As the bitter cold of a European winter settles in, you might find yourself dreaming of warmer days. The long stretches of grey skies leave you longing for a patch of sun. Fortunately, just a short flight away, the villas in Spain offer a welcome escape where the days are bright and the temperatures mild. With diverse landscapes and regions, you’ll discover that there are plenty of places where sunshine is a given in Spain, even when the rest of Europe is blanketed in frost.
Canary Islands: Spain’s Winter Sun Stronghold
The Canary Islands sit firmly at the top of the list for those seeking reliable winter sun. Located off the northwest coast of Africa, these islands experience mild and pleasant temperatures year-round. While winter chills grip mainland Europe, the Canaries are an ideal destination for anyone wanting to escape the cold.
Tenerife and Lanzarote are among the most popular islands, offering a mix of volcanic landscapes and sandy beaches. Alternatively, if hiking and nature appeal to you, the rugged hills of Tenerife or the sand dunes of Gran Canaria are perfect spots to explore.
Southern Spain & Andalusia
For those seeking sun and culture in one package, Andalusia should be at the top of your list. This region of southern Spain is famed for its history. This region of southern Spain is famed for its history. Wander through the Moorish palaces of Alhambra in Granada, visit the flamenco bars in Seville, or relax in the Costa del Sol, where Mediterranean beaches continue to draw visitors despite the season.
By staying in an Andalusian villa, you’ll have a place to call your own while you explore nearby towns and relax by the pool.
Valencia & the Mediterranean Coast
If you want to be in the city and on the coast, the Mediterranean offers just what you need. Valencia, for example, enjoys a mild winter climate and offers a blend of ancient history combined with interesting architecture. Spend your days exploring the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences or stroll through the city’s old town, full of cobbled streets and impressive plazas.
Beyond the city, you can head to other coastal spots like Alicante or Benidorm, where the pleasant temperatures make for enjoyable afternoons spent on the beach. A stay in a beachfront villa offers an idyllic base from which you can access both the cosmopolitan attractions of Valencia and the laid-back atmosphere of the surrounding coastal towns.
Almería & the Sunniest Corners of Europe
If you want to go even further off the beaten path, Almería in the southeastern part of Spain may be the perfect destination for your winter sun fix. The natural beauty of Almería is nothing short of breathtaking, from its golden beaches along the Costa de Almería to the stark beauty of the Tabernas Desert, which is often used as a backdrop for film productions.
You can also delve into the city’s rich past by visiting the 16th-century Almería Cathedral to see its Gothic ribbed ceiling and The Museum of Almería, which displays a range of archaeological finds from across the region. The English Cable is also an iron pier that you can visit, a symbol of the city’s old mining industry.
Spain offers a range of places to escape to during European winters. From coastal beaches to museums and parks, there’s something for everyone.
Image: Unsplash, Jorge Fernandez Salas
