the Costa de Almería, with the Sierra Nevada rising behind it. It’s quieter and less developed than the neighbouring Costa del Sol, but still has enough going on through winter to make it a good base for a longer stay.

Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril, Castell de Ferro and La Rábita offer a mix of beaches, rocky coves, walking, cycling and watersports. The mountains provide some shelter from colder northerly weather, helping to give this stretch of coast its mild winter climate, although you’ll probably want a wetsuit if you’re planning to spend much time in the sea.

We particularly like the contrast between the coast and the mountains here. You can spend the morning beside the Mediterranean, explore Granada and the white villages inland, or head into the Sierra Nevada, where there may be deep snow while the coast below is enjoying sunshine.

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Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular places to spend winter in Spain, particularly with motorhomers and long-stay visitors from northern Europe. Stretching along the Málaga coast, it offers mild winter temperatures, plenty of sunshine and resorts that remain lively throughout the year.

Málaga is one of our favourite Spanish cities and makes a great winter base, with excellent food, museums, a lively old town and a long seafront. Further along the coast, Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola and Benalmádena all stay busy through winter, although each has a very different feel.

We’ve spent a lot of time on the Costa del Sol in winter and it’s one of the easiest parts of Spain for motorhome travel at this time of year. You’ll find plenty of campsites and motorhome areas, although the most popular places can get very busy as people head south in search of winter sun.

The coast is also a good base for exploring inland Andalucía. The white villages, Caminito del Rey and cities such as Ronda, Granada and Córdoba are all within reach, while the Sierra Nevada offers skiing and snow sports if you fancy swapping the beach for the mountains.

Costa de la Luz

Running along Spain’s Atlantic coast from Tarifa towards the Portuguese border, the Costa de la Luz feels very different from the Mediterranean costas. There are huge sandy beaches, pine forests, dunes and traditional white towns, with far less development along much of the coastline.

We’ve spent a lot of time exploring this part of Spain and particularly like the stretch between Tarifa and Cádiz. Vejer de la Frontera is one of Andalucía’s loveliest white towns, while Zahara de los Atunes, Barbate, El Palmar and Conil de la Frontera are good bases for exploring the coast.

Winter days can be beautifully sunny and mild, but this is the Atlantic and the weather is less predictable than on the Mediterranean coast. Tarifa is famously windy, storms do roll in and evenings can feel chilly, so we wouldn’t choose the Costa de la Luz purely for guaranteed winter warmth.

What you do get is space. The beaches are spectacular, walking and cycling are excellent and winter is a great time to explore Cádiz, Jerez de la Frontera and the pueblos blancos without the heat and crowds of summer. For motorhomes, there are plenty of places to stay along the coast, although local parking restrictions vary and should always be checked.

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Cities of Andalucía

Winter is one of our favourite times to explore Andalucía’s great cities. Seville, Córdoba and Granada can be uncomfortably hot in summer, but from November to March they’re much easier to explore on foot, with fewer visitors and a more relaxed feel.

We’ve sat outside in T-shirts in Seville and Córdoba in January, but don’t assume that means it’s always warm. Once the sun goes down, temperatures can drop quickly, and Granada in particular can be very cold in winter because of its altitude and proximity to the Sierra Nevada.

Seville is our pick for a longer city break, with the Real Alcázar, cathedral, Plaza de España and neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. Córdoba is smaller and easy to explore in a couple of days, with the magnificent Mezquita at its heart, while Granada combines the Alhambra and historic Albaicín with views towards the snow-covered Sierra Nevada.

Winter also brings some of Andalucía’s biggest celebrations. Christmas and Three Kings are taken seriously, while February often marks the start of carnival season. It’s a great time to experience these cities as places where people actually live, rather than simply as stops on a summer sightseeing itinerary.

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Eastern Spain

Costa Brava

Spain’s Mediterranean coast is one of the most popular parts of the country for winter sun, particularly around Murcia and Alicante, where mild temperatures, relatively low rainfall and plenty of sunny days attract long-stay visitors from across northern Europe.

We’ve spent a lot of time travelling this coast in winter, and it’s an easy part of Spain for longer stays. Campsites and motorhome areas remain open, coastal towns continue to function outside the summer season, and there are excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring inland.

The further north you travel, the more variable the winter weather becomes. The Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida generally offer the best chance of mild, sunny conditions, while the Costa Brava can be considerably cooler and isn’t somewhere we’d choose if winter warmth was the main priority.

The upside is variety. Along this side of Spain you can choose between lively resorts, historic cities, quieter stretches of coastline, mountains and natural parks, making it easy to find somewhere that suits the kind of winter you want.

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Costa Dorada

The Costa Dorada stretches south from Barcelona through Tarragona province towards the Ebro Delta. Winters here are generally mild compared with northern Europe, but noticeably cooler than the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida further south, so we wouldn’t choose it if finding the warmest possible winter weather was the priority.

What makes this coast appealing in winter is how much there is to explore away from the beach. Tarragona is one of Spain’s most interesting smaller cities, with an impressive collection of Roman remains overlooking the Mediterranean, while the Ebro Delta offers flat cycling routes, walking, birdwatching and huge open landscapes.

The coast itself is much quieter outside the summer season. Resorts such as Salou and Cambrils lose much of their summer bustle, while smaller coastal towns and fishing ports have a more local feel. Some seasonal businesses close, but the larger towns remain active year-round.

For us, the Costa Dorada works best as a winter touring destination rather than somewhere we’d head specifically for winter sun. Its combination of coast, historic towns, natural landscapes and easy access to Catalonia’s interior makes it well worth including on a longer winter trip through eastern Spain.

Costa de Azahar

The Costa del Azahar runs through Castellón province between the Costa Dorada and Costa Blanca. It’s a quieter stretch of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, with long beaches, citrus groves, historic towns and considerably less development than many of the better-known costas.

Peñíscola is the standout destination, with its old town and castle occupying a rocky headland above the Mediterranean. Further south, you’ll find seaside towns such as Benicàssim and Oropesa del Mar, while Castellón de la Plana provides the shops, restaurants and services you might want for a longer stay.

We particularly like the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, just south of Peñíscola, where walking and cycling trails follow one of the few largely undeveloped stretches of this coastline. Winter is an ideal time to explore, when temperatures are much more comfortable for being outdoors.

The Costa del Azahar doesn’t offer the same reliable winter warmth as the Costa Blanca further south, and nights can be chilly. But if you’re looking for a quieter Mediterranean coast with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring, it’s a good stop on a winter journey through eastern Spain.

Costa de Valencia

The Costa de Valencia combines long Mediterranean beaches with one of our favourite Spanish cities, making it a good choice if you want more from a winter stay than simply sunshine and the coast.

Valencia is lively throughout the year, with the historic centre, Central Market, Turia Gardens and striking City of Arts and Sciences providing plenty to do on cooler or cloudy days. The city’s flat terrain and extensive cycle network also make it particularly easy to explore by bike.

Just south of the city, Albufera Natural Park feels a world away from urban Valencia. The freshwater lagoon, rice fields and wetlands are an important habitat for birdlife, and winter is a lovely time for walking, cycling and taking a boat trip without the heat of summer.

Along the coast, towns such as Cullera and Gandía have huge sandy beaches and are much quieter outside the main holiday season. Winter weather is generally mild, although it’s less reliably warm than the Costa Blanca further south and evenings can be chilly.

For us, the combination of a proper year-round city, easy access to nature and miles of coastline is what makes this part of Spain work particularly well in winter.

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Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is one of our favourite places to spend winter in Spain. Stretching through Alicante province from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, it combines a mild, sunny climate with beaches, mountains, lively towns and excellent facilities for longer stays.

It’s particularly popular with motorhomers and northern Europeans escaping winter at home, so you won’t have the coast to yourself. The upside is that campsites, motorhome areas, restaurants and shops remain open, and many coastal towns feel lively throughout the winter.

There is plenty of variety too. Alicante is a great year-round city, while Dénia, Jávea, Calpe and Altea combine attractive old towns and waterfronts with easy access to the mountains. Benidorm is in a category of its own, but even if the resort isn’t your thing, the surrounding coastline and mountains are well worth exploring.

Winter is one of the best times for walking and cycling here. The Serra Gelada, Montgó Natural Park and the mountains inland from the coast offer fantastic routes without the intense heat of summer, while on sunny days it’s often warm enough to sit outside for lunch.

We’ve returned to the Costa Blanca many times because it’s simply an easy place to spend winter. The weather is generally good, there’s lots to do and everything you need for a longer stay is readily available. If we had to choose one mainland Spanish coast for an extended winter trip, this would be high on our list.

Costa Cálida

The Costa Cálida runs along the Mediterranean coast of the Murcia region, between the Costa Blanca and Andalucía. Its name means ‘warm coast’, and its dry climate and relatively mild winters make it a popular choice for motorhomers and long-stay visitors.

The Mar Menor dominates the northern part of the coast. This huge saltwater lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean by La Manga, a narrow strip of land lined with beaches and resorts. Further south, the coastline becomes more rugged around Mazarrón and Águilas, with rocky bays, small beaches and mountains rising behind the sea.

Cartagena is one of the highlights of this part of Spain and well worth visiting in winter. Its Roman theatre, historic centre and harbour make it much more than a beach destination, while Murcia city is an easy trip inland.

We’ve spent plenty of time travelling this coast in winter and it’s particularly easy with a motorhome. There are campsites and motorhome areas throughout the region, and the generally dry weather makes it a good base for walking, cycling and exploring.

The Costa Cálida doesn’t have quite the same concentration of busy resorts and expat communities as the neighbouring Costa Blanca, which can make it a good choice if you want winter sun with a little more space.

Costa de Almería

The Costa de Almería stretches along Andalucía’s southeastern corner, where some of Spain’s driest landscapes meet the Mediterranean. With mild winters, plenty of sunshine and relatively little rainfall, it’s one of our favourite areas of mainland Spain for winter travel.

The highlight is Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a wild landscape of volcanic hills, cliffs, salt flats and small coastal villages. San José, Las Negras, Agua Amarga and La Isleta del Moro are all good bases for exploring, although they’re much quieter in winter and some restaurants and businesses close for the season.

Further west, Mojácar’s whitewashed old town sits high above the coast, while Almería itself is often overlooked. The city has an impressive Moorish Alcazaba, a lively historic centre and a seafront that stays active throughout the year.

We’ve spent a lot of time exploring this corner of Spain, and winter is when we like it best. The cooler temperatures are ideal for walking and cycling in Cabo de Gata, the roads and beaches are quieter, and there are plenty of campsites and motorhome stops along the coast.

This is a dry, exposed landscape rather than a lush Mediterranean resort coast, and that’s a big part of its appeal. If sunshine, outdoor activities and quieter surroundings matter more to you than busy resorts and nightlife, the Costa de Almería is one of the best mainland choices for winter.

The Balearic Islands

Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are transformed in winter. Once the summer crowds have gone, the islands become much quieter, beaches empty out and temperatures are far better suited to walking, cycling and exploring.

Mallorca is the easiest choice for a winter stay. Palma remains lively throughout the year, while the Serra de Tramuntana offers some of the best hiking and cycling in Spain. Towns such as Sóller, Pollença and Alcúdia are much easier to explore without the summer traffic and crowds.

Menorca is quieter still, with coastal walks, small towns and beautiful empty beaches, while Ibiza has a completely different character once the clubs and summer resorts wind down. Away from the main tourist areas, you’ll find villages, walking trails and a much slower pace of life.

Winter weather can be mild and sunny, but these are Mediterranean islands and spells of rain, wind and cooler weather are normal. Many seasonal hotels, restaurants and attractions also close, particularly outside Palma and the larger towns, so it’s worth checking what’s open before choosing where to stay.

We’d choose the Balearics in winter for exploring and outdoor activities rather than guaranteed warmth. If you want empty beaches, quieter roads and the chance to experience a very different side of the islands, winter is a great time to visit.

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The Canary Islands

If warm weather is your main reason for spending winter in Spain, the Canary Islands are the obvious choice. Sitting off the northwest coast of Africa, they have a subtropical climate and winter temperatures that are generally warmer than mainland Spain or the Balearics.

Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer the widest choice of resorts, towns and things to do, with the south of both islands generally warmer and sunnier than the north. Away from the resorts, both have spectacular volcanic landscapes, mountain villages and excellent hiking.

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are drier and more arid, with dramatic volcanic scenery and huge beaches. Fuerteventura is particularly exposed to the wind, while Lanzarote combines its extraordinary landscapes with the architecture and influence of César Manrique.

La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are much quieter and greener, and are better suited to hiking and exploring than a traditional winter beach holiday. They’re also considerably less developed than the four larger tourist islands.

We’ve travelled in the Canaries in winter and the biggest advantage is the climate, but don’t assume every island or every part of an island will be hot and sunny every day. Altitude and exposure make a huge difference, and you can leave a warm beach on Tenerife’s south coast and find much cooler conditions in the mountains.

For the best chance of winter warmth, we’d look at southern Tenerife, southern Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura. If hiking, scenery and a quieter island matter more than beach weather, the western islands are hard to beat.

Northern Spain

The Costa Vasca, Costa Verde, and Costa de Galicia run along the coast of so-called Green Spain, from the Spain-France border to the Spain-Portugal border. These three Costas encompass the autonomous communities of Pais Vasco (the Basque Country), Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia.

Northern Spain offers a completely different winter experience from the Mediterranean coast and Andalucía. This isn’t the part of the country to choose if your priority is winter sun, but it can be a fantastic time to explore if you’re happy with cooler, wetter and more changeable weather.

The Atlantic regions of Spain are green for a reason, and winter brings plenty of rain alongside clear, crisp days. On the coast, temperatures are generally moderated by the Atlantic, while inland and at higher elevations snow and freezing conditions are common.

Cities such as Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastián remain lively throughout the year, with excellent food, historic centres and far fewer visitors than during the main tourist season.

The landscapes are a huge part of the appeal. The wild Galician coast, Picos de Europa and mountains of Asturias and Cantabria can be spectacular in winter, although conditions can change quickly and some mountain roads and hiking routes may be affected by snow.

We’ve travelled extensively through northern Spain and love this part of the country, but for us it’s somewhere to explore in winter rather than somewhere we’d choose to overwinter. If you’re touring Spain rather than simply looking for warmth, it’s well worth including.

Madrid

Madrid is a brilliant city to visit in winter, but don’t come expecting the mild temperatures of Spain’s Mediterranean coast. At around 650 metres above sea level, the Spanish capital can be properly cold from December to February, with frosty mornings and occasional snow.

What you often get in return are crisp, clear days and bright blue skies, which make winter a great time for exploring the city on foot. The Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums provide plenty to do when the weather isn’t cooperating, while Retiro Park, the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Madrid’s neighbourhoods are much easier to explore without the heat of summer.

Madrid also does winter particularly well. Christmas lights and markets fill the centre in December, Three Kings is a major celebration in January, and the city’s tapas bars, mercados and traditional restaurants come into their own when it’s cold outside.

It’s also a useful base for exploring central Spain. Toledo, Segovia and Ávila are all within easy reach, although temperatures can be even colder outside the capital and snow is possible.

We wouldn’t choose Madrid for a long winter stay if sunshine and warmth were the priority, but for a winter city break it’s one of our favourite places in Spain.

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Other Winter Travel Ideas

Other Warm Places in Europe for Winter

If visiting Spain in winter isn’t grabbing you, these are a few other ideas of where to spend winter in Europe, or very nearby!

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve region spreads across from the Atlantic coast to the border with Spain at Vila Real de Santo Antonio and extends 48km north at its deepest point. While it may not offer swimming weather in winter, it will be pleasant to be outside in the balmy climate thanks to the Algarve’s westerly position on the continent.

We loved the wild west coast of the Algarve, rich with coastal fishing villages, vast beaches, and great hiking, including the Rota Vicentina, or Fisherman’s Trail, from Porto Covo to Lagos.

North of the Algarve is Alentejo, a famous wine region stretching across the west coast and home to some of our favorite spots in Portugal, including Zambujeira do Mar and Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Down on the south coast, you’ll experience gentler seas, lively resorts, beautiful beaches, fantastic beach caves, and world-class golf courses. Stand-out spots in the region are the resort town of Lagos, with its atmospheric narrow streets, Loule for its entertaining Saturday morning market, and the wonderful old town of Faro.

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Sicily, Italy

Sicily is one of Italy’s best winter destinations. Right at the tip of Italy’s boot, this gorgeous island enjoys pretty good weather year round although the average temperature map belies the sometimes inconsistent winter weather.

It’s a small island, close to lots of bigger mainlands (think Italy itself and Africa) and this does have an effect. If the winds are coming from the south with the warm African air, you will enjoy temperatures in the low 20s, or mid 60s. Otherwise, you may well encounter rain and storms along the coasts and cold temperatures inland.

However, to compensate for this unpredictability, Sicily offers masses of culture, the gorgeous capital of Palermo, stunning landscapes, natural wonders, and great activities. You can hike and kitesurf here all year round, with the Stagnone Lagoon at Marsala being one of the best kite-surfing spots in the world. 

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Peloponnese, Greece

The Peloponnese is a beautiful and peaceful winter destination and the furthest south you can get in Greece without venturing to its islands. Greece does suffer from unpredictable weather and needs the warm African winds to keep the climate mild.

We know of people who have sun-bathed every day through January and February (bliss!) and others who have suffered bad weather for weeks on end, and some years it even snows in Athens!

But, there is much to do and see and plenty of resorts where you can grab a cheap AirBnB or hotel for a month, hire a car, and go exploring. Our first pick would be the Mani, the middle peninsula of the Peloponnese, home to many of Greece’s most beautiful spots, including the picture-perfect small town of Kardamyli and the colorful harbor of pretty Gythio.

The Mani is a wild and rugged region and the landscapes are dramatic. The traditional villages, historic tower houses, vast olive groves, and rocky coves to snow-capped mountains will give you good reason to spend weeks exploring this part of Greece.

If you prefer to be a bit more central, Nafplio is our second choice. Known as the most romantic town in Greece, the tangle of small streets and squares is lively in winter and it’s within easy driving distance of Athens and many of the top archaeological sites of Greece.

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Southern Morocco, North Africa

Ok, so it’s not Europe but it’s pretty close! Morocco offers a warmer climate than Spain and is becoming more popular with snowbirds every year.

You won’t get the high temperatures until you’re south of the Atlas Mountains, but, for us, this is the most interesting bit of Morocco anyway. However, if you’re driving to Morocco from Spain, the cities of Fes, Meknes, and Chefchaouen are well worth visiting on the way south.

Marrakech is a natural starting point before you head west to the coast at hip Essouira and the surfer’s spot at Sidi Kauki. From here, it’s a fabulous trip south through the lush Souss Valley to authentic Tisnit, known for its leather work and Moroccan slippers.

Further south still are the old caravan routes through Southern Morocco’s mountainous regions to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouzazarte, before you hit the Sahara Desert and the rose dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga.

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Mediterranean Coast, Turkey

Turkey is another destination that’s not Europe, but pretty close. Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast offers blue skies, perfect weather, and lots of fantastic holiday spots, with overwintering for a few months quite common.

Places like Antalya, Fethiye, Oludeniz, and Kas offer warm temperatures plus value for money long-stay accommodation for those who want to relax into the vibe and spend the winter in these southern areas.

In this region of Turkey, life feels similar to that in Europe, even though technically you’re in Asia. Head away from the holiday spots for more authenticity, delicious local cuisine, and dramatic landscapes.

From the coast, you can easily visit the popular attractions of Cappadocia and Pamukkale either by hiring a car and driving yourself or taking one of the trips that depart from the coast’s towns and cities regularly. The great thing about seeing these places in the cold season is that there are fewer people to spoil those Insta-worthy images!

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Spain Winter FAQs

What is the warmest place in Spain in the winter?

One of the most popular places to overwinter in Spain, the Canary Islands take the top spot for the warmest place in Spain in the winter, averaging temperatures in the high teens to low twenties. The highest January temperature ever recorded in the Canary Islands was 27.9 °C | 82.2 °F in Lanzarote.

Can I stay in Spain for the winter?

Spanish law says that foreign nationals from any other country may stay in Spain for a maximum of 90 days. After this, a visa will be required unless you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. You can find out more about entry requirements, length of stay, and visas by visiting Spain’s official tourism website.

Does Spain have harsh winters?

Some areas of Spain can have harsh winters. Spanish winter temperatures in the interior can drop as low as -15 °C | 5 °F in the coldest month of January, especially at higher altitudes like the Meseta Central, Spain’s great high plateau.

Other areas where low temperatures occur in the cooler months of winter are the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, home to the 3,479m Mulhacen, the highest peak in mainland Spain, and winter sports at Spain’s premier ski resorts.

Is it worth going to Spain at Christmas?

Absolutely. Christmas in Spain is lively and colorful, and you’ll see lots of familiar rituals and decorations just like at home. Spain celebrates Christmas Day on 25th December, but the 6th January is also an important day when the Feast of the Epiphany or the Three Kings’ Day takes place. If you’re planning on visiting Spain at Christmas, remember that it’s considered a high season, with prices to match!

More Spain Travel Ideas to Explore

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