Getaways to discover Spain in winter

December, January and February are a good time to travel, as there are usually many offers and travel ideas for the winter. Especially during the first two months of the year, when Christmas is behind us and the cold tempts us to stay in the warmth of home taking a hot dish. That’s why the following winter getaway options are so varied, so you’ll have no excuse! Which of these Spanish destinations would you choose for your next trip?

Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña

Santiago de Compostela winter

Santiago de Compostela, Monastery of San Martín Pinario. | Shutterstock

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city of Santiago de Compostela deserves a place in these winter travel ideas. Whether you travel there by car or take advantage of the flight offers that usually appear during the colder months, the Galician capital is a ten destination. The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Way of St. James, is an architectural spectacle. The rest of the city does not disappoint either: the monasteries of San Martín Pinario and San Francisco, the Alameda Park, or the Plaza de Platerías.

In addition, there is nothing better to regain strength after sightseeing than in the many bars and restaurants of the city. Undoubtedly, the gastronomy of Galicia is full of nuances and filling the stomach with its excellent seafood and a good Santiago cake is always a pleasure.

Potes, Cantabria

Potes in winter

Potes. | Shutterstock

Our winter proposals can also be gastronomic. For example, a gastronomic route through Cantabria is to ensure a good result. Thus, one of the towns that should not be missed is Potes, framed in the region of Liébana, known for the quality of its cheeses. The quesucos de Liébana and the cocido lebaniego are two essential dishes for lovers of good products.

A walk through the beautiful streets and bridges of Potes is always wonderful, whose backdrop is the Picos de Europa National Park. What to see in the place will require a day, so you could then visit other towns to complete the trip as San Vicente de la Barquera or Comillas.

Palma de Mallorca, because the Balearic Islands are always a great option for winter

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca. | Shutterstock

Palma de Mallorca is another destination that you will find cheaper during the winter months. Although it is true that at this time of year it is too cold to swim, Palma de Mallorca has much to offer beyond its beaches. The Cathedral and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina are two essential visits.

Likewise, it is an ideal destination for hiking lovers, as they will find numerous routes in the natural park of Serra Tramuntana. So, if you travel to Majorca, do not miss the opportunity to rent a car and get to know every corner of the island.

Canary Islands, because any island is a good option

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife. | Shutterstock

The Canary Islands are one of the winter trips par excellence. Although tickets to the Canary Islands sometimes go up a lot in price, during the winter cheaper flights can always be found. Some people might think that spending the money to go in winter is not taking advantage of the experience one hundred percent, but it is not quite like that.

The best thing about choosing the Canary Islands to travel in winter is that the temperatures are amazing all year round. While in the peninsula nobody dares to go out without a scarf, there the jacket is optional, with minimum temperatures of 15º, and that is cold there.

Another point in favor is the tourist overcrowding, very present during the summer months and more relaxed during the last and first months of the year. You may find cheaper flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote, islands with more frequent flights. As a plus, in February they have their famous carnivals.

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in winter is just magical

Gaztelugatxe winter

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. | Shutterstock

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life. Its unusual hermitage in the sea is a visual spectacle. To visit the hermitage and islet you can take a hotel in Bermeo, Vizcaya, and thus plan the day without hurrying.

The hermitage is located on an islet that is connected to the land by a stone bridge made up of a whopping 231 steps. It is worth the effort, as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe has several viewpoints that promise (and deliver) unbeatable views. Meanwhile, in Bermeo you can take the opportunity to stroll around the fishing port and enjoy its gastronomy in various taverns.

Torremolinos, Málaga

Torremolinos winter

Torremolinos, Casa de los Navajas. | Shutterstock

Fleeing from the cold, as we have seen before in some of the other ideas for traveling this winter, is very common at this time of year. One such example is Torremolinos, a very popular town on the Costa del Sol, Málaga. Although perhaps the thought of a swim in its beaches will leave us frozen, the sea breeze and walks along the coast are always a good option. There are many leisure options that can offer this town in Málaga, with a wide variety of hotels in which to get away and restaurants where you can live the gastronomy of Málaga.


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