Are you dreaming of a Christmas getaway with a Spanish twist? Get ready to trade snow for sunshine and explore the magic of Spain during the holiday season.
Want to know how to make your Spanish Christmas dreams a reality? Let's get started!
Here are three amazing one-week itineraries to inspire your holiday planning, each highlighting a different region of Spain based on my personal travels at Christmastime.
Itinerary 1: Basque Country and Santander
This itinerary is perfect for those who want to combine the vibrant culture of the Basque Country with the coastal charm of Santander.
Day 1: Arrive in Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country. Settle in and take an evening walk along the Estuary of Bilbao. Admire the iconic Guggenheim Museum and the art installations along the river. Grab some pintxos (Basque tapas) at Singular and La Roca.
Day 2: Immerse yourself in Basque traditions at the Fiesta de Santo Tomas in Bilbao. Enjoy talo con chorizo and shop for holiday treats at the market. Later, explore the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town) and try more pintxos at Bar Argia.
✨ Dive into Bilbao's food scene
Day 3: Take a day trip to San Sebastián, famous for its beautiful beaches and world-renowned pintxos. Explore the city and savor the culinary delights. Back in Bilbao, try the creative pintxos at Bar Molinillo on Calle Ledesma.
✨ Spend 24 hours in San Sebastian
Day 4: Celebrate Christmas in Bilbao with a unique Basque tradition: Olentzero's Parade! Join the locals on December 23rd as they welcome Olentzero, the Basque version of Santa Claus. For a special Christmas Eve dinner, indulge in the lamb kebabs at Cafe Iruña.
Day 5: Explore the Guggenheim Museum, a must-see attraction in Bilbao both inside and out. Later, discover a piece of U.S. history in Bilbao: the statue of John Adams. Enjoy more pintxos at El Globo.
Day 6: Enjoy a relaxing Christmas Day in Bilbao. Have a traditional Basque Christmas lunch and take a peaceful walk to admire the city's architecture. In the evening, be dazzled by the Christmas lights along the Estuary of Bilbao.
✨ Experience Bilbao for Christmas in more detail
Day 7: Take a day trip to Santander, a charming coastal city. Travel by bus from Bilbao, which takes about an hour and a half. Explore Mercado de la Esperanza and discover Santander's quaint churches. Enjoy a scenic coastal walk along Jardines de Piquio and the Peninsula de la Magdalena. Savor tapas for lunch and dinner at local bars in Santander.
✨ Find out what it's like to visit Santander in the winter
Itinerary 2: Granada and Málaga
This itinerary is for those who want to soak up the sun and experience the Moorish heritage of Andalusia.
Day 1: Arrive in Málaga and take a bus to Granada. It's less than a two-hour journey. Settle in and explore Plaza Nueva, admiring the pomegranate-themed decorations and the city's Christmas lights.
Day 2: Live like a local and discover some hidden gems in Granada. Indulge in piononos at Olympia 21 and enjoy churros y chocolate at one of the local cafes. In the evening, wander the historic streets of Granada and go bar hopping for tapas.
Day 3: Explore the Albayzin, the historic Moorish quarter. Enjoy lunch al fresco at Rincon de la Aurora on Placeta de San Miguel and marvel at the views of the Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolás. Reward yourself with tapas and vermut at Bodegas La Mancha.
Day 4: Experience the magic of the Alhambra, a must-see attraction in Granada. Pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment. Spend the day exploring the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, Carlos V Palace, and the stunning gardens.
Day 5: Merry Christmas! Enjoy a relaxing Christmas morning in Granada and lay in some supplies for the day. In the evening, celebrate Christmas with a special dinner at Restaurante Poetas Andaluces II.
Day 6: Take a bus back to Málaga, a vibrant coastal city. Settle in and stroll along Calle Larios, adorned with twinkling holiday lights. Enjoy tapas and beer at Bar Lo Güeno.
Day 7: Experience Málaga's culinary scene. Try churros and chocolate at Casa Aranda, enjoy coffee at Cafe Central with its unique ten-strengths convention, and explore Mercado Central de Atarazanas.
Stroll along the modern promenade along the sea in Málaga and soak in the winter sun. If you are feeling ambitious, venture out to El Tintero for seafood delivered by singing waiters.
✨ Explore Granada for Christmas and Malaga for New Year's Eve in depth.
Itinerary 3: Seville and Córdoba
This itinerary will immerse you in the history, culture, and festive spirit of these two Andalusian gems.
Day 1: Arrive in Seville and check into your hotel. Settle in and then head to Plaza del Salvador to admire the lights and get into the holiday spirit.
Day 2: Explore Seville's charming streets and squares. Wander through the historic Santa Cruz quarter, admire the architecture, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional flamenco performance at the Flamenco Museum and experience the unique Christmas tradition of larger-than-life Nativity scenes.
Day 3: Step back in time at the Real Alcazar, the magnificent Royal Palace that is Seville's top attraction. Take a self-guided tour with an audio guide and book a guided tour of the Royal Apartments (no photos allowed!). Explore the stunning grounds, including the gardens with fragrant citrus trees and peacocks.
Day 4: Discover the vibrant Macarena neighborhood. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets, admire the colorful tiles, and enjoy tapas at Lola por Dios Alameda. Later, climb Torre de Oro for panoramic views of the city.
Day 5: Merry Christmas in Seville! Enjoy a peaceful photo walk through the city's quiet streets and capture the beauty of Seville without the crowds.
Day 6: Take a day trip to Córdoba, home to the Mezquita-Cathedral. Rent a car or take a train from Seville. Explore the Mezquita-Cathedral and book a ticket to climb the bell tower for breathtaking views. If you're driving, stop in Carmona to see the Roman Necropolis and explore the charming town.
✨ Experience the best of Córdoba in 24 hours
Day 7: Continue exploring Seville. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes de Sevilla, eat your way through Setas de Sevilla, and admire the iconic Plaza de España.
No matter which itinerary you choose, you're sure to have a memorable Christmas in Spain! Don't forget to pack your camera, your appetite, and your sense of adventure! Feliz Navidad! 🎄
✨ Deep dive on why Seville is the perfect Christmas destination.
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