If you're one of those people who can't say no to a good road trip even when a hurricane is approaching, this article will give you ideas for planning your winter trips. If, on the other hand, you make a thousand excuses not to leave the couch when the winter cold lurks, you might think this article isn't for you. However, keep reading, because not only will you discover five incredible winter routes, but we'll also give you a little idea if you choose to continue fleeing it.
Aragonese Pyrenees
If we put aside the most immediate idea that comes to mind when we think of the Pyrenees as a winter travel destination, we'll discover that there's more to the ski resorts of Baqueira-Beret or GrandValira. This unique landscape hides countless spectacular natural sites and dozens of mountain villages frozen (pun intended) in time.
We're talking about ancient glaciers, stoically resisting the passage of time; high-mountain lakes, wild rivers, and valleys pierced by these same waters into the mountains that make up the mountain range. But we're also talking about towns unfazed by the passage of time, such as Benasque, Cerler, Aínsa, and Torla, the gateway to the Ordesa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Ansó, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, has managed to maintain its medieval atmosphere in its cobbled streets and stone walls.
Another must-see is Loarre Castle , one of the most breathtaking fortifications in Spain and one of the best preserved in all of Europe. Also, for heritage lovers, although this requires crossing the border into the neighboring region, we recommend a visit to the nearby churches of Sant Serni de Baiasca or Sant Vicenç de Estamariu , which contain two of the few examples in the area of Romanesque mural paintings preserved in situ.
Cantabria: sea and mountains
If you're one of those who, in addition to a nice getaway in nature, needs to relax in a good hotel and go out to enjoy the charms of the city, Cantabria awaits you as a winter destination.
The Cantabrian National Park is nature in its purest form: mountainous landscapes with countless natural balconies, cliffs, and hiking trails for all levels.
Without going too far, you can include a visit to beautiful coastal towns in your itinerary, which in winter have a spectacularly melancholic and grayish air, such as San Vicente de la Barquera, Suances, or Comillas. In the latter, you can also enjoy a rich architectural heritage: Villa Quijano, popularly known as El Capricho , designed by Antoni Gaudí, or Villa de los Arzobispos, declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1985.
And finally, the city of Santander, with its diverse cultural and leisure offerings, will allow you to add a dose of cosmopolitanism to your trip, while enjoying the spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Galicia: the Rías Baixas
By now, you're probably wondering if the combination of Galicia and winter is a good idea; you're probably imagining gray days, rain...
Well, you'll be surprised to learn that there are very compelling reasons to choose Galicia, and specifically the Rías Baixas, as the ideal destination for your winter trip. The first is that Galicia is located in the west of the Iberian Peninsula, so the sun lasts a little longer in winter, helping you extend and enjoy your travel days to the fullest. Furthermore, its proximity to the ocean helps moderate temperatures year-round.
The other is a little local tip related to its magnificent cuisine. Did you know that the best seafood is found in the months marked with an "R"? That way, you'll know you can enjoy it from September to April, including, of course, all of winter.
The options for your trip to the Rías Baixas are rich and varied. You can visit the lands of Albariño and explore the coast until you reach the city of Pontevedra, which awaits you with its completely pedestrianized old town. You can also visit Cambados, Vilagarcía, O Grove, A Toxa, and of course, Sanxenxo, and then continue along the coast to Combarro until you reach the aforementioned city.
Another option is to explore the southernmost coast, enjoying the sea in its purest form and making obligatory stops in A Guarda and Baiona, where you can enjoy the historic center, declared a Site of Historic-Artistic Interest, or the Monterreal fortress, a medieval walled enclosure that houses the "Conde de Gondomar" Parador de Turismo. Part medieval fortress, part Galician manor house, the complex still retains the old defensive towers that once formed part of the castle.
Continuing along the coast, we reach Vigo, where the options are endless, although it is the most important city in the Rías Baixas. On this same estuary, but on the opposite side, is the O Morrazo peninsula, with coastal towns such as Cangas, Moaña, and Bueu, which offer quieter options for a stopover on your trip. The natural enclaves in this area are varied; we especially recommend the Cabo Home area, a natural inlet in the estuary that is home to almost pristine beaches, trails parallel to the sea, and even an ancient fort. and from where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views spectacular views of the Cíes Islands, a natural closure of the Vigo Estuary.
Gredos and the Jerte Valley, not just in spring
An inland paradise steeped in Castilian history awaits you beyond its picturesque spring scenes.
Dozens of mountain passes to explore and other must-see stops such as Ávila or Plasencia, where you can enjoy its beautiful walled historic center.
From here, you can also visit iconic sites such as the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, declared a World Heritage Site, and visit another lesser-known spot, the Chair of Philip II, a group of granite platforms that served as a natural throne for the king to admire the progress of the Monastery's construction. Also worth visiting are the Yuste monastic complex, where Emperor Charles V spent his final days after abdicating and surrendering the crown of his Empire, or Hervás, with its picturesque streets and Jewish quarter.
The White Villages of Cádiz and Málaga
Because they're not just beautiful in the summer. The provinces of Cádiz and Málaga boast numerous whitewashed villages where you can immerse yourself in Andalusian customs. Villages that preserve the rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage of the many cultures and civilizations that have populated their lands.
Ronda , considered one of the most beautiful municipalities in the province of Málaga and internationally known for its famous "Tajo" (Tajo River), a geographical barrier that served as a natural barrier in years past; Medina-Sidonia, Arcos de la Frontera, and El Bosque are the best known, but there are others, such as Atajate and Benadalid, that also have a special charm.
The itinerary is free and the combinations are endless, depending on the time you have available.
La Palma: the Beautiful Island
As we mentioned at the beginning, there is one corner of Spain where you can enjoy good weather in winter, and that is, of course, the Canary Islands.
If you plan ahead, you can find fairly affordable flight options during the winter, and you'll only need to rent a car there to enjoy the island's wonders.
For this winter trip, we specifically opted for a route around the island of La Palma, known as the "Beautiful Island." This volcanic island, measuring 47 kilometers long and 28 kilometers wide, is perfect for exploring by car at a leisurely pace and enjoying its wild volcanic landscapes, which will make you feel like you're on another planet.
You can't miss a hike along the hundreds of natural trails offered by the Caldera de Taburiente Natural Park; stroll through the streets of its towns and villages, admiring its colonial-style architecture, or simply enjoying its landscapes and idyllic corners.
Before starting your trip, you may be interested in reading "Road Safety Tips for Your Winter Road Trips"
