Spain is a country that offers many attractions for travellers at any time of year, but in winter there are some places that stand out for their beauty, culture and fun.

Explore some of the best places to visit in Spain during the winter, from historic cities to snow-capped mountains.

Aran Valley - Pyrenees

The Aran Valley is one of the most beautiful regions of the Lleida Pyrenees and is located in the north-west of Catalonia. It covers a total of 620 square kilometres of lush vegetation, with mountain peaks over 2000 metres high. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts, as it has several ski resorts, such as Baqueira-Beret, the largest in Spain. In addition, the Aran Valley has a rich culture and gastronomy, with French and Aranese influences, its own language recognised as co-official in Catalonia.

Grenada

Granada is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, famous for the spectacular Alhambra, a complex of palaces and fortresses that was the residence of the Muslim kings of the Nasrid dynasty. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited monuments in Spain, especially in winter when snow covers its roofs and gardens, creating a magical contrast with the red of its walls. Granada also has a charming historic centre, with neighbourhoods such as the Albaicín, the Sacromonte, where you can enjoy a Flamenco show, and the Realejo, where you can appreciate Andalusian architecture, art and gastronomy.

Take a look at the Top 10 activities not to be missed in Granada.

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range located in the province of Granada, home to the highest peak on the Iberian Peninsula, the Mulhacén, at 3479 metres. It is also home to one of the largest ski resorts in Spain, with over 100 kilometres of slopes for all levels and disciplines. Sierra Nevada is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, who can enjoy excellent quality snow and sunny weather most days. In addition, the Sierra Nevada offers other winter activities such as snowshoe hiking, dog sledding, snowmobiling and even an ice amusement park.

Madrid

Spain's capital is one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Europe, with an unrivalled artistic and leisure offer. In winter, Madrid is transformed into a Christmas scene, with illuminations, markets, ice rinks and shows that fill the streets with colour and joy. Some of the places you can't miss are Plaza Mayor, where the traditional Christmas market is held, Puerta del Sol, where New Year's Eve is celebrated, and Retiro Park, where you can stroll around its frozen lake or admire the Crystal Palace. Madrid also has a great cultural variety, with museums, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets.

Discover the best places to visit in Madrid.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray is a small town in the province of La Rioja, famous for its wine production and gastronomy. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature, as it is surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers. In winter, Ezcaray becomes a cosy refuge where you can enjoy the warmth of its fireplaces, its typical architecture and its hospitality. Ezcaray is also close to the Valdezcaray ski resort, the only one in La Rioja, which has 23 kilometres of slopes and a spectacular view over the valley.

Barcelona

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a lively cultural city, and in winter there's no shortage of leisure and entertainment options, such as the Barcelona Jazz Festival, the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market and the Sant Antoni Festival. Barcelona is also a city that prides itself on its gastronomy: in winter, it's a delight to try the typical dishes of the season, such as escudella i carn d'olla, suquet de peix, calçot and panellets.

Some of the must-see attractions in Barcelona in winter are the Sagrada Familia, one of the most impressive churches in the world. Park Güell is one of the most beautiful and original parks in the world. And the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona's historic centre, where you can breathe in history and culture, is lit up and decorated with Christmas decorations in winter, creating a very special atmosphere.

Explore the Top 10 activities not to be missed in Barcelona.

Salamanca

The city has a rich architectural heritage: its most emblematic buildings include the University of Salamanca, the Plaza Mayor, the New and Old Cathedrals and the Casa de las Conchas. Salamanca also offers its distinctive gastronomy, based on local products such as Iberian ham, cheese, wine and convent sweets. Another attraction is its cultural and academic life, which makes Salamanca a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. You can also visit its museums, theatres, cinemas, bookshops and libraries, or take part in concerts, exhibitions, festivals and fairs. And if you like winter sports, you can take advantage of the nearby ski resorts such as La Covatilla or Sierra de Béjar.

Sos del Rey Católico

Sos del Rey Católico is one of the best places to visit in Spain during the winter, as it offers stunning scenery, a rich cultural heritage and a cosy atmosphere. The town has preserved its historic centre, which has been declared a historic-artistic site since 1968. You can admire the walls, the churches, the town square and the Sada Palace, where Ferdinand II of Aragon was born. Sos del Rey Católico is also an ideal destination for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by mountains, forests and fields. You can practise activities such as hiking, cycling, skiing or birdwatching.

Peaks of Europe

The Picos de Europa is a mountain range that stretches across the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and León in northern Spain. It is one of the country's most impressive nature destinations, with breathtaking landscapes, trails for all tastes and levels, picturesque villages and a rich fauna and flora. The Picos de Europa are also one of the best places to visit in Spain during the winter, as they offer the chance to see the snow-capped mountains, practise winter sports such as skiing or snowshoeing, or simply enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the rural houses and typical restaurants.

Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands, offers a wide variety of attractions for all tastes. You can climb to the summit of Teide, the highest volcano in Spain and Europe, which is sometimes covered in snow in winter. You can take a cable car to the top or hike through the lunar landscape of the Teide National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also get to know Tenerife's culture and history in its cities and towns, which preserve a valuable architectural and artistic heritage. You can also enjoy nature and adventure in Tenerife, which has a great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems.

These are just some of the best places to visit in Spain during the winter, but there are many more worth discovering. If you're thinking of travelling to Spain in the colder months, don't hesitate to do so, as you'll find incredible landscapes, cities full of history and culture, and delicious gastronomy.

Spain in winter is a destination that won't leave you indifferent!

Take a look at winter activities in Spain and 10 Christmas markets in Spain.

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