Southern Spain with Canaries Christmas & New Year

Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish town on the North African coastline of Morocco. Located on a peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean, Cueta offers a blend of fine architecture, intriguing museums, excellent cuisine and stunning natural landscapes. The city’s museums include the Museo de la Basilica Tardorromana and the Military Museum of the Legion, established in 1940 to celebrate the Spanish Legion. The Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo is a leisure complex consisting of three artificial lakes of salt water, filtered directly from the sea.

At the heart of the Costa Tropical, situated in the foothills of the imposing Sierra Lujar Mountains, Motril is a true Andalusian gem. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, fronted by glorious coastal scenes and inviting beaches, and benefitting from a mild, sub-tropical climate all year round, it is the perfect location for some soothing rest, relaxation and sunshine. But it’s not all sun, sea and sand in Motril, there is plenty for those looking for a taste of authentic local culture too. While the city is not quite as well known, or as well trodden as others on the Andalusian coast, such as Malaga and Almeria, Motril boasts artistic, historical and architectural treasures that are well worth taking the time to discover. Highlights include the 16th century cultural hub of Casa de la Palmas, the 17th century Town Hall and the baroque-style Sanctuary of Ntra Sra de la Cabeza. Meanwhile, as one might expect from an Andalusian city, Motril offers an array of tempting traditional cuisine and locally produced drinks, from authentic tapas – served in restaurants around the city – to ‘ron de Motril’ rum.

Originally constructed in 223 B.C by the Carthaginians, Cartagena is immersed in ancient history and has been through some incredibly turbulent times. Its heyday was during the Roman era, and there are several archaeological sites in the city, many only discovered when built over in recent years. The first of these sites to be discovered was the Roman Theatre, which held 6,000 spectators; and other sites including the Baths and the Augsteum.

Synonymous with Spain, the delicious paella rice dish originated in Valencia and was originally known as arroz a la Valencia, which takes its name from the pan it is cooked in, typically large, round and shallow. Believed to have been created in the 15th century for Valencian farmers working in the rice fields using ingredients local to their surroundings; nowadays it is popular with chicken or seafood. Close by is Albufera Natural Park – an important stopover for migratory birds.

One of Europe’s oldest cities, Cadiz is well-known for the golden dome atop the cathedral, which gleams in the December sunshine. You will be perfectly placed to wander through the narrow streets of the old town or ascend the 173 steps of the former watchtower, Torre Tavira, for outstanding views across the city. There will be opportunities for you to witness a traditional Flamenco show in its place of origin and dine at authentic tapas bars, offering delectable small plates like fried anchovies, garlic prawns, and shrimp fritters, accompanied by local wines or the famously sweet and nutty-tasting Jerez sherry.

Visiting Malaga in the winter makes for a pleasant exploration of peaceful streets lined with orange trees and historical buildings. You could explore Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and the museum dedicated to his work in Buenavista Palace, or discover the well-preserved Moorish fortress of Alcazaba, which offers beautiful panoramas over the city and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Amidst your exploration, savour opportunities to experience local dishes of espetos (sardines on skewers and cooked over coals), tapas in authentic Spanish bard, and a traditionally sweet Moscatel wine. Alternatively, you can enjoy a hike to Gibralfaro Castle, which offers vistas of the surrounding city and a fascinating history dating back to Phoenician times.

Nestled between Europe and Africa, iconic Gibraltar makes for a fascinating visit with its traditionally British red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and even Marks & Spencer, but with a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. After wandering through the town and indulging in duty-free shopping at Main Street, you are perfectly placed to explore the Rock and enjoy unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as meet the famously mischievous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. There will be opportunities to sample local dishes like calentita (chickpea flour bread) and rosto (a delicious meat and tomato pasta). You may also wish to discover the network of tunnels within the Rock, which played a strategic role in World War II.

The glorious island of Madeira is known as the ‘Garden Island’ due to its array of subtropical flowers and plants that seem to burst from every direction. From Funchal, you’ll be able to witness the floral beauty of the island at the exquisite garden in Monte, featuring themed gardens and tropical plants, while its levada walking trails offer unique views of enchanting forests and flowing streams. During December, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional foods and the renowned fortified Madeiran wine, witness local Bailinho dances, or visit one of Europe’s tallest cliffs, Cabo Girao, standing 580 metres above sea level, with a suspended glass platform viewpoint.

The sun-kissed island of La Palma offers many opportunities to discover its magnificent landscapes, including strolling through the beautiful old town with its cobbled streets and colourful wooden-balconied houses or the spectacular views, hiking trails, and waterfalls of Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Meanwhile, volcanic black sand beaches beckon as the warm sea laps against the shore, and local restaurants tempt you to sample delicious local food like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkled potates) with spicy Mojo sauce and La Palma wine, produced on the island from vineyards perched precariously on steep volcanic hills.

The winter sun in the Canaries at Christmastime makes it perfect for exploring Tenerife and its beautiful beaches, including the man-made golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas in the north and the volcanic black sands of Playa de las Americas in the south. Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, dominates the skyline over Santa Cruz, whose summit can be reached by cable car for spectacular views across the island and beyond. Meanwhile, as the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of wildlife, there will be opportunities to spot pilot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. As you stroll through the streets of Santa Cruz, they will still be adorned with festive decorations to admire.

Las Palmas combines the vibrancy of a modern city with a rich maritime history, as well as perfectly clear waters lapping against golden beaches. At Christmas time, you can explore the charismatic Historic Quarter, home to the twin towers of Santa Ana Cathedral, built in a unique combination of Renaissance, Gothic, and Neoclassical styles, before discovering picturesque plazas adorned with festive decorations and authentic tapas bars offering delicious dishes like “papas arrugadas” (wrinkly potatoes) with spicy majo sauce. Meanwhile, you could visit nearby Maspalomas, home to the renowned sand dunes that create a desert-like landscape or wander through its festive market for sweet treats and handmade products.