Travelling around Spain in January: the destinations that seasoned travellers are choosing in 2026

January is that time of year when, after the Christmas celebrations, many travellers look for a getaway to start 2026 on the right foot. And it is no coincidence, as Spain offers options for every taste: you can enjoy snow in the mountains, explore cities without the summer crowds or make the most of the sun on many beaches across the country. In this article, we have selected what we consider to be the best destinations to travel to at this time of year and, of course, the best accommodation options, so you can make the most of your getaway.

1. Sierra Nevada: Andalusia’s white paradise

Snow sports for all levels

The first thing you should know is that Sierra Nevada boasts more than 110 skiable kilometres spread across 131 slopes, which means there are options for all types of skiers, from beginners to experts. Ski schools have certified instructors and fully updated equipment rental services, making the experience much easier if it is your first time.



If skiing is not your thing but you are looking for adrenaline, you can enjoy snowboarding at Sulayr Snowpark, with modules and jumps of varying difficulty that make it a benchmark in southern Europe. You will also find specific areas for freestyle and freeride.

And if you prefer more relaxed activities, beyond skiing you can enjoy sled rides, snowshoe routes or try mushing, an experience that is especially popular with families.

The charm of Sierra Nevada village

After an intense day on the slopes, Pradollano, the urban centre of Sierra Nevada, will win you over. Its pedestrian streets fill with people enjoying a drink, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

Granada, just a step away from the snow

What makes this destination even more appealing is its proximity to Granada. In less than an hour, you can go from the ski slopes to strolling through the Albaicín or visiting the Alhambra, one of the most impressive monuments in Spain. This combination of snow in the morning and culture in the afternoon is hard to match in Europe.

Alhambra

And speaking of completing the experience, after a day in the mountains there is nothing like local gastronomy to recharge your batteries: broad beans with ham, Alpujarra-style migas or a chestnut stew that warms you to the core.

Stay at our Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya 5*: your perfect retreat

To make the most of your days in the snow, you should know that Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya 5* is the ideal starting point. Located just a few metres from the slopes, it combines a privileged location with a design inspired by Andalusian tradition. The rooms are designed to provide restful sleep after a day on the snow, while its innovative restaurant and its nAmmu Áreas Spa immerse you in the Vincci experience. Everything is designed so you can make the most of your time, with the convenience of having everything close at hand.

Room at Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya 5*

2. Bilbao: The northern gem that shines in winter

Leaving the Andalusian snow behind, we head north to discover a city that has undergone a spectacular transformation in recent decades. Bilbao is now an international cultural and gastronomic reference, and in January it shows its most authentic side: fewer tourists, streets with winter charm and the genuine atmosphere of the Basque city at its best.

The Guggenheim Museum under winter light

Starting with its most recognisable icon, the Frank Gehry Guggenheim Museum is the symbol of the new Bilbao. What makes visiting it in January special is how the winter light plays with its undulating forms and titanium panels, creating effects that change hour by hour and offering a different visual spectacle depending on the time of day.

Guggenheim Museum

Once outside, the walk along the river offers different perspectives of the building and leads you to other nearby architectural gems such as the La Salve Bridge or the Iberdrola Tower. And of course, do not forget to greet Puppy, Jeff Koons’ floral sculpture that guards the entrance and has become one of Bilbao’s most photographed icons.

The Old Town: Bilbao’s gastronomic heart

If there is one thing you cannot miss in Bilbao, it is its Old Town. The Seven Streets are the historic soul of the city, a medieval district that is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Basque culture and, above all, to enjoy a memorable gastronomic experience.

The advantage of visiting it in January is that bars are quieter than in peak season, so bartenders have time to explain the secrets behind each creation. The recommendation is to pair your pintxos with a txikito of wine or natural cider and let yourself be carried away by the welcoming atmosphere of these historic venues.

And beyond the bars, the Old Town hides other treasures such as Santiago Cathedral and Plaza Nueva, with its characteristic arcades, as well as the Ribera Market, the largest covered market in Europe.

Plaza Nueva

Gran Vía: elegance and festive atmosphere

Leaving the Old Town and entering Bilbao’s more stately side, the Gran Vía of Don Diego López de Haro is a true showcase of modernist and eclectic architecture. In early January, Christmas lights can still be seen decorating trees and buildings, creating the perfect atmosphere for strolling through the city.

Along the avenue you will find everything from major international brands to local boutiques with unique products. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can take a break with a hot chocolate while watching the daily life of Bilbao, sheltering from the winter cold in these welcoming spaces.

As you walk, pay attention to the iconic buildings that line the avenue, such as the Campos Elíseos Theatre, the Palace of the Provincial Council or the Hotel Carlton, all witnesses to the city’s rich history.

Your home in the heart of Bilbao: Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4*

To enjoy the Basque capital with the comfort you deserve, our hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4* occupies a rehabilitated historic building in the city centre, just a short walk from the Old Town, Gran Vía and the Guggenheim. The rooms combine original architectural elements with modern comforts from a high-end hotel. If you wish, our team will help you plan your pintxos route, recommend special spots and make your stay truly memorable.

Room at Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4*

3. Tenerife: The island of eternal spring

If what you are looking for is to escape the winter cold, our next destination takes you somewhere tropical. While temperatures drop across mainland Spain, Tenerife enjoys a climate of 20–23 degrees Celsius, allowing you to enjoy beaches and outdoor activities even in January. The largest of the Canary Islands boasts pleasant weather all year round and is the perfect destination if sunshine and sea are what you are after.

One destination, a thousand landscapes

What makes Tenerife special is that it is an island of contrasts. The south is dry and sunny, with golden and volcanic sand beaches where good weather is almost guaranteed all year round. The north, on the other hand, is more humid and green, with lush vegetation that creates surprising landscapes very different from those in the south. It feels like two different islands in one.



Dominating everything from the centre, Mount Teide rises, which at 3,715 metres is the highest peak in Spain. This volcano, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the geological heart of the island and one of the most impressive natural spectacles in the country.

Mount Teide: reaching the roof of Spain

A visit to Teide National Park is a must on any trip to Tenerife, but in winter it is even more special: the volcano may appear crowned with snow while the coast enjoys sunshine, creating a unique visual contrast.

The most comfortable way to go up is via the Teide cable car, which takes you from the base to the upper station in just eight minutes. From there, the views are spectacular and, on clear days, you can see the neighbouring islands of La Gomera, El Hierro, La Palma and Gran Canaria.

Once at the top, the lunar landscape of the National Park will amaze you with rock formations such as Los Roques de García, fossilised lava flows and tones ranging from ochre to volcanic black. It truly feels like another planet. If you are feeling adventurous, the hiking routes are well signposted so you can explore this unique environment at your own pace.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna: Canary Islands cultural heritage

Descending from Teide and delving into the island’s history, La Laguna was the first capital of Tenerife and has preserved its original colonial layout intact, declared a World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets, stately houses with wooden balconies, baroque churches and welcoming squares contrast completely with the tourist profile of the south of the island.



Strolling through La Laguna is like travelling back in time. As a university city, it has a vibrant cultural life: you will find museums, art galleries, bookshops and cafés with an intellectual atmosphere where you can spend hours. Do not miss the Cathedral of La Laguna, the Convent of San Agustín and the House of the Captains General.

In addition, the gastronomic offering stands out in the traditional guachinches, where you will find one of the best value-for-money dining experiences in Spain.

The natural pools of Garachico: a gift from nature

Returning to the coast, this time in the north, Garachico hides one of those treasures that make Tenerife unique: its volcanic natural pools. Formed by lava from an 18th-century eruption, they are filled with crystal-clear Atlantic water, creating sheltered spaces perfect for swimming.

The visual contrast between the black volcanic rock and the intense blue of the water is extraordinary. It is true that in January the water is cooler than in summer, but sunny days (which are the majority) invite you to enjoy a refreshing dip while watching the ocean crash against the rocks.

Natural pool of Garachico

Do not leave without exploring the town of Garachico, which also has its own charm with a well-preserved historic centre, tree-lined squares and restaurants serving fresh fish and exceptional-quality seafood.

Your oasis of tranquillity: Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5*

In the heart of Costa Adeje, our luxury hotel Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5* becomes the ideal retreat if you are looking for a stay that combines luxury and complete sensory experiences. Surrounded by subtropical gardens and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, each space reflects the elegance of Canarian colonial style, offering spacious rooms with balconies and sea views along with a range of services designed for wellbeing. Here, our nAmmu Áreas Spa and its thermal circuits are complemented by five swimming pools, solarium areas and a gastronomic proposal that turn every day into an invitation to disconnect. Its location allows easy access to the nearby Playa del Duque, top-level golf courses and the best spots in southern Tenerife.

Outdoor pool at Vincci Selección La Plantación del Sur 5*

4. Málaga: Sun and culture on the Costa del Sol

We close our journey through the best January destinations by returning to mainland Spain, specifically to the Costa del Sol. Málaga has it all: almost guaranteed sunshine even in mid-winter, first-class historical and cultural heritage, accessible urban beaches, outstanding gastronomy and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that has made it one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive cities.

A privileged climate in the middle of winter

The first thing you will appreciate upon arrival is the climate. While much of Europe is below zero, Málaga enjoys mild January temperatures, averaging 16–17 degrees, with many sunny days. This pleasant weather allows you to enjoy terraces, strolls along the port and outdoor activities that would be unthinkable elsewhere at this time of year.

More than three thousand years of history

But Málaga is not just about beaches and good weather. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with more than three millennia of history visible in every corner. The Roman Theatre, built in the 1st century during the reign of Augustus, is a clear testament to Roman Málaga. Located at the foot of the Alcazaba, it is still used for performances today, connecting past and present in a unique way.

Just above the theatre rises the Alcazaba, one of the city’s most emblematic monuments. This 11th-century Moorish palace-fortress blends military functionality with the beauty typical of Nasrid palaces. Its gardens, fountain-filled courtyards and horseshoe arches transport you straight back to the era of Al-Andalus. The views from its walls stretch across the entire city, the port and the Mediterranean in an impressive panorama.

Crowning the complex, atop Mount Gibralfaro, stands the 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, built to protect the Alcazaba. The walk up to the castle is worth it in itself, and from its walls you will enjoy the best views of Málaga, especially at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden hues.

Gibralfaro Castle

A city of world-class museums

In recent decades, Málaga has experienced a true cultural revolution that has turned it into a museum reference point. The Picasso Museum is a must for any art lover.

Complementing the offer, the Centre Pompidou Málaga, located in Muelle Uno, is the first branch of the famous Parisian museum outside France. Its colourful cube hosts constantly changing temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Last but not least, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, housed in a 16th-century palace, offers a journey through 19th-century Spanish painting, with special attention to Andalusian themes and costumbrismo.

The Cathedral: Málaga’s “La Manquita”

Among the must-see landmarks is the Málaga Cathedral, affectionately known as “La Manquita” due to its unfinished south tower. This jewel of Spanish Renaissance architecture impresses with its interior: vaults rising 40 metres high, a choir with magnificent cedar wood carvings and chapels decorated with valuable works of art.

Interior of Málaga Cathedral

We recommend climbing to the Cathedral rooftops, where you will enjoy 360-degree views of Málaga, its monuments and the port. This guided visit also allows you to discover architectural details and curious stories that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Seafront promenade and urban beaches

Connecting all these elements, Málaga’s seafront promenade stretches from the port to the beaches of La Malagueta, Pedregalejo and El Palo. It is perfect for walking, running or simply strolling while enjoying Mediterranean views at any time of day.

Your refuge in the heart of Málaga

To complete your Málaga experience, Vincci Hoteles offers two exceptional options in unbeatable locations:

Vincci Larios Diez 4* is the perfect choice to experience Málaga from the inside. Located on Calle Larios, the hotel allows you to enjoy the city with complete comfort, just steps from the Cathedral, the main museums, the port and the liveliest areas. Its boutique character, set in a historic building, is combined with carefully designed spaces and a service created for those who value design and an unbeatable location.

Room at Vincci Larios Diez 4*

Meanwhile, our Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5* offers a different experience, more serene and connected to the historical essence of Málaga. Located in the historic centre, the hotel integrates archaeological remains and elements of traditional Andalusian architecture, such as its interior courtyard, creating a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Its rooms and gastronomic proposal turn your stay into a way of discovering the city from a space designed for rest and luxury.

January is the perfect time to travel calmly, discover destinations from a different perspective and enjoy Spain without rush or crowds. Whether gliding over snow, strolling through history-filled cities or seeking sunshine by the sea, travelling in this month allows you to start the year by gifting yourself time and meaningful experiences. At Vincci Hoteles, we want to accompany you in every destination with accommodation designed to make your journey more comfortable, more authentic and more special. Because discovering Spain in January is not just a good idea, it is a different — and better — way to start the year.

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