As winter approaches in Europe and the days grow colder, many start dreaming of sunshine and warmth. If that sounds familiar, perhaps it’s time to turn that dream into reality: owning a home in Spain, where winter days are bright, mild, and full of light. Discover the best places to spend the winter in Spain in this blog post.
What is winter like in Spain?
Along the Spanish coast, you can enjoy mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, perfect for anyone looking to spend the winter in Spain. In the Valencia region, for example, the sun shines more than 2,700 hours a year, over three times as much as in Northern Europe.
Spain is a large and diverse country with striking climate variations. The green north is cooler and wetter, the inland regions experience hot summers and cold winters, while the coastal areas and islands enjoy a pleasantly mild climate all year round.
One thing remains the same everywhere: the sun shines far more often than in Northern Europe. Want to know more about local temperatures and sunshine hours? Read our full guide on the Climate in Spain.
What are the best places to spend the winter in Spain?
The five most popular destinations among winter visitors are the Costa Blanca, the Costa de Valencia (Costa Azahar), the Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands and the Costa Cálida.
When searching for your ideal home, location is the most important factor. You can always adapt a house, but you cannot change the surroundings. Therefore, visit the region at least once, soak up the atmosphere and find out if it really suits you. When buying a house for wintering, also pay attention to the sun orientation: a south-facing position provides extra light and pleasant warmth in winter.
We are happy to help you discover the best places to spend the winter in Spain and tell you why these regions are so popular with our customers.
1. Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is considered one of the best places to spend the winter in Spain. The winters are mild and the summers are wonderfully warm with a pleasant breeze.
The Costa Blanca is a favourite destination among Northern European winter visitors. It is no coincidence that many people choose to spend the winter in Benidorm, for example. Here, temperatures around and above 20 degrees are very common. But not everyone wants to be in the thick of it. Fortunately, there are many charming towns along the coast, such as Moraira, Javea, Altea and Denia, which are still bustling with life in winter.
2. Costa Valencia (Costa Azahar)
Just above the Costa Blanca, you will find the Costa Valencia, officially known as Costa Azahar. On average, the sun shines 300 days a year, and in autumn and winter, you can often still enjoy sitting in a park or on a terrace.
The shining centrepiece of this region is, of course, the city of Valencia, which is ideal for a city break. But you could also go hiking in Chulilla or visit the Venice of Spain: Port Saplaya. Or how about the coastal town of Cullera, located exactly between Valencia and the Costa Blanca? In short, it’s a perfect combination of liveliness, culture, wide sandy beaches and wonderful outdoor life.
3. Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol loosely translates as the coast of the sun, which of course says it all. Although it can get very hot in summer on Spain’s southernmost coast, it is actually a perfect place to spend the winter in Spain. The Costa del Sol is also ideal for golf enthusiasts: there are around 70 golf courses in the area.
The Costa del Sol has many seaside resorts where there is plenty to do in winter, such as Marbella, Benamaldena and Malaga. In winter, it is also a perfect base from which to visit the beautiful cities of the Golden Triangle: Granada, Cordoba and Seville. And if you want, you can still enjoy some winter fun during your winter break in Spain, because within an hour of Malaga you can enjoy skiing in the sunshine in the Sierra Nevada.
4. Canarische Eilanden
In the Canary Islands, it is never really very hot or very cold. There are no distinct seasons, so the temperature remains the same almost all year round, which means spring weather with a pleasant breeze all year round. If you like a bit of hustle and bustle and conviviality, the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria are good options for spending the winter. If you are looking for more peace and quiet, La Comera, Fuerteventura or Lanzarote are recommended.
5. Costa Calida
Costa Calida means warm coast and therefore fits well in this list. Suitable for those who feel the cold! It is located just below the Costa Blanca and therefore has the same pleasant temperature. However, it is a lot less touristy here, which of course means that there is little activity in winter. If you are looking for a quieter area, then the Costa Calida in the Murcia region is definitely worth considering for a winter home in Spain.
Practical tips and things to think about
Spending the winter in Spain takes a bit of planning. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Travel: Spain is easy to reach from almost anywhere, with international airports in major coastal regions such as Alicante, Valencia, Málaga, and on the Canary Islands. Direct flights operate year-round from most European hubs, and there are convenient connections from North America and beyond.
Prefer to drive? Spain’s excellent road network makes it simple to travel by car from neighbouring countries or to explore the coast once you’re there. - Health and safety: The mild climate is particularly beneficial for older adults or anyone with joint or respiratory conditions, thanks to the lower humidity and absence of harsh cold. Most coastal towns offer excellent medical facilities. The air can be dry in winter, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and a sweater for cooler evenings.
- Getting around: Larger cities like Valencia and Málaga have reliable and affordable public transport, along with plenty of car rental options, making it easy to get around without a car of your own.
- Culture and nature: Spending the winter in Spain is about much more than sunshine and beaches. This is the perfect time to explore peaceful historic towns, lively markets, and stunning nature reserves. Hike through the Costa Blanca mountains (such as Montgó), visit the whitewashed villages (pueblos blancos) along the Costa del Sol, or admire volcanic landscapes in the Canary Islands. Many people also combine their winter stay with a “workation” or short trips around the country.
Of course, it is a personal choice as to why a particular Costa appeals most or suits you best. It is good to know that the weather is often nice in all of these places in Spain. So if you choose a second home in Spain, we can assure you of one thing: your winter break will be absolutely wonderful!
Let us know in which area you are looking for a house to spend the winter in Spain and we will be happy to help you with your search.
