Snow in Madrid
Have you got the New Year blues yet? Of course you have! It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s grey, everybody’s poor and is complaining about their weight and their bank balances, and summer seems like a lifetime away.
Apologies, we aren’t trying to put you in an even worse mood, we’re instead trying to set the mood so we can lift your spirits.
If you’re feeling fed up, what you need is something to look forward to. Something like, oh we don’t know, a winter holiday perhaps? But where? Austria, Lapland, Switzerland?
Nope. Spain!
Spain during the winter is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world, and it is somewhere that you should seriously consider visiting in the winter months.
To begin with, it’s quieter and cheaper, so you’re already onto a winner. Then of course, there’s the fact that it is home to some of the most beautiful and exciting places to visit during the colder months. Here are the 7 Best Spanish Places To See During Winter Time.
Madrid
The first place on our list today is the capital of the wonderful country that is Spain. Yes, we’re talking about Madrid.
Madrid is a city steeped in rich Spanish history and culture and is the perfect destination for you to visit during the winter months.
The city itself is stunning, offering a combination of old and new in terms of style, design, and aesthetics. The city proudly showcases the classical gothic style of architecture that has become synonymous with Spain, though there is also plenty of new-style buildings for those that like something a little more modern.
If you want to plan ahead for next Christmas, Madrid in December is very special.
The Christmas markets are fantastic, and the New Year’s Eve celebrations are typical of how the Spanish like to party. The weather in the winter months is generally pleasant, as warm sunshine in the mid-teens is the norm. Whilst there, be sure to arrange for a tour of the Bernabeu stadium, home of Real Madrid FC.
Tarragona
Our second winter Spanish offering is the gorgeous city of Tarragona. Tarragona is located in the Northern Catalonia region and is an ancient city that is home to some amazing sights. If you’re a history buff, Tarragona is a must-visit winter destination.
It was once an Ancient Roman colony, and as a result, there are plenty of ruins there. Perhaps the most spectacular is the Theatre of Tarraco. This destination is fantastic at any time of the year, but in winter it’s ideal because you means you avoid the hordes of tourists.
The architecture dates back over 2000 years, and showcases quaint back alleys, narrow streets, and stunning vistas. The winter weather in Tarragona is very warm indeed, with mid to high-teen temps, warm sunshine, and clear blue skies not uncommon.
Costa del Sol
If the thought of relaxing on a beach in the summer is becoming more and more popular with you, how about booking a winter break to the Costa del Sol so that you can enjoy it nice and early?
This mountainous region of Spain nestled on the coast sees averages temperatures of 17 degrees Celsius in the winter months, which, let’s face it, is hotter than average temperatures we get during the summer.
The perks of visiting in the winter means that you can relax on the beach in the sun, without having to fight your way through crowds of holidaymakers so you can grab a sun lounger.
Granada
Some people booking a winter holiday however, are not looking for hot sunshine and blue skies. Instead, they’re looking for snow. Whereas we see snow most winters here, it generally isn’t hugely common, and instead, we’re more likely to see grey, wet, and drizzly weather. Yuck! If you love the snow, and love skiing, Spain is actually a great country to visit.
If you visit in the winter months and head to the snow-capped Sierra-Nevada mountains, you can get your ski on in a place which offers one of the longest skiing seasons in all of Europe.
The best time to visit is obviously during December, as skiing in Granada, with the snow and the scenery in general, is just lovely.
As well as that, there’s also the Plaza-Bib-Rambla Christmas markets, which also help to give it a magical feel. Don’t worry, though, there’s still plenty of snow in January and Feb.
Lanzarote
From the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra-Nevada, to the sun-kissed shores of Lanzarote, those who love a beach holiday will be in their element here during the winter.
Lanzarote, is ideal for when your vitamin D levels are low, and you need some sun, sea, and Sangria in your lives.
Here, temps can reach the low twenties easily, making for the perfect winter holiday in the sun.
The lively resort of Playa Dorada is one of the island’s most popular resorts. If you want something even more secluded and romantic, the village of Teguise is perfect. This quaint little village is home to cobbled streets and white-washed houses and has a very magical feel about it.
Bilbao
Bilbao is a city for those of you who enjoy art and culture, and food. Situated in the Basque Country, this part of Spain is filled with lush greenery and beautiful Spanish architecture.
Those that appreciate fine art will be in their element here, as this bustling cosmopolitan city is home to Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum, which in itself is a stunning structure which can be viewed from most parts of the city.
If you want to experience tapas, and by tapas, we mean authentic tapas, not the poor excuses you see in shopping centres over here, be sure to head to the Old Town and you won’t be disappointed.
Barcelona
Finally, our final offering for you today, is the Catalonian city of Barcelona.
This city boasts amazing Spanish architecture, culture up to the eyeballs, and one of the greatest football teams in the history of the beautiful game, though don’t let the guys over at the Bernabeu hear you say that. Barcelona is packed full of stunning restaurants, shops, museums, and art galleries and is ideal in the winter, as it allows you to escape the crowds in the summer.
Having have lived for six months in Barcelona, I can say there is a caveat to escaping the summer crowds: at times, the moody coastal weather of Barcelona can remind you of home.
As you can see, Spain in winter is just as pleasant as it is in the summer. In fact, some would argue that it is even more appealing during the cooler and quieter months than it is in the summer. The only way to know for sure, though, is to book your winter getaway and see for yourself. Until then don’t stop wandering!
