Travelers who want to experience the best places to visit in Spain but want to dodge the harsh summer sun and the crowds, visiting in shoulder season is the solution. By visiting during one of Spain’s two shoulder seasons, smart travelers can enjoy reasonable weather and iconic locations without the normal swarm of tourists. 

For many people, probably yourself included, evoking the name of Spain likely conjures up images of the sea lapping at beaches and dry sunny weather. While Spain is certainly renowned for these things, some people might find the heat in Spain prohibitive towards enjoyment, with some locations reaching temperatures above 95 degrees. So, if you want to visit gorgeous Spain, without the roasting, when should you visit?

The answer is simple: You should visit during one of Spain’s two shoulder seasons. What is a shoulder season? We hear you ask. A shoulder season occurs between the peak season and the off-season for a popular tourist destination. Spainholiday.com has researched and ranked the best Spanish cities to visit during shoulder season, so you can find the perfect place to plan your next trip! But first, what benefits does traveling in shoulder season offer?

Why You Should Travel to Spain in Shoulder Season

The shoulder seasons in Spain offer milder weather, smaller crowds, but the same historic and iconic destinations, and at lower prices. The shoulder seasons in Spain, from March to June and from September to October, are spring and early autumn, respectively. Many destinations still provide a similar experience to that which you can get in the peak season, but without the crowds and with far more pleasant and temperate weather.

With fewer other tourists, smart travelers who visit in either shoulder season are likely to have their pick of locations to stay and will be able to experience the flavors of Spain without needing to make allowances for the swarms of tourists that normally occupy the prime locations.

Okay, you’re sold on the idea of visiting Spain in one of the shoulder seasons, but which are the best places to visit in Spain, and when? We’ll go over three different locations, two for spring and one for autumn, that we think are great bets for shoulder season holidays, based on Spainholiday.com’s research.

Valencia in Spring Provides a Gorgeously Mild Climate and A Taste of Mediterranean Culture

Valencia, located on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, might be one of the best places to visit in Spain for a spring shoulder season vacation. As well as being on the Mediterranean and having a number of stunning beaches, it is also steeped in history from the days of Ancient Rome. Visiting in spring will afford temperatures of around 71°F, with low humidity and a reasonable UV index.

If you need further convincing, Valencia hosts Las Fallas in March, a festival of elaborate papier-mâché sculptures, fireworks and parades. It has one of the 12 treasures of Spain in the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural complex full of museums and interactive exhibits, a draw for tourists the world over. For those eager to try Spanish cuisine, Valencia is known as the home of the famous Spanish dish, paella.

Castellón de la Plana Offers More Beautiful Beaches and Cultural Treasures in Spring

To the north of gorgeous Valencia, Castellón de la Plana also sits on the Mediterranean. This city is not as well known as Valencia as a tourist destination, but in peak seasons it can still get quite full. When visiting during the spring shoulder season, you should expect a balmy 70°F, with almost no humidity and a moderate UV index.

If Valencia is still too crowded in shoulder season or feels too touristy, then Castellón might be the perfect choice for you. With easy access to uncrowded but still stunning Mediterranean beaches, a historic old quarter full of storied buildings, and the nearby Desierto de las Palmas for hiking enthusiasts, Castellón is one of the best places to visit in Spain.

Seville is Our Pick for an Autumn Destination

Seville is well known as one of the hottest regions in Spain during summer, but throughout autumn, you should expect highs of 80°F, with most days being much cooler, especially throughout October. This city is also located on the Iberian Peninsula, but to the southwest, at the lower end of the river Guadalquivir and is a real contender for being one of the best places to visit in Spain in Autumn.

Seville is known for many things, and its architecture, food and culture will all be particularly on show during autumn, when the weather is mild enough to wander the streets comfortably. Seville is the capital of Andalusia, which is the home of Flamenco, so if you want to heat up your Autumn trip, we recommend you visit a tablaos and enjoy some authentic Andalusian dancing.

Some Cheeky Hints to Boost Your Shoulder Season Holiday in Spain

To heighten the experience even more, try to keep the following advice in mind when booking one of the best places to visit in Spain in shoulder season:

• Book early: Shoulder season has less competition, but that doesn’t mean no competition. Especially if you are planning to visit some local festivals, plan ahead.
• Take advantage of the sun: Book south-facing rentals if you can, you’ll soak up a little extra of that glorious Spanish sun.
• Keep an eye out for local events: One of the benefits of not visiting in peak season is that you can experience the reality of Spanish culture, but only if you look to do so. Check for local festivals and events that might interest you.
• Dress warm: It might seem obvious, but when that Spanish sun sets, it can get chilly in shoulder season. Wrap up! Don’t spoil your holiday by getting sick.

Shoulder Season In Spain Could be Your Perfect Holiday

Getting to enjoy all of the benefits of glorious Spanish beaches and culture without needing to swim through crowds of other sweating tourists sounds like a great time to us! If you love the idea of seeing Spain, but don’t like the idea of crowds or a sun that feels like a molten hammer, figuring out the best places to visit in Spain during shoulder season is probably your best bet!

Published by HOLR Magazine