As an unprecedented number of holidaymakers head to Spain this winter, we look at what makes Spain such a brilliant winter location.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, in December. Source: Salvador Aznar/Shutterstock.
Find homes in Spain via our property portal.
Winter holidaymakers overtake pre-pandemic levels
In a recent report by Reuters, it was revealed that Spanish airport operator Aena has increased seat supply by 15% from and to Spain this year compared with the last.
This winter season, which lasts from October to March, carriers have a booked capacity of 126.6 million seats. Not only have these numbers recovered since the pandemic, but they have also overtaken them.
Despite high inflation and rising interest rates, a growing number of people would like to end the year with a fabulous dose of Spanish winter sun.
Affordable flights…
Even with the increase in the number of people heading to Spain this winter, there are still fantastic deals to be found on flights. According to Skyscannner, on my hypothetical trip to Spain this November, the cheapest flight I could take is to Girona, a direct flight from just £23. While a direct flight to Málaga could cost £30; Barcelona, £38; and Alicante, £42. Ryanair have recently introduced a new route to the historic port city of Vigo, tickets can be purchased from £31.
Why your second home in Spain isn’t just for summer but winter too
In the most recent Your Overseas Home survey, 40.99% of our readers told us that they were planning to use their Spanish property as a second home/holiday home. For many, this is motivated by the allure of sun, siestas, sand, and sea in the summertime. They envision spending the long school summer holidays there, and perhaps Easter too. But a second home in Spain is a beautiful place to enjoy October half term, and Christmas. Plus, with flights priced affordably, it could also be a welcome long weekend. Take a Friday off work. Bring some layers to keep you warm but not quite as many as you need in the UK and explore a different side to Spain.
Although a larger number of holidaymakers are heading to Spain for winter than ever before, it is still less busy than the summer. So, this is an opportunity to become familiar with the city, town or village that you’ve bought a home in, without the influx of tourists. Plus, without the sweltering heat, sight-seeing and cultural tours will feel like a more pleasant experience. You could even hit the slopes in the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada or Madrid!
Is it really warmer?
While as a general rule, Spain is warmer than the UK, there are certain places where you can maximise your exposure to the winter season and others that are more at the mercy of the seasons. Head south more sun, northern and mountainous for a chill.
If you want sun, sun, sun…
If, like me, you’d like to escape the winter, these are great choices for swapping out cold grey British skies for warmer winters that don’t require you to bundle up too much.
Canary Islands: With a subtropical climate, the Canary Islands don’t endure winter as we know it in the UK. However, in winter, there is a tad more rain and the possibility of storms.
Coldest month: January, with highs of 20°C.
Winter sunshine hours: six hours.
Interested? See properties for sale in the Canary Islands here.
Almería: Fortunately, you can enjoy Almería’s over 200 kilometres of coastline near enough year-round. And if you want to really embrace the winter, you can head to the Sierra Nevada mountain range and ski!
Almería on a December morning.
Coldest month: January, with highs of 18°C.
Winter sunshine hours: six hours.
See properties for sale in Almería here.
If you want somewhere with a wintery feel…
If you quite like to experience significant seasonal change, to wrap up warm, sip on traditional Spanish hot chocolate, and bury yourself under a blanket, then you might prefer a home in one of these locations.
Castilla-La Mancha: This landlocked region in central Spain is not a popular choice among overseas buyers. But it has a wintery atmosphere, with the mountains experiencing some snow. Castilla-La Mancha is home to lovely natural parks, such as Lagunas de Ruidera, which are even more charming in winter.
Coldest month: January, with highs of 11 degrees.
Winter sunshine hours: Four hours.
See properties for sale in Castilla-La Mancha here.
Costa Brava: Being on the northeastern coast, the Costa Brava experiences the seasons more strongly than other coastal regions that are popular with overseas buyers. Think long walks on its beautiful rugged coastline, whipped by the ways of the wind.
Costa Brava on a winter’s day.
Coldest month: January, with highs of 13 degrees.
Winter sunshine hours: Five hours.
See properties for sale in the Costa Brava here.
You might also like:
