Best places to visit in Spain in December

The cold has arrived again. There is nothing left of those summer days and not even think about planning refreshing trips to the sea if you do not want to end up turned into an ice cube. It’s time to wrap up warm and enjoy the snow, have a hot chocolate in the warmth of the fireplace or enjoy the natural wonders of our country. Or maybe there is some place that allows travelers to enjoy some heat and water, because in Spain there are places where summer or, at least, spring are eternal. December is the ideal time to make a last stop before Christmas.

So, where to go? We give you some ideas about trips for a weekend getaway in December.

8 trips for December in Spain

Granada: tourism and skiing

Panoramic view of Sierra Nevada.

Panoramic view of Sierra Nevada. | Shutterstock

Some places are perfect to visit when the heat is on. Others, not so much. In the summer months Andalusia is still beautiful and its streets and squares buzz with life. However, the intense temperatures make the visit a little bit more bitter. That is why Andalusia is usually a great destination in the autumn and winter months. From Fascinating Spain we propose the city of Granada as one of those places to visit during the long weekend of the Constitution and the Immaculate Conception.

In five days it is possible to do many things in the Andalusian city. First of all, it is worth taking a walk through its historic center, where Gothic and Renaissance buildings are mixed with major monuments such as the Cathedral of Granada, the Alcaicería or the Royal Chapel. Of course, you can not miss a visit to the Alhambra and a tapas in the bars of the city, if it can be accompanied by a flamenco show better. In addition, after seeing the city in depth, something that will take several days, you can take advantage of the proximity to the ski resort of Sierra Nevada to turn the last part of this first alternative into a more active getaway. The other way around is also possible.

The other side of Ibiza

Dalt Vila, Ibiza.

Dalt Vila, Ibiza. | Shutterstock

It is always a good time to take a plane to this paradise. Ibiza, by air, is not far away. Perhaps it is a little strange to think of this party island on dates like these, but it can certainly be a unique opportunity to see a different side of the island. In these months the temperatures are mild and the crowds are much smaller.

Thus, at this time Ibiza provides the traveler a remarkable tranquility. A stroll through the old town of Eivissa, a sunset behind the islet of Es Vedrà, a trip to coves and dream beaches or a hiking route through the natural park of Ses Salines… Sounds good, doesn’t it?

A rural getaway to Segovia

The Pedrosa beech forest is one of the southernmost in the world

The Pedrosa beech forest is one of the southernmost in the world. | Shutterstock

Don’t feel like walking around a city or going to the beach? No problem. Segovia is one of the most complete provinces in Spain. It has an undeniable historical heritage, dreamy villages and those endless fields of Castile that stole the heart of Machado and many others. At this time of the year, it is possible that traces of autumn can still be seen in the colors of the Pedrosa beech forest, in the oak grove adjoining the town of Riaza or in the Natural Park of the Duratón River Sickles. Segovia is thus consolidated as a perfect destination for a getaway in December, one in which you can take advantage to combine several of the above destinations.

Ezcaray, a colorful visit

Ezcaray.

Ezcaray. | Shutterstock

Again the trip is about a rural environment, so it is perfect for December and this time of the year. Further north, to the community of La Rioja. There, in the heart of the Sierra de la Demanda, Ezcaray is located. The enclave welcomes the tourist in full color: the ocher and reddish tones of its architecture together with the green landscape that extends around it merge into an idyllic picture. A visit to the place can be a perfect opportunity to disconnect from the city and the routine. But, in addition, in the area you can enjoy a multitude of beautiful villages nestled in the mountains and, for the more adventurous, there is the ski resort of Valdezcaray.

The eternal summer of El Hierro

Red sand on Tacorón cove.

Red sand on Tacorón cove. | Shutterstock

While in almost all the peninsula the thermometers mark increasingly lower temperatures, not in the Canary Islands. Neither on the island of El Hierro, where in fact the warmest waters of the peninsula are found. A minimum of three days is recommended to visit this island, so what better time than a trip to this enclave at this time of year? In El Hierro it is possible to put peninsular autumn on pause at least for a few days.

On this island, tourism goes hand in hand with nature. Its volcanic lands and lush forests allow hiking, to the observation of landscapes, flora and fauna. Active tourism is also a must on the island, with scuba diving being the essential activity. This is the most summery destination among those on this list of travel ideas for December.

A route through the black villages of Guadalajara

Tejera Negra beech forest.

Tejera Negra beech forest. | Shutterstock

In the province of Guadalajara is already well known the route of the black villages. The color of the slate that makes up the buildings is what gives the name to these towns, whose dark tones contrast with the colors of the surroundings. Thus, towns like Campillo de Ranas, Majaelrayo or Valverde de los Arroyos, among others, merge with an overwhelming natural environment. At the forefront, the Tejera Negra beech forest, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The landscape is dominated by mountains such as the Lobo peak or the Ocejón and kilometers and kilometers of slopes and valleys. A treasure on the border between Guadalajara, Segovia and Madrid.

An intense cultural visit to Seville

Santa María Cathedral.

Santa María Cathedral. | Shutterstock

As already mentioned, southern Spain is one of those places where you can enjoy tourism better at the end of the year than in summer. And Sevilla lends itself as a perfect destination for it. From Roman times to the present day, this city has developed a unique heritage and culture. Thus, in its streets Arab, Roman, Christian and Jewish vestiges are combined. All this means that it takes several days to see it. In fact, its historic center alone will require quite some time, as it is one of the largest in Europe. Seville is always one of the best options for a getaway, but in December and winter, it turns even more magical.

Getting lost in the nature of León

Views of the village of Riaño next to the reservoir.

Views of the village of Riaño next to the reservoir. | Shutterstock

Returning to Castile and León, this time we move to the north of the community. In León the landscapes are very different from those in Segovia. Here the border with northern Spain is noticeable in the green landscapes and high mountains, such as the Picos de Europa. This is a province to take advantage of to connect with nature and take a break from the city, as there are not usually large concentrations of people. For this we suggest a stay in destinations such as Riaño, Peñalba de Santiago or Astorga. Also hiking routes such as the Cares or environments such as Las Médulas. Trips for December that will undoubtedly make these days something to remember.


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