View of Valldemossa covered in snow in Mallorca, Balearic Islands

Enjoy a rural winter holiday in Spain

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When winter is just over the horizon, the biggest temptation is to stay home all day in the warmth with a good film for company. But did you know that in Spain you can escape spending all day within those four walls? Take a few days off for a rural getaway. Switch off completely and reconnect with the natural world during this unique time of year.

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Left: Potes, at the foot of the Picos de Europa Mountains / Centre: View of traditional houses in the village / Right: San Cayetano bridge in Potes, Cantabria

Potes (Cantabria)

The delightful village of Potes sits at the foot of the imposing Picos de Europa. Winding streets to wander through –streets that are bound to be covered in snow at this time of year– and an endless number of paths to follow, and activities to do in the Liébana region. And the local cuisine is excellent. You will be able to enjoy game dishes, meat produced by local farmers and artisan cheeses.
Left: View of the town over Peña Feliciana / Centre: Street in the old quarter of Sos del Rey Católico in Zaragoza, Aragón / Right: View of the monastery of Nuestra Señora de Valentuñana

Sos del Rey Católico (Aragon)

Located in the province of Zaragoza, Sos del Rey Católico won’t fail to impress. The town is characterised by its distinctive stone houses, façades decorated with coats of arms, and Gothic and renaissance features. It is also well-known as it was the setting for The Heifer, a film directed by Luís García Berlanga. One of the many things to do here is to visit the monastery of Valentuñana, which is situated about four kilometres outside the town.
Left: Aerial view of Garganta la Olla in Cáceres, Extremadura / Centre: San Jerónimo de Yuste Monastery / Right: Roman bridge in Jarandilla de La Vera

Garganta la Olla (Extremadura)

This little municipality is located at the heart of La Vera, and on your visit, you’ll find all that peace and tranquillity that you’re looking for. The historic centre itself is an important tourist attraction, although nearby you also have the shrine of Santísimo Cristo del Humilladero and the Monastery of Yuste. On your stroll through the streets you will come across a house painted blue. Known as the ‘Dolls House’, it is a former brothel frequented by the guards of Emperor Charles V.
Left: View of Valldemossa covered in snow / Centre: Old quarter of Valldemossa in Mallorca, Balearic Islands / Right: Rural landscape in the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains

Mallorca (Balearic Islands)

All over the island you will find pretty little villages to explore, villages such as Valldemossa that retain all their magic in the winter months. From here you can see the mountains of the Sierra de Tramuntana - sometimes capped with snow – and you will see for yourself why famous people like Chopin and Rubén Darío fell in love with them.