Spain in four seasons
As British residents here know only too well, there really is a Spain for all four seasons. Whether it’s in the mainland or on the islands, you can stick to your own pace and discover exciting cities, beaches and pistes all through the year.
In the spirit of truly experiencing each season in a completely different way, we’ve given the best mode of transport ideal for whenever you’re going, so see what appeals to you most…
Winter – fly there
If you’re looking for somewhere to escape to when the weather gets chilly at home, the Costa del Sol is a classic pick – long stretches of beach, rustic towns, and plenty of bars.
For top sandcastle destinations and space by the sea, you might want to consider Benalmadena and Torremolinos. If you’re an expat living in Spain or are just crying out for some vitamin D, you could think about hitting the glamorous hangouts in Puerto Banús for a more cosmopolitan time.
It gets better – if you’re seeking a winter adventure, you can enjoy Barcelona in a different way. Make it easy for yourself and fly there to hit the slopes at Christmas; Jet2.com, for example, has some great flight times available, and it also offers guides for those looking for a great skiing experience. Barcelona is the ideal gateway to Andorra’s amazing arenas for pistes, snowboarding, and après-ski.
Spring – hop on a coach
It’s no surprise that creative flavours make Barcelona a city to remember. Heading over in spring means you won’t have to jostle through many crowds to see the sights.
Art, culture, history and cuisine all await you, so get ready to pack in a lot. If you hop on a coach, you can even absorb the scenery a bit more on the way, and in plenty of comfort – National Holidays will certainly be able to help you out.
Keen on history? You’ll have an endless list of draws in Barcelona as well. Think the Sagrada Família – the Catholic church dominating the skyline – or La Rambla, Park Güell, Barcelona Cathedral and more. Beyond the architecture, Gaudí-inspired marvels are all around, alongside a zoo and magic fountains.
You can’t visit Barcelona without savouring mouthfuls of classic Spanish and Catalan fare – chorizo, jamón, paella, tapas, pintxos and Catalan wine are all tempting menu regulars. There may be no better place for foodies.
Summer – take the ferry
For over three decades, party animals have been flocking from across the globe to see the bright lights of Ibiza. Home to the world’s most iconic clubs, Ibiza’s a treat – right down to getting there. Hop aboard a ferry in Palma or Barcelona for a straightforward and scenic trip across the water, and you’ll be hearing the bass in no time.
Scooping second in the party pecking order is the mainland resort of Marbella. Known for its opening parties, lounge bars and contemporary vibe, it’s got a chilled-out beat you have to experience.
It’s not all cocktails and clubbing in Marbella; there’s a lot of culture to be uncovered, like the old town and the many winding streets. There are also ancient monuments, plus a marina to spend time wandering around.
Autumn – use car hire and public transport
Spain’s a couple’s paradise in the autumn months, with older travellers making a beeline for this sunshine spot when the summer crowds depart. Málaga is ideal if you’re searching for year-round heat, with temperatures averaging around 20°C from September to November.
You can explore the area by foot, by bike, or hire a car, and discover little villages – all well worth a visit. The Costa del Sol is sprinkled with traditional towns along its coastline, and hiring a car’s the best way to reach them.
City slickers might prefer Benidorm for an autumn escape and, with a landmark list as long as your arm, your only problem will be deciding what’s first. The ‘Hop-on, Hop-off’ bus tours operate in Barcelona, so you can jump aboard and hop off at whichever sights you fancy.
We think this is a great place to begin planning your travels, but if you’ve done something similar and have any tips, feel free to share them with us below!
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
