Spain has a whole heap of national heritage sites, charming towns and little villages. Being Spanish I'm obviously biased, but trust me there's so much to see apart from vibrant cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Spain is not well-known for its Christmas markets like other European cities but it still has a lot to offer. It’s a country that’s very different depending on what region you explore. Medieval castles you can sleep in, one of the greatest mosques in the world, houses hanging from a cliff, the windmills that Don Quixote fought are some of the places you must visit in Spain this winter.
Let's start with some background information. How cold is Spain in December? I know some people wonder if Spain has a winter at all. I'm afraid it does. However, temperatures vary throughout the country, especially mainland versus the islands. Winter in Andalusia is pleasantly mild and Madrid usually reaches a high of around 10ºC (50º F). On the other hand, temps in the Canary Islands are around 20ºC (68ºC) all year long. The north of Spain is a whole different story, on some winter days you can get temperatures below 0ºC (32ºF).
Now let's take a look at some of the best places in Spain to explore this winter. I'm sure you'll find something you like since there’s something for every taste.
CORDOBACordoba’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Andalusian city is most famous for the Patio Festival that takes place in May. Even though you have to forget about those patios filled with beautiful flower pots this time of the year, there are still a lot of things to do in Cordoba. The city still has a mix of influences that date back centuries with places like the Mosque-Cathedral or the Roman Bridge.
The great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is one of the best places to breath Spanish history in my country. It was originally a Christian church built by the Visigoths around 400 AD, then sometime in the Middle Ages it was turned into an Islamic mosque and finally, after the Reconquista (a series of military campaigns by which Christian armies reclaimed control of the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors), it went back to being a church.
Read more about the Mosque-Cathedral, here.
If you visit Cordoba, you must save a few hours to see Medina Zahara. This is the ruins of a vast, fortified Arab Muslim medieval palace-city built by the Caliph of Córdoba in 929 A.D and located on the western outskirts of Cordoba.
Read more on visiting Cordoba, here.
SIGÜENZA
Sigüenza is a little town near Guadalajara, central Spain. It’s known for its centuries-old architecture, including an imposing Medieval Castle which is a hotel nowadays. It's a wonderful place for history lovers. Apart from the castle Sigüenza has a beautiful cathedral and charming cobblestone streets full of craftsmanship stores.
CONSUEGRA
One of the most amazing experiences you can have in Spain is following Don Quixote's steps. This may not be the first suggestion on international travel guides but it surely is a hidden gem that will blow your mind. Consuegra and Campo de Criptana have some of the best preserved windmills in the world and they were featured on Cervantes' masterpiece.
Just like every Spanish region, La Mancha has got its own typical dishes. Wherever you go in Spain, please be sure to try the local gastronomy. It's such an important part of traveling! Here, you've got to try Manchego delicacies such as pisto, migas (bread crumbs) and, of course, Manchego cheese.

CUENCA
Cuenca is one of Spain's most memorable cities. Narrow streets and tall houses with wooden balconies that literally hang over cliffs make this World Heritage Site a must-see. Some of these traditional houses have transformed their interior into modern art museums. This contrast of traditional and modern makes Cuenca even more special. For me it's one of the dreamiest places in Spain and one of the most captivating in the world.
Read more on visiting Cuenca, here
If you are traveling to Spain during the holidays I suggest you read these posts:
How we holiday in Spain
What to do in Madrid this holiday season
WHAT TO PACK
If you're planning a trip to Spain in winter, you should pack layers like long-sleeved shirts, sweaters and coats, gloves, and hats. Places like Consuegra and Campo de Criptana are very windy so my advice is to wear a windbreaker or heavy winter coat. Winter in Spain is quite dry but check the weather forecast just in case. Oh, and wear comfy shoes for walking all those cobblestone streets!
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Beautiful post! I've been to most of these towns, but not in winter. I look forward to visiting in a different season.
ReplyDeleteOh my looks like such fun!
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Sigüenza this December, it looks so charming ❤
ReplyDeleteStunning photos - as always!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/12/gangly-and-gorgeous-blue-heron.html
I really want to make it Spain at some point in my life. The scenery looks unbelievable and the architecture is so unique and just plain beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mylittlenest.org
So many beautiful places to visit! So little time. Love those windmills.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually on our list for possibly a cruise next Christmas....we were just researching it!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love Don Quixote's landscape...and that Mosque-Cathedral
ReplyDelete...lots of treasures to see, thanks for taking me along.
ReplyDeleteGosh I want to visit Spain so bad, especially since I have been following your blog. Your European layered style is perfect for walking and strolling these beautiful places, too. You always rock a hat, Cristina.
ReplyDeleteHappy December and Happy Holiday Season to you! <3 Ada.
P.S. Make sure you link up with me this Thursday for my Thursday Moda linkup. =))
These all look like such great places to visit, and your outfits look so cosy! Great scarves! :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a good week so far! Our heatwave has finally ended which is a relief! :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Your pictures always have me ready to hop on a plane! And you are always looking so precious.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with Ageless Style!
Shelly \ The Queen in Between
Cordoba looks really beautiful. Your pictures are spectacular.
ReplyDeletex, Julie | thismainlinelife.com
So many beautiful places to visit in Spain and so much history. I would love to visit Medina Zahara. It looks so majestic and I admire it's beauty. I hope you are having a great week so far and happy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteMaureen | www.littlemisscasual.com
Wow, I want to go to Spain so badly!! These photos are gorgeous. I remember learning about some of these sites in my Spanish classes over the years. I especially love your outfit with the beret and scarf! So pretty! Thanks for joining today's Thursday Moda Linkup, and I hope you have a great rest of your day. :-)
ReplyDeleteIncredible pics from Spain! Going to have to add Spain to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing on Fabulous Friday
ReplyDeleteRegan
http://nifty50andfabulous.com/2018/12/07/all-about-scarves-fabulous-friday-link-up/
Oh my, you really can't run out of beauitul things to take photos with in Spain. These are beautiful dear, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
I went to Spain and Portugal with my hubby over 6 years ago and we didn't see any of these places! I suppose it is a good reason to go back!
ReplyDeleteSO many amazing places and so much to see. I definitely want to see some of the smaller cities in Spain next. I recently learned about Aragon, have you been there? Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Thanks for sharing them. Great vacation outfits too!
ReplyDeleteThat mosque cathedral is absolutely stunning. The colors, painting and just plain everything is breathtaking. I so hope to go to Spain one day.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought about Spain in winter but you've got me imagining a wonderful itinerary. I'd definitely want to follow Don Quixote's footsteps and walk those cobblestone streets until I dropped. It's all so gorgeous (and I loved your hats.)
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea to see countries in different seasons. If only we could spend the whole year traveling!
ReplyDeleteit is! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's not too far from Madrid (1h 40' drvie) and totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thanks for the linkup as well
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Ruth! I hope you can visit Spain some day
ReplyDeleteI know, right? The windmills are amazing
ReplyDeleteThat's great! If you have any questions about Spain let me know!
ReplyDeleteMy fave memory of Spain in winter is churros and chocolate in a cafe in Granada on a cold and frosty morning.
ReplyDeleteSpain is full of wonders :)
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, sweet Ada :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sweet comment!
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't even imagine a heatwave in December, it'd feel so weird :)
I loved Spain when I went in the winter many years ago. I say winter but it was February in Andalusia so it was a little warmer but nevertheless, quiet the experience.
ReplyDeletehttps://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2018/08/27/clothes-to-pack-go-rving/
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