Where to go in Spain for winter sun and warmth

In most countries, the weather in winter is cloudy, damp, and cold, which brings on melancholy and a desire to warm up. But Spain during the winter can be quite pleasant because a warm climate distinguishes its southern regions. In addition, travelers here can enjoy a wide range of excursions, excellent cuisine, wonderful restaurants, shopping, high-class golf courses, and endlessly beautiful landscapes.

The winter sun of Spain will give you a magical opportunity to leave warm clothes at home but do not forget to take sunscreen.

The Spain Voyages team has compiled a list of the warmest places in the kingdom for you, where from November to February the air temperature reaches more than +20 ℃. Such pleasant weather is ideal for a sunny winter vacation and even a honeymoon.

Why is it worth going to Spain in winter

Are you still in doubt? We will try to convince you that visiting the southern regions of Spain in winter has its advantages:

1. You will be able to enjoy pleasant weather because even in November, December, and January there is a comfortable air temperature and mostly sunny days.
2. There is no need to hide from the unbearable heat, which is typical for the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula in the summer. You will have more time for walks and active recreation.
3. Winter in Spain is the low season, with all the following advantages: fewer tourists, cheaper hotels, and better tourist services.
4. Famous sights, such as the Alhambra in Granada and the Alcazar Palace in Seville, are less crowded. Therefore, visiting them is much more pleasant, because you do not need to stand in lines.
5. The opportunity to participate in cheerful and colorful winter celebrations — Christmas in December, the Three Kings Parade in January, and Carnival in February.

Where to find sun and warmth in winter in Spain

To put it bluntly, the warmest place is Andalusia. It’s worth stopping here if you want to spend the winter in Spain or a sunny holiday. The Mediterranean coast is especially nice — stroll along the promenade, sit in a restaurant, admire the sunset, and sip famous Spanish wines. That’s why we prefer seaside resorts in our list, but you’ll also find excursion locations there.

Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol is the warmest part of Spain in winter and a great place on the Mediterranean coast to enjoy the winter sun. A gentle breeze, tempting beaches, and exciting excursions — all this is what the Sunny Coast offers tourists. It stretches for 180 kilometers along the coastline in the autonomous community of Andalusia. This region is known for its clear days and warm weather in winter. The air temperature here is very comfortable — from +15 ℃ to +22 ℃, and rain is very rare. Ideal for relaxing and traveling!

 

The largest city on the Costa del Sol is Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso. There is an airport here, so it is easy to get here. And numerous attractions will not let you get bored. Also very attractive are the resorts of Marbella, Nerja, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Estepona, and Torremolinos. They are popular among tourists looking for sunny places in the winter months. Beach clubs, chic restaurants, and fashionable shops do not stop working here even in the low season.

In the Costa del Sol region, not only is the weather pleasant, but there are also many options for interesting pastimes. For example, you can see the fortress of Malaga and the Malaga Cathedral, visit the caves of Nerja and the famous Ronda, go the Picasso route, take the cable car to the top of the Calamorro mountains to enjoy the breathtaking views and much more.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of mainland Spain. Due to their proximity to the equator, they have a mild climate all year round, making them an ideal holiday destination for winter sun hunters. The average air temperature here is from +18 ℃ to +24 ℃. And the only thing that can spoil such wonderful weather is rain, which most often falls in the northern parts of the archipelago.

 

The Canary Islands are the perfect option for a winter sun holidays in Spain. They have 1,500 kilometers of coastline and more than 500 beaches, both with white sand and volcanic origin. The most popular activities here are water sports, including windsurfing, diving, sailing, surfing and more. There is also a large selection of excursions. For example, you can go to the Teide volcano and visit the Instagrammable Cave of the Wind. And from November to February, whales and dolphins can be easily spotted in the coastal waters.

The Canary Islands in the cities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria host some of the largest carnivals in the world with parades, dances, costume parties, and other events. Their celebration begins in February and lasts for several weeks.

One of the best beaches in the archipelago is Playa de Las Canteras. It is located in the capital of Gran Canaria. This is not only a great place for a beach holiday, but also a party place where various events are held.

Also, when going on a winter vacation to the Canary Islands, pay attention to Playa de Papagayo in Lanzarote, which is considered the most beautiful, the luxurious Playa de las Teresitas in Tenerife and the incredible dunes of Maspalomas in Gran Canaria.

Read also: The best beaches in Spain for a perfect holiday

Costa Blanca

Another popular winter holiday destination is sunny Costa Blanca. It is also one of the warmest area in Spain in winter with an average air temperature of +19 °C. The region is located in the autonomous community of Valencia. The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche (ALC).

Costa Blanca is famous for its emerald waters and beaches decorated with palm trees and orange and almond trees. You will not be able to take your eyes off the picturesque cliffs hanging over the Mediterranean Sea, cozy bays, and picturesque lagoons.

The main points of attraction of Costa Blanca are lively Alicante and Benidorm. Here, travelers will find plenty of sun even in winter, and a variety of entertainment awaits them, including active nightlife, shopping, and high-class restaurants.

Among the region’s key attractions are excellent golf courses and the Terra-Mitica theme park. Water activities and catamaran and yacht trips are also popular here. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the island of Tabarca, the smallest inhabited island in the Spanish Kingdom.

It makes sense to time your trip to the Costa Blanca to mid-January when the celebrations in honor of St. Anthony (San Antonio Abad) will take place.

Winter holidays are the perfect time for excursions and sightseeing. There are many such locations in Costa Blanca, for example, the mountain village of Guadalest, the refreshing Algar waterfalls, and the Castillo de Santa Barbara fortress.

Costa Calida

If you want to spend the winter in Spain, then Costa Calida, whose name translates as “Hot Coast”, is one of the best options. It is located in Murcia on the Mediterranean coast, far from the cold sea currents. This is a lesser-known but very attractive region with warm sunny winters. The air temperature here reaches +20 °C, and the mountains protect it from cool air masses from the mainland.

Costa Calida will enchant you with the beauty of untouched nature, sandy beaches, and rocky shores, and will also captivate you with a variety of entertainment. In addition, there are many golf courses.

Costa Calida has 320 sunny days a year.

The center of attraction in the region is Mar Menor, the largest coastal lagoon in Spain with salty and warm water. It is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a 22-kilometer sand spit, on which the sunniest resort is located — La Manga del Mar Menor.

The length of the Mar Menor coastline is 70 kilometers. It is occupied by four municipalities: San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier, Los Alcazares, and Cartagena. This is where the largest number of hotels in the region are located.

At the beginning of February, the city of Algamo de Murcia hosts a festival dedicated to Our Lady of Candelaria. It is accompanied by processions and folkloric dances.

If you are looking for sun and water activities in winter in Spain, you will find them here. Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, and water skiing are especially popular.

Also among the best places to visit in winter to catch some gentle sun rays are Aguilas, Cartagena, Lorca and Murcia, which has an airport.

Andalusia

It would be unfair not to mention Andalusia in general as one of the best winter destinations in Spain. After all, it is the southernmost autonomous community with the most sunny days per year and mild and warm winters.

 

In addition to the Costa del Sol, Andalusia also includes the cities of Seville, Granada, and Cordoba, which are better to visit in winter to avoid the scorching summer sun.

In Granada, it is worth seeing the famous Alhambra Palace, the Generalife Gardens, and the medieval Albaicin district.

In Cordoba, it is worth visiting its historic center with the Great Mosque, which is a UNESCO monument. In atmospheric Seville, there is the Cathedral, the Alcazar Palace, and the Indian Archive.

February 28 is Andalusia Day (Día de Andalucía). It is dedicated to Andalusian culture and history and is accompanied by concerts, folklore performances, and other events.

In addition, sunny winter is the best time to visit the Doñana National Park in Andalusia. A guided tour will reveal amazing places for you. You will be able to see flamingos, spoonbills, storks, and many other birds. Be sure to see the dunes near the town of Matalascañas and visit the white town in the style of western — El Rocio.

 

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