Understated Luxury: Your Guide to a Stylish Winter Trip Through Southern Spain

Southern Spain in December: Holiday magic minus the chill and crowds

With 60-degree temps, twinkling lights, and beautifully decorated hotels, Southern Spain in December feels like stepping into a stylish holiday card. It’s ideal for travelers looking to escape the cold while enjoying culture, cuisine, and festive atmosphere—without the crowds.

Off-season travel

While spring and summer are popular times to visit Spain, December is a hidden gem. Hotel rates are more accessible, popular sites are less crowded, and the festive ambiance makes the experience feel truly special. It’s a great time for romantic escapes, history-rich itineraries, cultural exploration, or family holiday adventures.

Recommended stay: 8–10 days

A thoughtfully paced route—Madrid → Marbella → Granada → Seville → Cáceres → Madrid/Toledo fits beautifully into a 10-day trip. For a more relaxed journey, consider fewer hotel changes and extend your stay in key cities like Seville with a day trip to Cordoba. This itinerary also works seamlessly as a post-cruise extension from Barcelona.

Where we stayed

• VB Plaza España Design (Madrid): A design-focused property introduced as a new building in 2018 with outstanding soundproofing, luxurious details, and a top-notch breakfast buffet. Rooms are incredibly spacious and stylish. The property is steps away from Gran Via, the Palace, and the Opera House. It is not my favorite part of Madrid, but if you want to be in this area, I would overwhelmingly recommend this property. For Christmas, they have live musicians in front of the hotel from 6-7 pm every day, and there is a holiday market across the street.

• El Fuerte Marbella: Recently redesigned by designer Jaime Beriestain, this beachfront property really wowed. Within the hotel, 70 rooms “Selected” offer special views and even more special amenities (packing / unpacking, hydrotherapy, and a private lounge open most of the day with cocktails, snacks, juices, tea, and coffee.) Selected rooms are a huge value add. And Disney fans, you’ll get a huge kick out of being booked into the Disney Room, where Walt Disney and his dog (guess…) Pluto once stayed. El Fuerte coins their breakfast buffet “The Art of Breakfast.” In addition to the buffet, you can order off the included menu items, including lobster rolls. This breakfast was insane. And if all that’s not enough, you’re steps from Marbella Old Town. I did ask about beach service in the summertime, and was happy to hear that the hotel provides guests with full service on the beach.

• Casa 1800, Granada & Seville: Sister properties housed in historic buildings. Each room is unique, and both properties offer warm hospitality, great location, and little luxuries like 24/7 tea & coffee, in-room hair tools (straighteners and blowdryer), and small but thoughtful breakfasts. Casa 1800 Seville also has a roof-top pool (that is about to get an overhaul makeover) with big views. Both properties are ideally situated, and walking out of Casa 1800 Seville offers you an endless array of restaurant options, and quick access to the Alcazar, Giralda tower, and Cathedral.

• URSO Hotel: URSO is polished, spa-forward, and quiet luxury. The corner king rooms were expansive with incredible views. Again, a shoutout to their breakfast buffet. It’s just nice to not have to worry about breakfast, and to have one that includes truffle eggs Benedict…. I mean, wow.

I visited Only You, a super design-y four-star boutique property, in the heart of Madrid’s coolest neighborhoods. Ideal for different traveler types. I really loved this property.

Highlights to look forward to

• Dining Experience at Atrio: An unforgettable 3-Michelin-starred lunch with wine pairings awaits at Atrio in Cáceres. Its acclaimed culinary team and inviting ambiance make it a destination in itself.

Unmissable experiences

• Alhambra in Granada—breathtaking and blissfully uncrowded in winter

• Alcázar & Seville Cathedral—rich in history and easy to explore without long lines

• Wandering the creative streets of Triana in Seville

• Discovering Atrio’s educational foundation

• Taking part in a lively flamenco lesson and performance

• Add a day trip to Toledo, known for its layered Jewish, Christian, and Muslim influences

Culture, art, and a strong sense of place

Each property I visited was a reflection of its city, offering distinct architecture, art, and hospitality grounded in local culture. For travelers who value authenticity, style, and thoughtful detail, this journey through Southern Spain offers a truly enriching experience.

The Goya Room at Atrio

Pairings: Easy to combine with Portugal, Morocco, or Northern Spain.

Seasonal perks: Winter holidays = great pricing, magical decor, low crowds.

Must knows: Build in free time. There’s so much to wander and explore!

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Spain page.