A DESTINATION FOR EACH MONTH OF 2024
A SPANISH DESTINATION TO VISIT FOR EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR
Check out our round-up of destinations to visit in 2024 to inspire your next Spanish get-away.
January – The Canary Islands, for off-season winter-sun wellness: The Canary Islands, situated off the coast of Africa, are the ideal spot for a January break after the indulgences of Christmas. Average temperatures are regularly in the late teens degrees Celsius during January. These islands – with their dramatic volcanic and lunarscape scenery – offer exceptional scuba diving, water sports, wildlife, cycling and hiking opportunities: the perfect winter break.
February – Jerez in Andalusia, for Carnival and a technicolour Flamenco Festival: Each February, visitors to the historic city of Jerez in Andalusia (the home of sherry) can join the town’s vibrant celebrations at the Festival de Jerez, a world-renowned event celebrating one of the region’s most famous exports: flamenco. This year’s festival will be held between 23 February and 9 March 2024.
March – Valencia, for Las Fallas Festivals: Enjoy poking fun at satirical giant figures in one of Valencia’s world-famous ‘Las Fallas’ festivals, where larger-than-life statues parade through the streets before being set on fire to the cheers of the crowd. A popular parade is the UNESCO-listed festival at Gandía, which will take place between 15 March and 19 March 2024.
April – The Balearic Islands, for a shoulder-season family Easter break in the sun: Many schools across the UK will break for the Easter holidays in late March and early April. Avoid the summer crowds by visiting the Balearic Islands in April. Mallorca’s capital – Palma de Mallorca - is perfect for art and culture buffs, whereas visitors to Menorca can enjoy its plethora of walking and water sports or explore its UNESCO-listed Talayotic monuments and pristine scenery.
May – Girona and Barcelona, for a flower festival and a world-famous beach music party: Travellers to Catalonia during shoulder season will be rewarded with the vibrant displays of Girona’s Flower Festival (11 May – 19 May 2024). Music lovers should not miss the renowned Barcelona Primavera Sound Festival (30 May – 1 June 2024), with a line-up this year including Lana Del Rey, Pulp and Disclosure.
June – La Rioja, for the Haro Wine Battle: With temperatures warming, June is the start of Spain’s peak season, so why not visit one of the country's lesser-known regions to enjoy an authentic Spanish experience. The northern region of La Rioja is a hidden gem which is known for its superb ‘Rioja’ wine, and which in June also hosts the Haro Wine Battle (29 June), a riotous celebration during which locals and visitors throw copious quantities of wine at each other!
July – Galicia, for exceptional seafood and beaches without the crowds: Find a quieter Spanish summer in the northern region of Galicia, known for exceptional local seafood, fishing villages, breathtaking beaches perfect for surfing (the July weather makes this time of year perfect for novice surfers) and, of course, the world-famous cathedral at Santiago de la Compostela. You can travel by sea from the UK to Santander with Brittany Ferries.
August – The Basque Country, for Bilbao’s ‘Big Week’: The Basque Country city of Bilbao has acquired a reputation for culinary and artistic excellence, and for good reason. In August locals and visitors alike celebrate ‘Aste Nagusia’ or ‘Semana Grande’ – meaning the Big Week. During the festival, concerts, firework displays and other shows take place across the city, creating a true party atmosphere.
September – Valdepeñas, to celebrate the wine harvest: Visit in September to witness the beginning of the harvesting season – across the country, festivals are held to celebrate this important milestone. The small village of Valdepeñas, near Ciudad Real in Castile-La Mancha, does this particularly well: its notable wine festival includes shows, wine and food tastings, all in honour of the new season’s grapes.
October – Consuegra, for the Saffron Festival: Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Spain: fewer tourists and cooler climes coincide with food and wine festivals throughout the country. Visit the picturesque, windmill-studded village of Consuegra in Castile-La Mancha for the annual Saffron Festival (‘Fiesta de la Rosa del Azafran’) during the last weekend of October, which celebrates the world-class saffron that comes from this region, including a gastronomy contest, tastings, music and dance performances, and much more.
November – Madrid, for an off-season city break: Enjoy Spain’s capital of Madrid during the month of November, when weather is cooler and crowds are thinner. Sit back and soak up the music at the city’s annual Jazz Festival (2024 dates TBC), or take advantage of fewer tourists to visit the city’s many museums, galleries and monuments.
December – Seville, for a picturesque Spanish Christmas: Enjoy an alternative Christmas city break in Seville, the historic city known for its Moorish architecture, flamenco festivals and intoxicating cuisine. Christmas lights adorn the city’s ancient streets, nativity scenes are displayed across the city, and Christmas markets host a plethora of artisan goodies for the perfect Christmas gift.
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