Southern Spain in December: Holiday Magic Without the Crowds

I like to suggest keeping your first day of arrival relatively unstructured. Depending on your travel style, there are two great ways to ease into the city.

If you like big city wow

Stroll down Gran Vía, see the festive lights at Plaza Mayor, and explore the holiday market at Plaza de España (just across from VB Plaza España). Take an hour or two to wander the Prado Museum, then head into the Literary Quarter for tapas and classic Madrid charm. End the day with live music at the hotel or ice skating at a holiday market.

If you prefer older neighborhoods and a more local feel

Wander the narrow, boutique-lined alleys of Chueca, one of Madrid’s trendiest, most walkable neighborhoods filled with small cafés, tapas bars, and boutique shopping.

After a few hours of relaxed exploring, hop on the metro and head to the Prado. I love the Prado for day one: it houses the largest collection of Spanish Masters in the world, while remaining intimate and manageable. Any other time of year, I’d recommend “Skip the Line” tickets, but in December, you will likely not find much of a line. You’ll go to dinner feeling like you have accomplished so much on your first day in Madrid.

With a good night’s sleep behind you, today is perfect for a deeper dive into Madrid’s royal and historic side.

Start with a visit to the Royal Palace, just a short walk from VB Plaza España. It's one of the largest in Europe and surprisingly uncrowded in December. I recommend heading over right when it opens to enjoy the grand halls and artwork with minimal crowds. Right next door, you’ll find the Almudena Cathedral, which pairs well for a quick stop and panoramic city views from the dome.

Afterwards, if you want something more under-the-radar, walk just a few blocks to Museo Cerralbo, a 19th-century noble mansion filled with eclectic art, sculpture, and antiques. It’s rarely busy and feels like stepping into someone’s private collection. Just check the hours before you go. I got there at 3:15 my first day in Madrid, disappointed to find out they had closed at 3 pm.

Tonight, either treat yourself to a guided tapas tour (many start around 6–7 pm and include drinks.) A good food tour is a great way to learn some fascinating history while feeding both your brain and your stomach.

Day trip to Toledo

If you have an extra day in Madrid, I highly recommend a day trip to Toledo. Toledo is a beautifully preserved medieval city just 30 minutes from Madrid by train. You can explore on your own with an easy round-trip from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha station, or join a small group tour that includes transportation, guided sightseeing, and time for lunch. Highlights include the Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and artisan sword and marzipan shops.

Travel day to Marbella

If you’re moving on, today is your travel day to Marbella. After your Fora Perks breakfast at your hotel, take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Málaga. It is approximately 2.5–3 hours, and you will want to make sure you have booked your tickets ahead of time, because they do sell out. From Málaga, it’s an easy 30–45 minute private transfer or taxi to Marbella.

Check in to the iconic El Fuerte Marbella, a beachfront property that blends elegant design with exceptional service. Have your advisor book a selected rates room (just trust me on this.) You will have the best views of the ocean for certain, but more than that, selected rooms offer you perks including packing and unpacking, and access to a lounge that is stocked with wine, cocktails, coffee, snacks all day, and dreamy views of the sea.

This leg of your trip is all about down time.

Today is all about slowing down. Take advantage of the included hydrotherapy, and (assuming you have a selected room with breakfast) maybe even order a lobster roll off the breakfast menu. The breakfast is unreal!

After breakfast, stroll into Marbella Old Town. It is just steps from the hotel.

• Spend the day wandering whitewashed alleys, boutique shops, and orange tree–lined plazas.

• Grab lunch at a local tapas bar or settle into one of the cafés in Plaza de los Naranjos for a long, leisurely meal.

• End your day with a walk along the seaside promenade or a sunset cocktail back at the hotel.

Explore Seville

Arrive in Seville and settle into Casa 1800, ideally located near the Cathedral and Alcázar. Spend your first afternoon exploring the Santa Cruz neighborhood, then watch the sunset from the hotel’s rooftop or on a horse-drawn carriage ride.

On your full day in Seville, visit the Royal Alcázar (book tickets in advance), climb the Giralda tower, and tour Seville Cathedral—all walkable from the hotel.

Take time to wander the Triana neighborhood across the river, known for flamenco and ceramic shops, or book a flamenco show at Estudio Flamenco in the evening for a memorable night out.

Day trip to Córdoba

Set aside one day for a day trip to Córdoba, either by high-speed train (45 minutes) or guided tour. Highlights include the stunning Mezquita, one of the most unique and visually stunning religious buildings in the world, the Jewish Quarter, and the beautiful Patio de los Naranjos.

You’ll return to Seville in time for a final stroll or riverside dinner.

There is no direct train to your next destination, which is likely why Cáceres remains such a hidden gem. From Seville, it’s about 3.5 hours by private transfer, passing through quiet countryside into one of Spain’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns.

Around Cáceres

Check into Atrio, a serene, design-forward boutique hotel with a world-famous wine cellar and a stunning private art collection. Spend your time wandering the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where stone towers, Gothic arches, and quiet plazas create a cinematic, almost untouched feel. For Game of Thrones and House of Dragons fans, you may recognize some of the plazas.

Whether you choose lunch or dinner, don’t miss a tasting menu experience at Atrio’s 3-Michelin-starred restaurant. It is reason enough to stay at Atrio. If you have time—scratch that—make time to ask for a tour of the wine cellar. It is home to over 40,000 bottles, including rare vintages of Châteaux d’Yquem, bottles throughout the decades of Lafite-Rothschild, and labels designed by artists including Picasso and Goya. If you ask, you might even hear the story of the €1.6 million wine heist in 2023.

We stayed in Cáceres for just one night. I could easily have stayed for two. Whether you choose to stay for one or more nights, on your final morning, visit the nuns at the convent of Santa Clara before you depart. You are not allowed to see them, but the nuns sell their traditional homemade sweets through hidden windows called ventanas, and they make a wonderful treat to bring home.

Return to Madrid

After your stay, you’ll head back to Madrid for your flight home. The train from Cáceres to Madrid Chamartín takes about 3 hours, or you can arrange a private transfer for a more flexible departure.

You’ll be back in Madrid by late afternoon, with time for one more dinner and a final evening stroll to soak in the city’s holiday glow. It’s the perfect way to end your Spanish winter holiday filled with rich history, festive charm, unforgettable meals, and just the right balance of exploration and rest.