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Looking for the perfect winter getaway in Europe? Here’s why this trending region of Spain is the ultimate winter escape.
Andalucía is a region in southern Spain that is currently breaking all-time tourism records. This sunny European hotspot is on track to finish the year with over 33 million tourists, a new high.
And while Andalucía is a popular destination to visit year-round, winter is actually the best time of year to plan a trip there.
Here’s why Andalucía is the best winter getaway in all of Europe right now:
1. Sunny And Warm
One of the top reasons travelers flock to Andalucía during the fall and winter months? It’s one of the warmest regions in all of Europe!
While this means that temperatures can be unbearably scorching during the summer (think 110° F), the weather in Andalucía is much milder during the winter. This part of Spain enjoys the warmest winters in Europe due to its location just above North Africa.
You can enjoy year-round sunshine and warm weather in many popular destinations in Andalucía.
Even during December and January, the coldest months, the average high temperature is usually in the low sixties during the day. It’s the perfect weather for exploring all that Andalucía has to offer, which brings me to my next point…
2. Charming Cities And Towns
From large cities to small towns, Andalucía has something for everyone.
The largest city and capital of the region is Seville, an enchanting city that is famous for traditions like flamenco dance and bullfighting. Seville is perfect to visit in the winter because of the pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and low off-season prices.
The coastal city of Málaga is another place you can’t miss in Andalucía. This sunny city has been breaking tourism records all year but the winter off-season is one of the best times to travel for extremely low crowds.
Smaller cities like Granada and Córdoba are also worth visiting for their architectural beauty and unique Moorish influences.
3. Winter Festivities
Although Spain may not be the first place you think of for Christmas travel in Europe, it’s actually a surprisingly festive destination, Andalucía in particular. This makes it a great destination to visit for a winter trip to Europe this year.
Cities like Seville and Málaga go all out with decorations, including beautiful displays of holiday lights. You’ll also find typical European Christmas markets in many of the larger cities.
And all over Andalucía, there’s a focus on the religious elements of Christmas, with nativity displays and processionals leading up to the holiday.
The Christmas season in Andalucía is a unique experience, and unlike in other parts of Europe, you won’t be dealing with freezing cold weather or snow as you browse the markets and enjoy delicious holiday treats.
4. It’s Surprisingly Affordable
One reason I love traveling in Andalucía is because it’s generally very good value for your money. Spain is actually one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe (after Portugal), and it’s much cheaper than countries like the UK, France, or Italy.
And southern Spain is even cheaper than the rest of the country, especially the major cities of Madrid and Barcelona where you’ll typically find higher prices.
Traveling in Andalucía will not break the bank, with the average travel cost per person estimated at $135 per day according to BudgetYourTrip. This is a lot cheaper than almost everywhere else in Western Europe, making Andalucía a budget-friendly destination.
Since winter is the off-season, it’s an even more affordable time to visit, and you can likely find good deals on hotels and activities.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com