Find out if it is worth going to Spain for winter holidays 2020-2021. What is the weather and temperature in the resorts in December, January and February? Where is it better to go on vacation and what to see during your vacation? Survey of beach and ski resorts. Advice and reviews of tourists.
Holidays in Spain in winter pleases with their diversity: in the Canary Islands you can enjoy a real beach holiday, and winter sports fans can visit any of the popular ski resorts. In addition, there are almost two thousand thermal springs in Spain and a developed network of balneological centers where you can improve your health.
Where to go to rest in Spain in winter 2020-2021
Many hotels in Catalonia and Andalusia offer thalassotherapy, balneo treatments and spa treatments. In Valencia there are about a dozen balneological centers and several thalasso hotels, almost two dozen spa hotels, there are more than 40 of them in the Canary Islands. Wine treatment (baths and wraps) is practiced. The most famous spa resorts are Panticosa in the province of Huesca and La Garrigue near Barcelona.
Spain is worth visiting in winter for excursions: this country is replete with ancient architectural monuments and museums, it is interesting to wander the streets of cities, examining the many sights. And in between excursions to taste local wines or try national cuisine - many tourists extol the cuisine of Tenerife.
After the New Year holidays, the season of sales in stores begins, which is eloquently evidenced by the signs with the inscriptions Rebajas. They last almost until the beginning of spring, so that winter holidays in Spain can be perfectly combined with shopping.
Beach resorts in Spain in winter
In the popular resorts of the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, it gets too cold for a beach holiday in December, January and February, although there are more sunny days than cloudy ones. All those wishing to soak up the sun go to the southernmost resort in Spain - Costa del Sol in winter. The air temperature in winter here is not too high + 16 ° С, sometimes it becomes rainy and windy, so full bathing is possible only in the pools, but you can walk and go on excursions as much as you like.
Other tourists prefer the Canary Islands - Tenerife, Gran Canaria, etc. Winter never happens here, the close proximity to the African continent affects. In fact, this is the only year-round beach resort in Europe: in winter the air temperature is +20 ... + 22 ° С, the water in the sea is + 20 ° С. The island of Tenerife is very popular among our compatriots (including for holidays from December to February): unusual volcanic landscapes, exotic vegetation and sandy beaches invariably attract tourists. In addition, there is a duty-free zone here, which contributes a lot to exciting shopping.
Find out more about the best beach resorts in Spain >>
Ski vacation
There are several mountain ranges in Spain, but most of the ski resorts are concentrated on the slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains, mainly in the northern part of the country.
The best resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees are the respectable Baqueira Beret, La Molina and Porto del Compte, professionals will be more interested in Masella. All resorts are known for the high level of service and the quality of the tracks, there is a Russian-speaking staff.
The Western Pyrenees is home to the largest and most modern ski resort, Formigal, with 33 professional slopes and 17 beginner slopes. It is convenient to get here from large cities. The Sierra Nevada resort is located not far from Granada. This place was chosen by representatives of the royal family; the Spanish king spends here a couple of weeks every year.
The high season opens in November and ends in April, but the resorts are open all year round, they go in for mountaineering and other extreme sports. All ski resorts in Spain are well equipped, have a developed infrastructure and guarantee a high level of comfort.
What to see in Spain in winter
Tourist routes in Spain cover trips to Malaga, Valencia, San Sebastian and Bilbao. The choice is so huge that it can be difficult for a traveler to decide. Fans of the work of Miguel de Cervantes will be able to visit the homeland of the writer Alcala de Henares, and architecture lovers can finally appreciate the beauty of Madrid, Barcelona, Granada and Toledo.
What else to see on holidays in Spain in December, January and February 2020-2021? The numerous churches and monasteries of Avila, as well as the holy relics in Santiago de Compostela. No less interesting to visit are the homeland of Spanish flamenco Seville, the hanging houses of Cuenca, the Arab fortress Alcazar in Segovia, Roman buildings in Cordoba and the palace city of Madina az-zahra, the palaces of Caceres and other historical sites.
The natural attractions of the Canary Islands attract tourists with children. Tenerife has many natural parks, one of the largest is Loro Park, where you can walk, watch performances with dolphins, killer whales and other animals. The Teide volcano and the Los Gigantes gorge are especially popular with holidaymakers.
Related article: What to see in Tenerife?
Weather in Spain in December, January and February 2020-2021
What is the winter in Spain? Usually warm and sunny: in December, January and February the temperature in the north and center of the country is + 10 ° С, in the southern regions + 20 ° С, in the mountains up to -10 ° С, it can be colder at night. Snow and rain falls most often in the northern regions, the influence of the Atlantic Ocean affects the weather. Stronger temperature drops are observed in the center of the country.
Winter is quite cold in Madrid (continental climate), moderately cool in Barcelona and the Costa Brava, sunny and warm in Seville.
The warmest in Spain in winter is on the Canary Islands: in December and January in the afternoon around +20 ... + 22 ° С. In February, the air temperature can drop to + 17 ° C during the day, + 14 ° C at night, the water in the sea + 18 ° C, so swimming is much more pleasant in the pools, but you can organize an interesting sightseeing vacation.
Tips and reviews of tourists about winter vacations
Despite the fact that winter is a low season for local resorts, the prices for vacations in this country are European, although not the highest compared to other EU countries. Holidays in Spain in winter are worth a few cheaperthan in the summer. Some tourists even noted that a week in the Canary Islands cost 1.5-2 times less.
See also information on prices in Barcelona >>
According to tourists, the main disadvantage of a holiday in Spain in December, January and February is unpredictability of weather mainland. You can fly in warmly dressed in December and find yourself practically in summer with an air temperature of + 20 ° С, then it suddenly gets colder up to + 10 ° С, it becomes rainy and windy. But such whims are typical for the central regions, on the Canary Islands and the southern coast the weather is less changeable. Therefore, the main advice to travelers is to dress correctly, it is advisable to provide for several layers of clothing so that, if necessary, the excess can be removed or, conversely, insulated.
According to reviews, the main advantage of resting in Spain in winter is good excursion program without queues and crowded buses. You can safely see any sights, especially since the warm climate allows you to spend whole days in the fresh air, although sometimes it rains.
