Discover Spain in December

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Spain Travel Insights

A Christmas market in Puerto de Santiago, Tenerife, Canary Islands
Spain in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In December, Spain's famous beaches are all but abandoned. Those in the know, however, can still plan a diverse adventure in this remarkable country. Whether you want to plan a ski holiday, a walking tour of a historic city, or simply eat great food and browse Christmas markets, December in Spain has you covered.

Book yourself to see Andalusia's iconic Alhambra palace and fortress complex in spring or fall
Best Time of Year to Visit Spain

Spain is best visited in the shoulder season months of late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October). Countrywide, the weather is warm, there's little to no rain (except for along the Atlantic coast), and you'll be ahead of the peak crowds July and August bring, particularly to the Balearic and Canary islands and coast.

The famous Alhambra in Granada, Spain
How Many Days to Spend in Spain

More a combination of culturally distinct regions than one homogenous country, Spain is almost too diverse to experience in a single trip—almost. You can enjoy the major areas of this Iberian gem no matter if your interests are leisure and gastronomy, culture and history, or road-trip adventures. See our travel recommendations below to enjoy Spain to the fullest, whether you're here for five days or two weeks.

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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Spain
Travel specialist Janelle Norman
active 20 mins ago

Janelle Norman

I originally came to Spain to improve my Spanish and stay for a year or two. Now I´ve been here almost two decades! With over 15 years of experience designing custom journeys throughout Spain and...

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Travel specialist Raquel Aceituno
active 2 mins ago

Raquel Aceituno

The eternal question ... where to next? I live for my passion: travelling. I aim to travel to every country in the world and inspire you to do the same. Nature, learning about new cultures,...

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Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 50 mins ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

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Travel specialist Alfonso Nuñez
active 6 hours ago

Alfonso Nuñez

Since long time ago I have been travelling around the world discovering the different ways humans have organized their lifes. I was able to finish my communication studies in St. Louis, Missouri,...

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Trip Reviews for Spain

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

The Best Experience. Thank you Janelle
Spain | Mar 26 - Apr 24, 2026

Bobbi
Bobbi K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on May 27, 2026
Janelle thank you. Thank your team too!
Our trip throughout Madrid, Porto and Northern Spain was better than we could have imagined.
Every hotel was amazing. The meals and restaurantrecommendations were spot on. Add in the unique private experiences (fun sidecar) and small tours, and all of that adds up to a very special trip. Janelle and her Team went above and beyond in a multitude of ways. Here is just one example:
Day one I left/lost my glasses 🤓 n my inbound flight. They...
Read more

Janelle thank you. Thank your team too!
Our trip throughout Madrid, Porto and Northern Spain was better than we could have imagined.

Every hotel was amazing. The meals and restaurantrecommendations were spot on. Add in the unique private experiences (fun sidecar) and small tours, and all of that adds up to a very special trip.

Janelle and her Team went above and beyond in a multitude of ways. Here is just one example:
Day one I left/lost my glasses 🤓 n my inbound flight. They immediately reached out to the airline, our driver and the airport to initiate a search. They followed up a number of times-alas they were truly lost. BUT they also located an optometrist that could have glasses made, onsite, within an hour. Plus they made the appointment and sent me directions.

We would not have seen or done so many things. We were prepared for every day and knew what awaited us even if we ventured just outside of our hotel!we rented a car and flew to a destination and also had a few private drivers! When WE drove we received ideas where to stop along the way. It really was about the journey AND the destination!

Their app was so cool! No maps or books or notepads. Everything was right in our phones. And more.

I did not know what to see or where to stop and stay at all. Initially Janell asked lots of questions and learned about us first. Then we talked about general destinations and such. She created an itinerary we could see and understand. The hotel website and photos were there. We made a couple of adjustments and damn-she created a plan and trip
I had been struggling with for months

Every question we had was answered quickly and I have now learned a truth: using a travel Agent like Janelle made planning for the trip almost as easy and enjoyable as the trip itself.

Hotel Reviews
Parador de Cangas de Onis
Villanueva de Cangas de Onís
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela

The only drawback in this hotel, which is absolutely not their fault, is that we didn’t get to stay in inside of the town area. This was because it was Easter Sunday and we were late on our end, which is no reflection on Janelle or the hotel. The hotel itself was lovely. Seems like a perfect place for Business or families. It is newer so it’s modern and clean.

Authenticity & Character
U this seems to be a perfect if you’re visiting students in College or in town for a conference… But for our purposes, we were just tourists… But the hotel was nice
Location
The hotel is very nice. The location, for us only, wasn’t really where we wanted to stay. But this is no fault of the hotel or Janelle‘s. We booked the trip late and felt that we were lucky to get a hotel room at all. With that said we would’ve rather stayed a little closer in town, but that’s no one‘s fault except ours.
Staff
staff was really nice in all areas of the hotel
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was immaculate
PortoBay Teatro
Porto
Zinema7
San Sebastian (Guipuzcoa)

The staff here is wonderful! They were so nice and were able to recommend and make reservations for us. The hotel is perfect. Clean, modern, and comfortable. Great location too! We would stay there again!

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Playa Sol
Cadaqués

The very best location! Gorgeous views and a wonderful staff!

Authenticity & Character
Everything. I should also add the breakfast was wonderful!
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Casa del Marqués
Santillana del Mar
Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Janelle Norman

We spent 7 days in Madrid and we could have s...
Spain | May 16 - May 23, 2026

Cathy
Cathy M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 24, 2026
We spent 7 days in Madrid and we could have stayed another 7 days. Julie and her team curated an incredible experience for my family. From the beginning, Julie listened and asked lots of questions about what we wanted from our trip. She then put together a detailed itinerary that hit all of our wants. From our perfectly situated hotel, to off the beaten path walking tours, amazing day trips, all while still getting in all the “must do” sights, Julie made our trip unforgettable. The best part... Read more

We spent 7 days in Madrid and we could have stayed another 7 days. Julie and her team curated an incredible experience for my family. From the beginning, Julie listened and asked lots of questions about what we wanted from our trip. She then put together a detailed itinerary that hit all of our wants. From our perfectly situated hotel, to off the beaten path walking tours, amazing day trips, all while still getting in all the “must do” sights, Julie made our trip unforgettable. The best part was we were not over scheduled. We were able to enjoy time on our own to explore the city. We meet so many wonderful people on our tours and all of the tour operators were top notch. We are so happy to have had the opportunity to work with Julie and her team at KimKim. We can’t wait to book our next trip. Hasta luego.

Hotel Review
Hotel Regina
Madrid

Perfect location. Staff was amazing. Hotel is so clean. We loved our room, nice sitting area to spread out and relax after walking all day. Hotel has a nice rooftop lounge that is a little oasis. No bar, just shaded lounges and conversation areas and a water feature to just get a little peace and quiet.

Authenticity & Character
Very clean, modern design,
Location
City center near Puerta del Sol. Walking distance to all Madrid sites.
Staff
Staff were nice, helpful and patient with our Spanish.
Cleanliness & Comfort
So clean. It was impressive how clean it was.
Activity Reviews
Royal Palace Visit
Royal Palace Visit
Madrid

Great tour of this incredible palace.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Toledo Cathedral Visit, History Walk and Self-Guided Experience by Train
Day Trip to Toledo Cathedral Visit, History Walk and Self-Guided Experience by Train
Madrid

We took the high speed rail to Toledo. This is a must do. Don’t skip this tour. We learned so much. I would have liked more time on our own to explore the city itself after the guided tour finished. Pictures don’t do it justice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Paella Cooking Class with Market Visit
Paella Cooking Class with Market Visit
Madrid

This was one of the best cooking classes we have ever taken. Loved this class! Chef was enthusiastic and so funny. Tour of the local markets was fantastic. Highly recommend this class.

Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Food
We made sangria, gazpacho and paella
Food
We made sangria, gazpacho and paella
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Flamenco & Tapas Night
Flamenco & Tapas Night
Madrid

A must do in Madrid. Dancers are amazing.

Quality of Experience
Private Chueca Neighborhood Walk
Private Chueca Neighborhood Walk
Madrid

Our tour guide JC gave us a real locals tour of this interesting area of Madrid.

Quality of Experience
Great tour. Local guide was so engaging. Took us through some hidden gems of the neighborhood and gave a great history lesson on the area.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day Trip to Madrid Wineries
Day Trip to Madrid Wineries
Madrid

Wow! What a great way to learn about the history of wine making in Spain, met incredible people and drink some fantastic wine.

Quality of Experience
Loved to tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great tor guide
Transport
Easy bus ride to the bodegas. We visited three. One was in a 15th century converted monastery.
Evening Tapas, Taverns & History Walk
Evening Tapas, Taverns & History Walk
Madrid

Our tour guide Samantha was fantastic. We stopped at 4 incredibly unique tapas restaurants. Our tour group was great we continued the party after the tour and hit a few more bars.

Quality of Experience
Great way to learn about tapas and the culinary culture of Spain
Food
All the tapas were delicious. So many great stops on this tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour was amazing.
Prado Museum & Cultural Walk with Lunch at Botín
Prado Museum & Cultural Walk with Lunch at Botín
Madrid

Tour was good. Lots of information in a short amount of time. We went back on our own to explore more of the museum. The tour gives you about 90 minutes. No photos allowed in The Prado. Botin,is a must do. Pictures don’t do it justice, wine cellar alone is a marvel.

Quality of Experience
Tour was good. It hits the highlights, but it is short.
Food
Botin food was delicious. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tour guide was great. She definitely keeps you on task.
Self-Guided El Centro Walk
Self-Guided El Centro Walk
Madrid

Great way to introduce yourself to the city. We grabbed coffee and walked to Plaza Mayor and just wondered around. So much to see in the area around the plaza.

Quality of Experience
Loved just walking around with no real goal, just exploring to area.
Local specialist: Julia Reed
Julia
Julia Reed
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on May 24, 2026
Welcome home, Cathy! I just read your review, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Thank you so much for your kind feedback and for trusting our team at kimkim to help plan your trip to Spain ✨ I’m so thrilled that you and John had such an amazing week in Madrid ❤️ It truly is one of my favorite cities, and it sounds like it’s now one of yours as well! I’m so glad you loved the itinerary and its pace, and that you were able to experience both the highlights and meet wonderful people on... Read more

Welcome home, Cathy!

I just read your review, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Thank you so much for your kind feedback and for trusting our team at kimkim to help plan your trip to Spain ✨ I’m so thrilled that you and John had such an amazing week in Madrid ❤️ It truly is one of my favorite cities, and it sounds like it’s now one of yours as well!

I’m so glad you loved the itinerary and its pace, and that you were able to experience both the highlights and meet wonderful people on your tours and during your free time exploring.

I loved seeing your photos, and I hope you’re already dreaming up your next international adventure together. It was such a pleasure planning this trip with you, and we look forward to working together again in the future!

Warmly,
Julia ☺️

Great guides
Spain | Apr 23 - Apr 30, 2026

J
Jim Z.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on May 21, 2026

Nacho - Alhambra: informative, engaging, enthusiastic about the history and culture, warm and welcoming
Sonia - Mijas basketweaving - informative, engaging, enthusiastic about the history and culture, warm and welcoming
Sofia - Malaga Picasso museum - informative, engaging, enthusiastic about the history and culture, warm and welcoming

Local specialist: Anita Matijasevic
Anita
Anita Matijasevic
Local specialist in Madrid & Florence | Replied on May 22, 2026

Hi Jim,
Thank you for your feedback. I’m so glad to hear that Nacho at the Alhambra, Sonia in Mijas, and Sofia at the Malaga Picasso Museum made such a positive impression and helped bring the history and culture of each destination to life with their warm hospitality and enthusiasm. We hope to welcome you again on another memorable experience soon, whether it’s in Italy, Spain, Portugal, or Morocco. 🌞🗺️ Wishing you all the best! Anita and Espiritu Travel Team

Why travelers love kimkim

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