The December long weekend, with the holidays of the Constitution and the Immaculate Conception, is the last great holiday respite before Christmas. For those who cannot resist a short getaway, these dates offer a perfect opportunity to get out of the routine and discover nearby places full of charm without having to make large expenses or long journeys.
It is an ideal time to explore tourist destinations in Spain and neighboring countries, such as Portugal or Morocco, which at other times attract many more visitors. In December, many of these places can be enjoyed without large crowds, allowing you to discover their most authentic side, taste their gastronomy calmly and take advantage of the pre-Christmas atmosphere that already adorns many cities and towns.
Here we propose seven different destinations, with experiences for all tastes, that combine culture, nature and many flavors, in case you dare to pack your bags and set out to discover these good, beautiful and cheap plans next December long weekend.
Ronda and the Sierra de Cádiz
Ronda, in Malaga, has a lot to offer visitors. Beyond its Puente Nuevo and the Plaza de Toros, which is one of the oldest in Spain, you cannot miss the Lara Museum, with exhibitions of ancient and curious artifacts, and the Arab Baths, an impressive legacy from the Muslim era of the 13th and 14th centuries. Walking through the Alameda del Tajo and enjoying its views is also worth it.
From Ronda we can make excursions to nearby towns in the Sierra de Cádiz, such as Setenil de las Bodegas, where the houses are literally embedded in the rock, and to Grazalema, both the town and its Natural Park, home to numerous Spanish firs. If you want more nature, the Sierra de las Nieves in Malaga, declared a National Park in 2021, offers routes for all tastes and levels.
Cáceres and its surroundings
This plan takes Cáceres as a ‘base camp’ but can go much further. The city is perfect to explore on foot, especially the historic center, which lights up spectacularly at dusk. In addition to visiting the Plaza Mayor and the Bujaco Tower, it is highly recommended to visit the Co-Cathedral of Santa María and the church of San Francisco Javier, which also does not go unnoticed with its white-painted towers. But the civil architecture is not far behind, so it is not advisable to miss the Pedro Carvajal Palace, the Ovando Palace or the Golfines de Abajo Palace.
Since we have enough time, we can take a nearby excursion. For example, Trujillo, whose architecture is practically an open-air museum, or Guadalupe, which in addition to its Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, is an excellent example of the popular architecture of the region. . In addition, the Monfragüe National Park is not far away and is perfect for hiking and bird watching.
The Coast of Death
In addition to the famous Cape Fisterra, the Costa da Morte is known for its Celtic legends and traditions, and December is a perfect time to experience its mysticism without the summer crowds. Don’t overlook Muxía, with its Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Barca and its relationship with ancient pagan rituals, where stones are objects of worship and symbolism. Nor Camariñas, where you can visit the Vilán Lighthouse and learn about the tradition of bobbin lace, which has one of its largest representations here and even its own museum.
Gastronomically speaking, Galicia is always synonymous with quality. The region is a paradise for lovers of seafood and fresh fish. The longueirón (razor knife) and the barnacles deserve special mention, since those from Cabo Roncudo have a more than deserved fame. A highly recommended option is to take a short gastronomic route through the restaurants in the different towns, where it is possible to find quality dishes at affordable prices.
The Black Towns of Guadalajara
A route through the Black Towns of Guadalajara is always a trip to another time. These small municipalities are known for the use of the popular black slate stone, and that is where their name comes from. They all stand out for their traditional architecture, but in addition to their cobbled streets, in some there is always something more to see, such as the Chorreras de Despeñalagua in Valverde de los Arroyos, with a spectacular waterfall accessible on foot in a short excursion, or the church of San Juan Bautista and the impressive views of Pico Ocejón that Majaelrayo leaves us. Umbralejo and Campillo de Ranas complete this Guadalajara route.
Winter is an especially beautiful time in this area, as the cold makes the fireplaces light up, the smell of firewood fills everything and the interiors become especially cozy. The rural accommodations are ideal for enjoying some blankets and also the local cuisine, with dishes such as goat or roast lamb and the typical migas of the mountains, which allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture from the stomach.
Aveiro and surroundings, in Portugal
Portugal is a highly recommended destination, we must always take it into account and even more so if we are looking for where to spend the December long weekend. Between Porto and Coimbra is Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice” and famous for its canals and its moliceiros, the traditional boat of its estuary. Walking through its streets is always an experience, and here you will also find the Museu de Arte Nova, one of the best exponents of the modernist style in Portugal. You also can’t miss a walk through the fishing neighborhood of Beira Mar, where you will find colorful houses and a maritime atmosphere.
Both Porto and Coimbra are an hour away by road, the first to the north and the second to the south. A quick getaway to Porto allows you to visit its wineries and see the famous Don Luis I Bridge, while in Coimbra its university stands out, one of the oldest in the world.
Marrakech and the desert, in Morocco
Morocco is close enough that in just a few days you can experience a trip full of contrasts. Marrakech is a vibrant city that transforms as night falls, especially in Jamaa el Fna square, where musicians, dancers and snake charmers create a magical atmosphere from dusk. In addition to the medina and its souks, you can visit the Medersa Ben Youssef, a Muslim school of higher education founded in the 14th century, or the Saadian Tombs, which are not easy to find, but are one of the most beautiful things you will see in Marrakech. .
If you want to spend less time in the city, you can take the opportunity to take an excursion to the Merzouga desert, since from Marrakech there are organized three-day routes that take you to spend the night in a tent on the sand and under the starry sky. For those who prefer a shorter getaway, Ait Ben Haddu is an essential visit and the Ouzoud Waterfalls are a good place to admire the country’s natural wealth.
Granada and the Alpujarra
Granada is a destination full of history and culture, and in December its Christmas atmosphere adds a special touch. A visit to the Alhambra is essential, so don’t forget to get a ticket as soon as possible. Also get lost walking through the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicín to enjoy privileged views. And if you want to try delicious things, going out for tapas in Granada is always a good idea, as many of its bars maintain the custom of offering a free tapa with every drink, which allows you to enjoy local cuisine in an affordable way.
Nearby, Sierra Nevada opens its ski season in December, last year it did so on the 5th, with options for both beginners and expert skiers. If there is no snow, it is also a good place for hiking. And for those looking to take advantage of the days to live a more rural experience, the towns of the Alpujarra of Granada, such as Pampaneira or Capileira, are ideal to enjoy the tranquility and the mountain gastronomy of Granada.
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