Beaches in Spain for swimming any time of year

Beaches in Spain to enjoy any time of year

Would you like to enjoy a holiday on the coast, but without the intense heat of the summer months? It's all possible in Spain. The Costa del Sol and the Cabo de Gata in Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and the Costa Blanca are all destinations where you’ll find a climate of eternal springtime practically all year round. You'll find it perfectly possible to take a dip at the beach and then relax in the sun. Save space in your suitcase, and –even though you're coming in winter– leave your winter clothes in the cupboard, because the warm climate means you'll be able to travel light. Take a look at this list of places you should make a note of if you're coming to Spain between October and May.

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Winter under the sun in the Canary Islands

Their nickname of "the fortunate isles" is an accurate description of the fantastic luck you'll find when you visit the Canary Islands. An average temperature of 22º C, over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and a multitude of services for visitors whatever the season. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro together have a total of 1,500 kilometres of coastline, over 500 beaches and a variety of landscapes where it's easy to find the perfect combination of sun, relaxation and leisure. Everything from beaches with volcanic origins through to secluded coves nestling between cliffs and extensive stretches of white sand. And if you add to this exceptional setting the opportunity to enjoy windsurfing, scuba diving, sailing, surfing, water skiing and other water sports, you'll soon be convinced that the coast in the Canary Islands has much to offer even in autumn and winter.

Costa del Sol, whenever you choose

Do you know one of the many virtues of the coastline in Andalusia? Its warm climate when the rest of Spain is a lot colder. Over 320 days of sunshine a year and about 160 kilometres of coastline. Yes we're talking about the Costa del Sol. If your holiday plan includes a trip in winter but you don't want to pack winter clothes, you'll find a perfect destination in the province of Malaga. You'll be able to enjoy all the charms of famous sightseeing towns and villages such as Estepona, Ronda, Manilva, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas and Nerja, and whenever you want. Let yourself be dazzled by marine resorts like Marbella's, and seafront promenades like the one in Malaga, where you'll also find a whole host of outstanding cultural and gastronomic attractions to enjoy. And if you still want more, come and discover the delicious taste of “pescaíto frito" (typical fresh fried fish) in any seafront bar or restaurant, or follow one of the trails among the sand dunes in Cabopino. This holiday paradise on the Mediterranean coast is available whenever you choose.

Mediterranean warmth on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is another of the areas in Spain in which the sun hardly ever takes a holiday. The southern part of the Region of Valencia has a warm Mediterranean climate all year round. Palm, orange and almond trees grace its over 200 kilometres of fine sandy beaches and its calm waters. Popular tourist resorts such as Torrevieja, Benidorm and Calpe offer a full range of services in an international atmosphere, whatever the time of year you choose to visit. You'll find water sports and golf, with golf courses available in every location in the area. Never-ending beaches with fine sand, or secluded coves with turquoise waters nestling among cliffs. The coastline of Alicante is home to a number of unique places such as the Island of Tabarca and the Peñón de Ifach. A visit to either of them outside the summer months is an opportunity to enjoy them at their very best.

The everlasting charms of the Cabo de Gata

The coast of Cabo de Gata-Níjar in Almería is a place that invites you to lose yourself in its natural beauty, whatever the date on the calendar. Secluded coves like Media Luna, Carbón and Cala Chica; popular beaches like Mónsul, Los Genoveses and San José –which were used as a set for films like "Indiana Jones"–, and "El Playazo" –a type of oasis is on the seashore in Rodalquilar–, are just a few of the multiple and varied locations you'll find all along its more than 60 kilometres of coastline. Part of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve, declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO, this area of the coast of Andalusia has an average year-round temperature of 20º C. If you're looking for somewhere where you can enjoy total relaxation while experiencing the excitement of horse-riding on a route along the cliff edge, then Cabo de Gata is your destination.

La Isleta del Moro, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve

Sun and sand all year round

Winter under the sun in the Canary Islands

Costa del Sol, whenever you choose

Mediterranean warmth on the Costa Blanca

The everlasting charms of the Cabo de Gata