Spain is a popular holiday destination all year round, but there is something special about visiting in November. After the summer crowds have subsided, the winter months reveal the vibrant culture and colours of the country. Explore the best locations to visit in November, choose a relaxing beach break or from towns and cities that come alive with annual festivals and cultural celebrations.
Granada
After the city has recovered from the strength of the summer sun, Granada is in its prime. Crowds of tourists have dissipated meaning visiting the city's top attractions is a more pleasurable experience. Rich with culture and history, no one can visit Granada without visiting the stunning Alhambra Palace, proudly overlooking the city with a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Granada can easily be explored by foot, wander around the various neighbourhoods such as the cobbled streets in the Albaicin or Realejo to experience the unique mix and influences of Moorish, Catholic, Jewish and Gypsy culture in the city.
Malaga
Located on the Costa del Sol, many people associate Málaga with its sandy beaches. But when the summer season has come to an end, November is a special time to visit with pleasant temperatures ideal for walking around and exploring the cultural offerings of the city. At the heart of Andalucian history, explore the Castle Gibralfaro, a Moorish fortress with unbeatable views overlooking the city as well as the Teatro Romano, the oldest monument of the city with archaeological remains of Romano Hispania.
Visit one of the many museums in Málaga, wander around the picturesque streets and dip in and out of the shops on Calle Larios or sit at a bar on Plaza La Merced and enjoy the tapas culture of the city.
Tenerife
With temperatures still reaching 23 degrees, the sea warmed by the summer sun and the hordes of tourists have returned home, one of the best times to visit Tenerife is in November. Relax on one of Tenerife's stunning beaches or for the more adventurous types, hike around Mount Teide, Spain's highest mountain. Don't miss Tenerife's famous San Andres festival which takes place in Puerto de La Cruz at the end of November. This festival is a vibrant celebration of the annual grape harvest, join in with the locals and sample unique wines from the region.
Madrid
Madrid is the perfect destination for a holiday to Spain in November. The capital city offers an abundance of museums, art galleries, monuments and parks. Wherever you choose to stay in Madrid you will experience the romanticism that each neighbourhood has to offer. Stroll through El Retiro Park, the colours and ambience make it particularly special at this time of year.
For those wanting to experience something a little different, attend Madrid's annual jazz festival which runs from the 28th of Oct - 30th of Nov. This prestigious event gives you the chance to see famous jazz artists as well as experience Spanish culture and food.
Barcelona
As the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is the hub of art and architecture in Spain. One of the best times to stay in Barcelona city is November, where you can explore the cities top attractions and museums without fighting against the summer crowds. Admire the vibrant artwork of Gaudí such as Casa Battló and of course Barcelona's most famous monument, The Sagrada Familia.
Wander through the different neighbourhoods in Barcelona, each one offering a unique mix of architectural structures, such as Barri Gotic where the long streets and squares have a special charm, in particular, Plaça Reial which is brimming with bustling bars, cafes and restaurants.
Sevilla
Escape to the magical city of Seville for a winter holiday in Spain overflowing with culture and tradition. The temperatures in the summer are often too much for people to take, but visit in November and you will be able to explore the city by foot. Take your time and discover the striking historical monuments such as the Moorish Palace of Alcázar, Plaza de España and La Giralda Tower.
Wherever you choose to stay in Sevilla you will be surrounded by Andalucian culture. The region continues to uphold its colourful traditions throughout the year, from flamenco shows to bullfighting. Even in November you can still enjoy dining on terraces, try Calle Feria, and around the impressive Plaza Alameda de Hércules, where you will find some of the best tapas eateries.
Jerez
Visit the city of Jerez, where sweet wine was first made and historically was considered the finest wine throughout Europe. Immerse yourself in the sherry culture by visiting the vineyards and get acquainted with the locals. Explore Jerez's bustling bodega bars where you can gorge on the regions tapas and of course sample more of their famous sherry.
Gran Canaria
Visit Gran Canaria in November and find cheap beach villas with a private pool. Temperatures are still a pleasant 20 degrees, the resort is quieter and the Atlantic is still holding onto the warmth from the summer sun. Anfi del Mar is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island, with glittering turquoise water and floral displays hugging the bay, even in the winter months.
Cadiz
Cádiz is home to one of Europes oldest cities, bursting with Andalucian charm. The region is known for its cosy whitewashed towns lined with orange trees and flower beds, spectacular beaches and it's rich culinary heritage. For those who seek a holiday full of gastronomical delights, Cadiz will not disappoint, some of the best gastronomy in Spain is unique to this region including Almadraba tuna, Camarones and sherry.
Sitting on the Costa de la Luz, temperatures are still a warm 19 degrees meaning you can enjoy a beach holiday to Cádiz in November. The beaches are known for their carefully preserved rural beauty, vast stretches of pure white sand and striking blue waters. Be sure to visit the town of Tarifa, where you can see the exact spot where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic ocean.
Murcia
Murcia is a less-known region and is one of the cheapest holiday destinations in Spain but is often overshadowed by its neighbours Andalucia and Valencia. With a subtropical climate, it is perfect if you are searching for some sun during the winter months. Stay on the Costa Calida, where rain is a rare occurrence, has over 250km of coastline with a diverse range of unspoilt beaches, rugged coves and craggy cliffs. Make sure you visit Bolnuevo beach, a beautiful bay nestled beneath a quaint former fishing village.