Carnivals and events
While there are fewer tourists during winter, the streets are livelier than ever. Spain is especially festive during December, with markets, carnivals, parades – and lots of food and drink. You’re bound to find Christmas lights and decorations adorning streets and shops. You can spend New Year’s Eve eating grapes with the locals in Plaza Nueva in Madrid, or have a feast along the seaside in San Sebastian. Other winter events include the tapas fair in Seville, the Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (second to Rio de Janeiro Carnival), the Three Kings Festival, and the international Jerez Flamenco Festival.
The climate
The weather in Spain is some of the best in Europe during the wintertime. It might not be warm enough to take a dip in the ocean (unless you’re in the Canary Islands), but it is warm enough to go sightseeing and enjoy other activities. The temperature might be lower than it is in summer, but the sky is clear and blue on most days (except in the north). Andalusia is unbearably hot during summer, which makes winter the perfect time to visit this region. The climate on the Costa Blanca has been described as one of the healthiest climates in the world, according to the World Health Organisation.
Great travel deals
Long stay winter holidays in Spain means you get to cash in on travel deals. Since fewer tourists are coming in, the prices of flights and hotel prices drop significantly. It’s also easier to book hotels at the last minute, giving you more freedom with your itinerary. Less people mean less queues, so you’ll be able to explore the Museu Picasso in Barcelona or the Alhambra in Granada without stepping on anyone’s toes. Accommodation alternatives like Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and camping resorts will have discounted rates too – making long stay winter holidays in Spain even more affordable.
A healthy lifestyle
Most people prefer warm weather to colder weather, but what they don’t realise is that warmer weather is actually better for your health. Sunlight exposure increases your body’s vitamin D levels, which is good for bone health and decreases the risk of other diseases. Sunlight is also a natural stress reliever, and it can increase mental alertness. According to this article The Guardian published in 2013, Spain has the highest healthy life expectancy in the world. The healthy Mediterranean diet (heavy on fruit, salads, fish, and olive oil), the well-equipped hospitals, and the pleasant, sunny weather are all elements that add to Spain’s healthy lifestyle.
The lifestyle in Spain is slow-paced and relaxed – especially in winter. If you want the best of what Spain has to offer, come to the Costa Blanca. Marjal Costa Blanca Camping & Resort has affordable accommodation with facilities and conveniences that retirees will love. You can’t go wrong with camping in Costa Blanca. Why not stretch your budget further by staying in a motorhome on our campsite and get the most of your long stay winter holidays in Spain.
