Escape the winter chill in bright and beautiful Spain

As winter descends like a soggy, frozen blanket upon the UK, it’s easy to feel a little afflicted by Narnia syndrome. Christmas, and all its attendant joys are fleeting, and it is a short-lived spark of excitement in an otherwise long and thoroughly unpleasant season.

However, difficult as it may be to credit, there are still some bastions of sunlight and joy left in the world. Spain, for example, where even the coolest months look positively tropical when compared with a sleet-drizzled London. So break out the flip-flops and jet off for a little beach-side bliss…

Malaga

This cosy island in the Mediterranean Sea has an extremely favourable weather average, enjoying a full six hours of sun in January. Flights to Malaga are reasonably priced in the off-season, as is accommodation, but there’s still plenty for visitors to do on arrival. Sunbathe, swim and eat freshly-netted seafood on one of its many beautiful beaches. Chase history through the winding streets of the old Alcazaba, or tour the stunning botanic gardens for a fragrant blast of summer. Don’t forget to drop by the Picasso Museum, which exhibits over 200 paintings by famous Spanish artists, including the legend himself.

Flickr Credit: Moyan Brenn

Barcelona

Although it might not quite be warm enough to bask on Barceloneta beach in an itsy bitsy bikini, culture vultures will find plenty of fun activities to pick over in Barcelona. Even in its coldest months, the city can hardly be described as chilly. Christmas fairs and street performers ramp up in late November, and you may just sup on the most divine hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted if you stop by the Café Granja Viader in the Raval district. Of course, there are all the other Barcelonan sights to enjoy such as Gaudi architecture, Camp Nouu FC Barcelona stadium and a wander down Las Ramblas. Just remember to take a scarf along with you.

Tenerife

With a climate in December that can be the equivalent of a hot British summer’s day, when you step out of the plane and onto the warm tarmac in Tenerife, you’ll feel ever so slightly smug for escaping the cold. Resist the temptation to Facebook your triumph immediately, and make for one of the cosy, sea-level resorts. With the rowdy summer crowd safely stowed back home, there’s no reason not to explore the likes of Playa de las Americas on the south coast where an older, more relaxed crowd tends to congregate in winter. Enjoy cheap food prices, uncrowded pools and a slightly cooler climate which makes hiking the island’s striking terrain is far more tolerable than in searing summer.

Whether you prefer a bustling city break or a cosy island getaway, there’s something to help everyone beat the winter blues in Spain. Add in the factors of fewer crowds, cheaper prices and a stark contrast with the weather back home, and you’ll find few reasons not to beam a little Spanish sunlight into your winter holiday plans.