Contrary to popular belief, some places in Spain are actually pretty chilly in the winter. However, there are destinations where the sun still shines every day and temperatures are warm enough that you can spend the day at the beach, without the summer crowds. Here is our selection of the best places to go in Spain for winter sun.
The Canary Islands
Winter in the Canary Islands is extremely mild. During the coldest months, temperatures rarely go below 20℃. Atlantic depressions can bring increased rainfall and the occasional storm across the archipelago, but in general, the weather is pleasantly warm.
The heat and tropical weather have created the perfect habitat for exotic plants such as dragon trees and animals such as lizards to flourish. All of the Canary Islands offer a general year-round tropical climate, however, there is slightly less chance of rainfall in the southern islands.
Stay in Tenerife’s most southern part for the hottest and driest climate in the winter months. Temperatures barely fall below 18℃ during the day, making Tenerife one of the most attractive beach holiday destinations in Europe all-year-round. For some of the best beaches in Tenerife to soak up some winter sun, head to resorts such as Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and the Costa Adeje.
For wind and kitesurfers, take a trip to El Médano beach in southern Tenerife. The section furthest from the town is the best place for watersports. In the winter months, you can enjoy the long stretch of golden sand with virtually no one around. This beach experiences almost 300 days of trade winds. For this reason, The World Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Championships has been held here many times over the years.
Stay in southern Gran Canaria for a winter holiday. Gran Canaria is commonly known as 'The island of eternal Spring,’ and with good reason as temperatures in winter rarely dip below 16℃. The island experiences warm sunny days, nice enough for you to head to one of Gran Canaria's best beaches. A must-visit is Playa de Maspalomas, probably the island's most iconic beaches backed by sand dunes stretching over 1.5 miles.
Combine a sunny beach-filled holiday in Gran Canaria with a cultural city break and rent an apartment in Las Palmas. The island’s capital is known for having the best climate for a city in the world. Ideal for a winter escape to Spain, Las Palmas is great for sightseeing, indulging on local cuisine and a spot of shopping.
Lanzarote is an ideal location for a sunny winter holiday to Spain. For nature lovers, it's the perfect time to enjoy the plethora of hiking and cycling routes the island has to offer. Temperatures are more pleasant to explore Timanfaya National park - a volcanic area of 51.07 km2 with smooth tarmac roads for road cyclists and steep downhill parts for mountain bikers and adrenaline junkies.
Lanzarote is also a great place for outdoor activities during the winter months. It is often called the Hawaii of Europe, not only because of the volcanic landscape but also due to the local waves. The consistent swell makes it one of the best surf spots in Europe. What's more, is you may well be the only person on the beaches in the winter. You will have the freedom to ride the waves all day long. Playa de Famara is a truly spectacular beach. 5 kilometres of golden sand backed by dramatic cliffs, it is the longest beach on the island. For this reason, it is the most popular place to surf and kitesurf.
Almería
Almería is a province famed for its lack of rainfall and warm winter weather. Not many people have heard about the Costa Almería but this coastline is probably the most underrated in Spain, yet it harbours some of the most beautiful natural beaches. Many of these stunning bays can be found in the nature reserve of Cabo de Gata. This area has over 60 kilometres of coastline characterised by majestic cliffs and sparkling turquoise waters.
If you are renting a holiday home in Almería, spend the day at the beach such as Playa de Los Muertos. This natural bay is breathtakingly beautiful. Nestled beneath an impressive cliff, the water here is unbelievably clear.
Similarly, Playa de Mónsul is also located in Cabo de Gata. Divided into two small coves this picture-perfect beach sits at the foot of a large sand dune. The clarity of the water here has made it a popular spot for snorkelling enthusiasts.
Agua Amarga is a beautiful town of Cabo de Gata Natural Park. This quiet little destination is much warmer than some neighbouring provinces. It’s the perfect place to escape to in Spain during the depths of winter. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this seaside resort and discover the spectacular Natural Park that surrounds it.
Murcia
Murcia is often a region in Spain that is overlooked as a holiday destination. In the winter, average temperatures on the coast are significantly warmer than in other regions. And Murcia city itself is also a warm vibrant location with lots of things to discover.
The Costa Cálida is the coastline that stretches along the province. In the winter, the weather is still fairly warm, although it may not quite reach temperatures high enough to brave the sea, you can still enjoy a pleasant day at the beach. If you rent a property in Puerto de Mazarron or the quaint town of Aguilas, both resorts are warm and welcoming and in the low-season, you may be lucky enough to have the beach to yourself. Aquilas provides picture-perfect opportunities. Wandering around this little town, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of winter and it's a great place for regional tapas.
Wandering around Murcia city in the summer can get a little uncomfortable as temperatures reach scorching heights. Staying in Murcia in the winter could be a better option. Be sure to visit the Catedral de Santa María. This Cathedral took over 300 years to build therefore it is a unique mix of different architectural styles. Wander around the pretty plazas and gardens and take a stroll across the Puente de Los Peligros - The bridge of the hazards - named after the wooden statue of “our lady of the hazards” by Murcian sculptor Francisco Sánchez Araciel. She can be seen on the south side of the bridge.
The Costa Tropical
Stretching from La Herradura to the small city of Motril, the subtropical climate on the Costa Tropical in the winter makes exploring the area more pleasant than in the hot summer months. This area of Spain is home to an underrated coastline, with pristine beaches, diving opportunities and picturesque seaside towns.
The white-washed village of Salobreña has been built on a large rock that sits in the middle of a sugar cane plantation. Historically this was the favourite place on the coastline amongst dynasties that ruled. Many come here to enjoy the calm, pristine waters and to visit the Moorish castle dating back to the 10th century that overlooks the Mediterranean. The old town of Salobreña is itself a great place to wander around. The most picturesque neighbourhoods are La Loma, La Fuente, El Brocal and El Albaycín.
In the small fishing town of La Herradura, you will find stunning natural coves. Playa Berengueles is one of the top scuba destinations in Spain. Due to the calm waters and unique subtropical microclimate, there is rich underwater flora to be explored by divers. Playa Cantarriján is a naturist beach nestled within a protected natural reserve and coastal cliffs to the west. Finally, Playa Calaiza, a picturesque little beach that can be only accessed by kayak or hiking through the Cerro Gordo pine forest.
Almuñecar was also once a small fishing village, and this culture is still very much apparent. Many people come here for the gastronomic offering. The chiringuitos along the seafront serve fresh fish accompanied by tropical fruits such as mangoes, avocados and chirimoyas which are grown nearby. The rocky stretches of coastline are great for snorkelling, but if it's a little bit chilly for that, head to the promenades off of Playa Costa Tropical for an alternative beach-bar scene. More relaxed than those of its neighbouring towns.
Málaga
Málaga has a unique microclimate as a result of the mountain range which surrounds it, making the winters extremely mild. The province is blessed with stunning beaches and unspoilt nature. The temperature in the winter months is ideal for exploring places such as the Caminito del Rey, and El Torcal as well as various hiking routes around Rio Verde and the Chillar River. Furthermore, these locations will have far fewer people than in the high-season so you can enjoy nature at its best.
Everyone needs a top-up of vitamin D during the long, cold winter months. Spain is the perfect place to get it. From the Canary Islands to the Costa Tropical, enjoy uncrowded beaches, discover nature at its finest and explore vibrant cities this winter.
Suggested reading for you: