View of the Cathedral and the snow-covered city of Segovia, Castile and Leon

Some of the best cities in Spain to visit in winter

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The arrival of winter heralds a time of continuous festivities and sweet traditions in Spain that animate its towns. Some cities shine particularly brightly in winter, and because of more than just the magical festive lights that decorate the streets. Why not enjoy a hot chocolate while reading about some of these Spanish cities?

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View of the snow-covered Alcázar and Cathedral in Segovia, Castile and Leon

Segovia

Segovia is an important destination for urban tourism due to its cultural and historical wealth, which becomes even more beautiful in winter, as the arrival of snow in the city awakens a pleasant Christmas atmosphere. Its streets become the perfect setting for a snowball fight! As Christmas approaches, several of the city centre's streets and squares host a charming craft market where you can stroll around and occasionally distract yourself with the wonderful views of the Aqueduct. You can also visit the nativity scene exhibition and celebrate the traditional festival of Saint Agatha at the beginning of February.
Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid, Community of Madrid

Madrid

Many people choose to visit Madrid during the winter, especially in December, when the streets of the capital are covered in bright Christmas decorations and rows of lights, as if it were a giant Christmas tree itself. You could stroll through the Retiro in the morning and then go ice skating on the rinks that are usually set up in places like the Plaza de España. And you can always liven up the cold by having a hot bowl of chocolate with churros in one of the famous churrerías! You can also spend a day shopping on Gran Via, taking advantage of the sales or the bustling atmosphere that the eve of Christmas brings, and wait for nightfall to see a show of coloured lights.One of the capital's most popular Christmas traditions is its market in the Plaza Mayor, with stalls selling all kinds of Christmas items, such as Nativity figures. By the way, if you want to see the largest one in the capital, visit the Nativity scene in Puerta del Sol square (remember that this square is the most symbolic place in Spain to celebrate New Year's Eve in style!).
Views of the Alhambra with Sierra Nevada in the background during winter in Granada, Andalusia

Granada

In winter you can stroll around Granada without the heat and crowds of summer. This is the perfect time to enjoy the Alhambra, browse the Christmas market and take shelter from the cold in a bar in the emblematic Moorish quarter of Albaicín, the oldest in the city. Even more so when at this time of year the typical winter stew of Granada is served: Sant Antón stew! You can also take the opportunity to take a look at the views from the San Nicolás natural viewing point, a postcard landscape with the Alhambra and the Generalife in the foreground and a white Sierra Nevada as a backdrop.In addition, the regions close to the city allow you to experience very different winters. For example, why not try spending the morning skiing in Sierra Nevada and travelling in the afternoon to Motril to enjoy one of its beaches? It might be too cold to take a dip in the sea, but you can enjoy the winter sun during sunset!
Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Is it possible to celebrate winter customs and festivities without getting cold? In the capital of the island of Tenerife, you can go ice skating, visit Christmas markets and even enjoy the popular Three Kings Parade without your nose getting cold! And its climate is warm almost all year round (with an annual average of 24 degrees Celsius).During these dates, you can enjoy the Christmas Concert, dare to take the first dip of the year in the sea on New Year's Day and have fun at their famous Carnival: With a parade where creativity has no limits, being able to wear whatever costume you want, because the cold is no problem!