A Refreshing, Warm Winter Sunshine Vacation (but Not in Florida)

You’re dreaming of a beach holiday with warm sunshine to beat your winter blues. This year, travelers are seeking new destinations for their winter sunshine getaway in the sunny south, for water fun, beach walks on palm strewn, golden sand beaches.

US inbound travel has been declining while Europe Travel is on the rise. Travelers are prefering different locations and Spain, Portugal, Spain and Greece are looking enticing as their sunshine state alternative.

And US, UK and Canadian travel agencies are scrambling to bring together vacations that offer the comfort and ambience of Florida/Mexico/California.  And overseas, they’re finding it in Italy and Spain. Spain in particular, may be perfect for your next winter trip. Let these beaches, experiences, and photos help you build your path to a spectacular winter vacation in Europe.

One summery beach style destination is standing out — the southern coast of Spain. From Seville to Valencia to Malaga, and all between, the Southern Spain is affordable and offers great food, nearby beach ambience, low-cost transportation, and plenty of amenities. This year, you can enjoy much more than the usual humdrum beach rental, in Spain.

This country is a unique one, unexplored by many, and famous for its semi-desert rocky landscapes, luxurious beaches, fantastic food, venues, attractions, and diverse history.  For summer style vacationers, Spain’s offerings are impressive. For those who crave a drier climate and a southwest US style geography, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Let’s explore 4 travel destinations within southeast Spain on the Mediterranean seacoast (only 60 miles from the North Africa coast) which offer the ambience, setting and travel vibe you seek in your winter sunshine holiday this year:

1. Costa Del Sol
2. Costa Blanca
3. Valencia
4. Seville

Enjoy the magnificent Spanish weather and its interesting regions and cities, all offering a different flavor of a summer style holiday. Winter weather in southeast Spain is generally mild and sunny, especially along the Mediterranean coast, with average daytime temperatures between 59−68°𝐹 (15-20°C ).  Luxuriate in the bright sunshine, warm comfortable coastal weather, unique palm trees, along with the many ocean beaches and landscapes while enjoying the excellence in service that Spanish tourism delivers.   Spain’s popular southern regions and coastal areas such as Costa del Sol (Málaga, Nerja) and the Costa Blanca (Alicante/Elche) offer milder weather and lush palm landscapes.

And other Spanish cities i.e., Valencia and Seville also feature palm trees and a mild winter.  Sevile offers its impressive Moorish gardens for a unique treat for you as well. In winter, these destinations make the best Florida alternative with the palm trees, sandy beaches and blue skies you must have, all while you avoid the peak summer crowds.

Let’s explore these four fantastic winter vacation getaways and create a brand new vacation experience for you and your travel partners.

Costa Del Sol Vacations

Costa del Sol in Andalusia Spain is well known for its mild winter climate, and a geography adorned with beautiful palm trees along its beaches and in towns like Málaga and Nerja.

1. Playa de la Malagueta (in Málaga city)

Why this location is enticing:

• This city-beach is just minutes from Málaga’s historic center, so you combine urban charm + beach time
• It features palm-lined promenades, comfortable sand, calm water and the full beach-amenities you’d expect: loungers, cafés, bars.
• Great for travelers who want convenience: stay in the city, go to the beach, grab nice dinners easily.

Travel Suggestions:

• Go early morning or later afternoon for less crowded stretches.
• Even though it’s in the city, you’ll still get good sun exposure (make sure you bring sun-protection).
• Combine with a stroll through old Málaga, maybe hit a tapas bar afterwards.

2. Playa de la Rada or Playa del Cristo in Estepona

Why You’ll like Playa de la Rada or Playa del Cristo:

• The beaches in Estepona are described as being well-equipped and have promenades with shady palm trees.
• The vibe is a bit more relaxed than the big resort center beaches—so if you want “sun, palm tree, beach” without intense hustle, this is a good option.

Travel suggestions:

• Ideal if you have a rental car or are comfortable doing a short drive from Málaga airport/hub.
• Stay for a full beach-day: sunrise to sunset, with lunch at a beachfront “chiringuito” (beach-bar).
• Choose a quieter stretch if you prefer fewer tourists and more laid-back atmosphere.

3. Playa de Burriana (in Nerja)

Why you’ll like Playa de Burriana:

• Burriana Beach is featured in beach-guides for the Costa del Sol as one of the best for sand, palm-lined views, beach bars and pleasant ambience.
• It offers a somewhat more “holiday-resort” look while still being authentic: good blend of local flavour and sun-centric comfort.

Costa Blanca Vacations

Costa Blanca: In Spain’s coastal region with cities like Alicante, and Elche which is famous for its palm trees, including the Palmeral of Elche being a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 200,000 date palms.

The Costa Blanca is pure paradise for North Americans, being sunnier and often warmer than the Costa Brava and even parts of the Costa del Sol, and with the classic “California-style” coastline — long sandy beaches, tropical promenades, and bright turquoise water.

1. Alicante – Playa del Postiguet (City Beach + Palm Promenade)

Perfect for: Visitors who must have warm water, lots of sunshine, palm-tree promenades, and loads of convenience.

Sun-worshippers will love it here because:

• It’s extremely central — you can walk from the old town right onto the sand.
• Has the palm-lined Esplanada de España, one of the most beautiful waterfront promenades in Spain.
• It offers warm, calm water and golden sand.
• It has lots of comfortable, handy amenities: loungers, umbrella rentals, food kiosks, and bars.

The Vibe in Alicante is one of a relaxed coastal city where you can sightsee in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.

2. San Juan Beach – Wide, Sandy, and Very Californian

Perfect for: Long walking, all-day bronzing, families, and its palm-tree aesthetics.

Why sun-lovers adore it:

• A massive 7 km stretch of clean, soft golden sand.
• Endless sunshine and a breezy Mediterranean feel.
• Great cafés, beach bars (“chiringuitos”), volleyball courts, and wide space to sunbathe.
• Palm trees everywhere.

Vibe: Very North American feel to it — wide beach boulevards, open skies, warm sun all day.

3. Benidorm – Levante & Poniente Beaches (High Energy + Endless Sun)

Perfect for: Travelers who want a fun, lively, tropical resort vibe.

Why it’s one of Costa Blanca’s best:

• Two ultra-long beaches with turquoise water and lots of palm tree landscaping.
• Abundant sunshine: Benidorm is one of Europe’s warmest and sunniest coastal cities.
• Charming beach lounges, restaurants, music, nightlife — or quiet zones if you want peace.
• Beautiful palm-lined promenade to walk on Poniente Beach.

Vibe: Miami meets Vegas meets Spain — energetic, fun, warm, and palm-filled.

4. Altea – La Roda Beach (Relaxed + Mediterranean Charm)

Just right for: Travelers who want peace, scenery, and to enjoy Spain’s whitewashed architecture.

Ideal for laid-back sun lovers:

• Palm trees line the entire waterfront.
• Quiet, relaxing beaches with clear blue water.
• Very scenic — old town above the beach is stunning.
• Easy sunbathing all day with fewer crowds.

Vibe: Greek-style charm meets Spanish sun.

Valencia, Spain

Valencia: Experience fresh, mild winter days in Valencia, where you can see palm trees while cycling through Turia Gardens or strolling past futuristic architecture.

Some destinations you’ll enjoy here most in Valencia:

1. Playa de la Malvarrosa (Valencia city beachfront)

Why would you visit Playa de la Malvarrosa?

• beach is right within the city of Valencia, making it very easy to access.
• It features golden sand, calm clear waters, and a promenade lined with palm trees — the perfect “sun + palm tree” look.
• Plenty of beach-bars (“chiringuitos”), amenities (showers, changing rooms) and transport access.
  Tips:
• If you stay in Valencia city, this is a convenient choice for afternoon sunbathing after exploring the old town.
• The best sun tends to be mid-day to late afternoon; bring good sunscreen because Mediterranean sun can be strong.
• To avoid the busiest hours, go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon.

2. Playa de El Saler (just south of Valencia)

• Located about a 30-minute drive (or bus/bike) from Valencia, it offers more space and a slightly more nature-oriented feel compared to city beaches.
• The sand is wide, backed by dunes and pine forest, giving a somewhat tranquil, uncrowded atmosphere. 

Tips:

• A rental car or local bus will make this easier; you might want it for flexibility.
• Bring water/snacks if you want to stay a while — the facilities may be fewer than in the city beach.
• Given the extra nature/space, this is great for truly relaxing sun-therapy rather than constant beach-bar activity.

3. Playa de Gandía (further south, larger resort-town vibe)

Why Playa de Gandía?

• About 70 km (≈ 1-1.5 hrs drive) from Valencia, this beach has over 5 km of golden sand and lively seaside resort amenities
• Ideal if you want a bit more bustle, more choice of bars/restaurants, and more “holiday-resort” feel rather than just a local city beach

Tips:

• For your “North American sun-lover” mindset: arrives early to secure a good lounger or shady umbrella spot.
• Evening dining by the sea is a must — enjoy the Mediterranean seafood + local wines.
• If you have time, staying overnight in a hotel here lets you enjoy both the beach and evening promenade atmosphere.

Seville, Southeast Spain

Seville: Widely known for its architecture, Seville is also home to beautiful gardens with palm trees, particularly in places like the Royal Alcázar palace complex.

The city itself isn’t on the coast, but it is one of the warmest, sunniest cities in all of Europe — and within 1–1.5 hours you can reach some of Spain’s best palm-lined Atlantic beaches. For North Americans who love sun, palm trees, warm weather, and beach culture, Seville offers both a sun-drenched city escape and easy access to incredible coastal spots.

Below is exactly what you can enjoy in and around Seville.

1. Seville City — One of Europe’s Sun Capitals

Seville is famously hot, dry, and golden — perfect for people who love warmth.

Endless Sun & Warmth

• Over 300 sunny days a year
• Spring and fall feel like summer for North Americans
• Even winter days often hit the high teens °C (60s–70s °F)

Palm-Filled Urban Beauty

Seville is full of exotic palm-tree avenues, especially:

• Maria Luisa Park — towering palms, tropical greenery, lakes, fountains
• Plaza de España — one of Europe’s most beautiful plazas framed with palms
• Guadalquivir River walkways — long sunny promenades for strolling under palms
• Triana neighbourhood — sunny terraces and warm breezes

Rooftop Sun Lounging

Seville has many rooftop pools, bars, terraces, all bathed in sun:

• Hotel Alfonso XIII rooftops
• Hotel Don Rooftop
• Rooftop of EME Catedral hotel (views of the cathedral + warm evening light)

If you love sun, warmth, palm trees and outdoor cafés — Seville is peak enjoyment.

Best Beaches Near Seville (1–1.5 hours away from Seville)

While Seville isn’t coastal, you can visit nearby Costa de la Luz which is blessed with some of Spain’s best tropical-style Atlantic beaches.

1. Playa de Matalascañas — Closest Beach (1 hour)

Wide golden sands + dunes + lots of sun.

Why sun-lovers love it:

• Very warm, bright, wide sandy beach
• Strong “vacation vibe”
• Beachfront bars, umbrellas, palm-lined areas
• Warm breezes and open space (not packed like Mediterranean beaches)

Good for you if you want:

• A easy day trip
• Long walks, direct sun, easy lounging
• A relaxing, California-style Atlantic beach feel

2. Playa de Punta Umbría (1 hr 15 min from Seville)

One of the best beaches in southern Spain.

Why it hits your vibe:

• Palm-lined, clean, energetic seaside feel
• Big open beach with soft sand
• Great food, bars, umbrellas, loungers
• A bit more upscale than Matalascañas

Great if you want a “sun resort” feel.

3. Playa de La Barrosa (90 min away from Seville)

Often rated as one of Spain’s top beaches.

Why it’s ideal:

• Tropical look with palms and dunes
• Great sunbathing conditions — long beach with endless sand
• Excellent beachfront restaurants
• Breezy, warm weather perfect for long sunny days

Great for people who want the closest thing to a “Caribbean-style” vibe on mainland Spain.

3. Cádiz Beaches (1 hr 20 min away from Seville)

Cádiz is a historic city surrounded by beaches. You can combine sun-bathing with sightseeing.

Best beaches here:

• La Victoria Beach (wide, modern, excellent facilities)
• Caleta Beach (small bay with photogenic sunsets and palm trees)

Why Cádiz is a good choice:

• Beach + historic oceanfront city
• Warm breezes, lots of palm trees
• Golden-hour sunsets are stunning
• Very walkable and sun-drenched

Enjoy Your Winter Vacation in Summerlike Southern Spain

You’re ready for a different kind of summer vibe and Spain’s sunny southeastern Coast has everything you demand from sunshine, dry warm weather, palm trees, oceanfront beaches and plenty of villages with fun dining experiences and entertainment events. An even bigger reward awaits as you get to sample a generous selection of Spanish cuisine, treats and drinks. Try a good selection of Spanish wines and bring a few bottles back with you so you can remember it in style.

Perhaps in the winter of 2027, you’ll be visiting again, maybe for a two-week driving journey to soak in the wonderful ambience and culture.

If you’re hoping for both relaxation and transformation, vacations like this can help you reset and rejuvenate your soul. Picture the bright sun on golden sun beaches that kind of remind you of California or Florida and the unique new venues you’ll be enjoying too.  Wash away your worries, stress and give your travel mind something novel to experience.  You’ll feel the difference and the buzz will linger for months, keeping you warm for the rest of the cold winter months.

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Title photo courtesy of Phillip Capper via Flickr.