November is one of the quietest months to visit Spain, but that’s because most people don’t know what we know: that it’s also an awesome month to visit! November is deep in the off-season, meaning low, low prices, barely any crowds, and oh so much to see and do.
Thanks to the fantastic diversity of this country’s landscapes and climate, you can still be sunbathing in some areas while hitting the ski slopes in others. The festival calendar is as full as ever, and the lack of other people makes exploring even the most popular attractions a tranquil experience. And did we mention the food festivals? There are just so many opportunities to eat and drink interesting things!
So, if you’re on the fence about a late autumn holiday, read on! We’re about to reveal the secrets of this season and tell you the top 10 things to see and do in Spain in November.
- A time for remembrance
- Whale tales
- All that jazz
- Better off alone
- Summit fever
- Sherry, brandy, wine, oh my!
- Gorge-ous
- First lifts
- Fun with fungi
- ‘Tis (almost) the season
First things first: What’s the weather doing?
As November arrives, Spain transitions from long, hot, sunny days to a cooler, cloudier climate with an increased likelihood of storms and rains. This marks the beginning of the wettest season, which lasts until February, with November being one of the rainiest months. However, as always, conditions vary depending on where you are in the country.
The north gets pretty chilly in November, with cities like Bilbao and San Sebastian seeing average high temperatures of around 17°C and average lows of 9°C. It can also get quite wet, as this area gets around 15 days of rain in November. In addition, the northern Atlantic Coast is the first to be battered by storms, which is good news for surfers but not ideal for beach holidays.
If you don’t mind the chill but prefer to stay dry, consider Madrid. The capital city, known for its scorching summers, offers cold but dry winters with average highs of 13°C, lows of 6°C and very little rainfall.
Holiday favourites such as Barcelona, the Costa Brava, and the Balearic Islands become a little too cool for beach holidays. Although, with highs of around 19°C and eight hours of sunshine most days, it’s still possible to enjoy outdoor activities and sit at beach cafes and bars. And unlike Madrid and the north, the evenings can still be pleasant at an average of 12°C.
The beaches of Andalucía are a little warmer, with 20°C days, but if you want a proper beach holiday, it has to be the Canary Islands for 23°C days, only five rainy days in the month and around 11 hours of daylight.
A time for remembrance
The rest of the Western world might make a huge fuss about Halloween, but in Spain, it’s all about the next day. November 1st is All Saints’ Day, a national holiday with its roots deep in Spanish history and tradition. It is the day when people honour the saints and remember deceased friends and relatives. They do this by visiting cemeteries to lay candles and fresh flowers on the graves of their loved ones and attending special masses and services throughout the day.
While this may sound like a solemn occasion, it’s actually a surprisingly lively one. Roads around cemeteries fill up with traffic and visitors, and the pavements and squares are lined with flower sellers, adding bright splashes of colour to the proceedings. Many towns and cities also mark the day with street fairs and festivals complete with music, dancing, and candlelight processions, turning the day into a celebration.
It’s a beautiful event to witness and also a chance to eat some delicious treats. All Saints’ Day, especially in the North, comes with a tradition of eating roasted chestnuts. In Catalonia, it’s all about panellets almond cakes, while elsewhere, you’ll find buñuelos de viento, doughnuts filled with cream or chocolate, and Huesos de Santo, which, despite the ominous name of saint’s bones, are sweet tubes made of marzipan.
Festivities happen nationwide, however, one of the best places to experience this Spanish tradition is in Cadiz, where the All Saints’ events have become a full-scale festival.
Want to experience the colourful wonder of All Saint’s Day in Spain? Book accommodation in Cadiz now to be close to the festivities.
Whale tales
November marks the beginning of whale-watching season in the Canary Islands! While pilot whales and dolphins can be spotted around the Canaries throughout the year, the winter months offer the opportunity to see a variety of other species. These include humpbacks, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, and magnificent blue whales as they travel from cold arctic waters to warmer equatorial climes for the winter months.
This spectacle is a must for wildlife lovers, but you’re unlikely to see any of these majestic creatures from the islands’ shores, so you’ll need to hop aboard a whale-watching tour boat. These tours are run by knowledgeable guides who know the most likely spots to see these magnificent creatures breaching and splashing on their journeys. The guides can also educate you on the reasons behind the whales’ migration and identify the other marine life you might see along the way.
Can’t make it to the Canary Islands in November? Don’t worry. The whale-watching season continues until February. And if you miss that, plan a summer trip to Tarifa, when you can witness the equally thrilling spectacle of orcas chasing migrating bluefin tuna through the straits of Gibraltar!
Fancy spotting some whales? As the busiest tourist island, Tenerife has the widest choice of whale-watching trips, but Lanzarote and La Gomera are also popular choices. Book accommodation in the Canary Islands now, and don’t forget your binoculars!
All that jazz
Spain’s festival calendar is once again brimming with eclectic events, and this month is simply heaven for jazz lovers and film buffs. Here are some of the best festivals in November in Spain:
- Cinephiles, listen up because you’re about to be spoiled for choice! There is the highly respected Gijón International Film Festival, the Seville Film Festival of European Cinema, and the Girona Film Festival, an international event with categories for all film genres. Fans of short films should head to Alcala de Henares in Madrid for the Alcine Film Festival, while Barcelona’s Independent Film Festival showcases films with ‘an aesthetic flair and an ethical streak’.
- Jazz fiends get ready because jazz festivals are happening up and down the country. Head to the Barcelona Jazz Festival, where you’ll find concerts for all budgets, including free gigs and workshops. Jazz Madrid takes over all corners of the capital with over 70 concerts and 200+ events showcasing stars of the genre, established artists and emerging talent. A smaller but no less enjoyable event is the week-long Granada Jazz Festival, which sees concerts happening in venues across the city, including the splendid Teatro Isabel la Católica.
- Not into film or jazz? How about horses? In November, Madrid hosts the country’s largest and most important equestrian event with Madrid Horse Week. These three days of eventing competitions attract over 45,000 visitors to watch 300+ horses and their humans showcase their talent and skills and compete for over half a million euros in prize money!
- November 11th marks the Feast of Saint Martin, a day celebrated with traditional music, dancing, food, wine and revelry across the country. The celebrations are most notable in Aller, Asturias, where they combine Saint Martins Day with the Fiesta de los Humanitarios. This folklore festival features parades of dancers in traditional Asturian costumes accompanied by bagpipers and concludes with a feast of the region’s traditional dishes. The menu includes Fabada Asturian, bean stew, and panchón, a simple yet delicious dessert of spelt bread crumbled and fried with butter and sugar or honey.
If you fancy attending one or more of these festivals, book your accommodation ahead of time to ensure you’re in the best place possible to enjoy the festivities.
Better off alone
November is one of the quietest months to visit Spain and, therefore, one of the best months to visit the country’s busiest tourist attractions.
For example, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, is one of the most visited attractions in Spain. It sees an average of 15,000 visitors per day, and in peak season, you can queue up to two hours just to buy your ticket. Visitors in November wait only a fraction of that time.
Gaudi’s other works in Barcelona, such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (Casa Mila), also draw crazy queues during peak season, as does The Picasso Museum, which can also run out of tickets before closing time.
Some of Madrid’s busiest places are its famous plazas, and while you never have to queue for the pleasure of strolling through the squares, seeing them devoid of the thousands that fill them in peak season is preferable. It also means you can wander between the main attractions on The Plaza de Oriente – The Royal Theater, the Almudena Cathedral and the Royal Palace – without queueing at each one. And in Plaza Mayor, it’s easier to get a seat at your favourite cafe or linger over lunch without feeling rushed.
Elsewhere in Spain, visiting Granada’s Alhambra in the off-peak season is highly recommended. The magnificent palace and gardens were built to inspire serenity, which is far easier to appreciate without the crowds. The same can be said for other super popular sights such as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, whose endless arches and columns are far easier to appreciate without groups of people milling amongst them. In Seville, the Alcázar’s architecture is also best appreciated when empty (or emptier, at least), and the fantastic views from the bell tower of La Giralda are all the sweeter if you didn’t stand for hours in a queue to see them.
Do you fancy feeling smug as you wander around Spain’s best-loved sights without jostling for position? Find your ideal accommodation now, then buy your tickets in advance online to avoid even any hint of a queue!
Summit fever
Enjoying some winter sun in the Canaries but want to take a break from the beaches? Why not hike the tallest mountain in Spain?
Mount Teide is known as the ‘Guardian of Tenerife’, and it’s easy to see why. This 3,718-meter volcano stands proud over its island as the highest point in Spain. It’s also the third tallest volcano in the world and is surrounded by the UNESCO heritage-listed Teide National Park, a place of surreal landscapes and fascinating biodiversity.
November is an excellent time to tackle Mount Tiede. The scorching heat of summer has relented, but the winter snows are not yet dusting the peaks. And don’t worry if you’re not up to the full climb; there are several ways to enjoy this majestic mountain and national park — some far easier than others!
First, you could spend a day hiking in the foothills through the park. Stop off at one of the interpretive centres to learn about the park’s unique geological makeup, then keep an eye out for darting Tenerife lizards and geckos as you hike.
If you’re up for tackling the full climb, one of the most popular routes is the Montaña Blanca trail. It is around nine kilometres long and takes roughly seven hours to complete. It is quite challenging in places, but you can go with a guide if you don’t fancy tackling it alone.
Don’t fancy hiking at all? No worries. Why not take a 4×4 tour through the rugged, russet-coloured landscapes and arrive at the peak without breaking a sweat? Alternatively, hop aboard the Teide Cable Car. The base station is at 2,356m and can be easily reached by car or tour bus. Then, you’ll be whisked up to 3,555m in around 8 minutes, enjoying stunning views along the way.
However you choose to reach the top of this mountain, be aware that the last section of the route – the crater peak – is restricted, and a permit is required to access it. This is to reduce environmental impact on the peak. You can get a permit online via the official booking form. However, because places are so limited, you do need to book in advance – often two to three months ahead (another reason why November is better than peak season). An easier way to do it is to book an organised tour that organises the permit for you.
If you can’t get a permit or don’t want to be bothered with the stress, don’t worry. From the top of the cable car, there are several different walks you can take without a permit, ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, leading to viewpoints overlooking the lava fields and surrounding islands. The views are spectacular and well worth the trip whether you make it up to that last peak or not.
Fancy tackling Spain’s tallest mountain? Book accommodation in Tenerife now, then pick your route based on your energy levels!
Sherry, brandy, wine, oh my!
November is another month with so many food and drink festivals that we had to give them their own section! Check out these must-visit events showcasing flavours guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds:
- International Sherry Week: In the first week of November this global celebration of sherry takes place in countries around the world. But, of course, the best place to enjoy it is in the town that invented sherry, Jerez de la Frontera, in Andalucía. Enjoy a week-long celebration of all things sherry, including tastings, pairings, and demonstrations. Visit the vineyards surrounding the town to watch the sherry-making process and sample the newly made sherries fresh from the vineyards.
- November is the start of Calçots season in Catalonia. These long green onions are a firm favourite, and though they get better later in the winter, there is much celebration when their season starts. The onions are grilled over an open fire, then peeled and dipped in a traditional Romesco sauce. Eating them is a messy process that often requires a bib, but it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
- San Andrés Festival, Tenerife: This vibrant wine festival is held in the last week of November to celebrate the annual grape harvest and sample the new year’s wines. It’s a loud and lively event that features several wacky celebrations, including Los Cacharros or ‘the clutter’ when pots and pans are banged and tin cans are dragged down the street for maximum noise. It’s also a chance to enjoy roasted chestnuts, grilled seafood and and other delicacies of the island.
- Las Jornadas del Olivar y el Aceite festival: As the wine harvest season comes to an end, we enter the olive harvest season! Head to Baena in Andalucía for a celebration of the region’s freshly pressed olive oils – some of the best in the world. Expect demonstrations of the pressing process and plenty of samples. And, since you can’t possibly sample olive oil on its own, there’s locally made bread, cheese, Andalucía’s famous Jamon cured ham, and many more delicious tidbits just waiting to be drizzled with the oil.
- Festival of Orujo: In the second weekend of November, head into the peaks of Picos de Europa to the small town of Potes, Cantabria. There, you can celebrate the potent spirit Orujo, made from the grape skins and pulp left over from wine production. Visitors can watch the distillation process and enjoy traditional food, music and folk dancing. And, of course, sample the Orujo, but go easy — this clear spirit is over 50% proof!
Fancy sampling some of these unique Spanish flavours? Pick your favourite festival (or two) and book accommodation nearby so you don’t have to walk too far on a full stomach!
Gorge-ous
In October, we recommended exploring Andalucía’s many beautiful hill towns. But if you only have time to visit one, go for the dramatically positioned Ronda.
This fascinating village sits over 700m above sea level, perched on a cliff edge on either side of the Tajo Gorge. The most famous sight is the Puente Nuevo Bridge, which straddles the crevasse, connecting the two halves of the town. The stone bridge was completed in the late 1700s and is spectacular from all angles. A popular activity is to hike down into the Tajo Gorge and enjoy views of the bridge from below. But if you don’t fancy the hike, don’t worry; there are excellent viewpoints within the town. Check out the Mirador de Aldehuela for a close-up view of the bridge or the viewpoint at Calle Juan José de Puya for beautiful views of the old town walls and bridge.
But the bridge is not the only attraction; far from it. On the south side of the river, you’ll find La Ciudad, the historic centre built in the years of Moorish rule and characterised by beautiful Islamic architecture, white houses, and hidden squares. Be sure to visit the Arab Baths – one of the best-preserved examples of these in Spain – and La Iglesia de Santa Maria La Mayor, a 13th-century mosque later converted into a church.
Across the river is the New Town (‘new’ being the 15th century), an endlessly picturesque collection of pretty buildings, excellent restaurants, niche museums and the famous bull ring. The Plaza de Toros bullring is one of Ronda’s most recognisable landmarks and a fantastic place to visit whether you approve of the fights or not. The attached museum rivals Madrid’s Bullfighting Museum for a way to explore the controversial topic without witnessing an actual bullfight.
Fancy exploring Ronda? Book accommodation in the beautiful town now, or consider staying in Malaga, located just 100km away and the ideal base for a self-drive or organised day trip to this stunning spot.
First lifts
It’s wild that the same country still offering you sunbathing weather in some areas is opening its ski resorts in others, but that’s what’s happening in Spain in November.
Spain is home to over 30 ski resorts, and while most will wait until December to open, some of the larger resorts, those with the highest elevations and snow-sure slopes, plan to open in mid-late November (snow pending). So, if you fancy getting in an early season ski holiday, check out these resorts planning to open early in 2024:
- Baqueira-Beret in the Catalan Pyrenees is one of the country’s largest resorts. Its highest lift elevation is 2,610m.
- Masella is conveniently located only 90 minutes from Barcelona.
- Cerler and Formigal are two of the five resorts that make up the huge Aramon ski area.
Weather let you down? Don’t worry; Snozone Madrid is the largest indoor snow-dome in Europe, where you can hit the slopes all year round! Ok, it’s not the same as the real slopes but it might keep you going until winter arrives for real.
Fancy being the first one on those ski lifts? Check out ski resort accommodations now, then wax those snowboards, edge those skis and get ready to hit the slopes!
Fun with fungi
Want to do something a little different on your Spanish holiday? How about a little mushroom foraging? The region of Catalonia takes its mushrooms seriously, and in November, you’ll see the locals taking to the countryside in droves, wicker baskets at the ready, to partake in this national pastime. Visitors are welcome to join in and are sure to have a memorable experience.
The autumn rains bring the mushrooms out in force, and thanks to its mountainous, forested, and riverside landscapes, Catalonia offers the ideal growing conditions. Many varieties of mushrooms sprout in this fertile land, including Caesar’s mushroom, chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and black trumpets.
Of course, it’s unwise to wander out into the fields and eat anything you come across; that’s a dangerous – and possibly trippy – way to live. Instead, we highly recommend joining a mushroom foraging tour. Then, you’ll get the benefit of a knowledgeable guide who can take you to the best mushroom hunting spots, point out which mushrooms are safe to eat, and teach you how to harvest sustainably. They can also educate you on the origins of this tradition, which has been passed down from generation to generation for many years.
Another bonus of a guided tour is that it often comes with a cooking lesson. The instructor will teach you how to prepare the mushrooms and what dishes best highlight the earthy flavours of these prized Catalonian fungi.
If you can’t make it out into the forests, take a wander around your nearest market, and you’ll see an abundance of wild mushrooms for sale in the fall. And if you don’t fancy cooking, don’t worry, you’ll also find them popping up on the menus of Catalonian restaurants, by far the easiest way to enjoy this autumnal delicacy.
Fancy foraging for fungi? Check out accommodation in Catalonia now, then book a tour that suits you!
‘Tis (almost) the season
Spanish street markets are a joy at any time of the year, but there’s something about the late autumn and winter weather that makes strolling around them even more enjoyable. It might be the freshness of the air, the nights drawing in, or the newly harvested autumn produce appearing on the stalls. But something else that adds to the experience is when the markets start to take a festive turn.
In November you’ll start to see fairy lights and garlands adorning the stalls and an abundance of handcrafted gifts and souvenirs appearing. In addition to these changes in the regular markets, you’ll find dedicated Christmas markets getting an early start on the festive season. And, since December is a mini peak season in Spain, November is your chance to peruse these markets at leisure without worrying about crowds of other shoppers.
In Barcelona, check out the fantastic Mercat del Encants flea market to rummage for overlooked treasures. Then, at the end of the month, head to the Fira de Santa Llúcia for the city’s oldest Christmas market.
In Madrid, check out the famous El Rastro Sunday street market to hunt for vintage clothing, records and handmade goods, then head to the Plaza Mayor for the city’s biggest (and busiest) Christmas market.
In Valencia, browse the work of local artists at the Plaza Redonda, then shop for Christmas crafts and gifts at Feria de Artesanía in Plaza de la Reina, open from November 24th.
Fancy getting a jump start on your Christmas shopping or perusing the stalls for unique souvenirs? Look for accommodation in the country’s best market cities, Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, now, and make sure to leave some space in your luggage!
Top tips for travelling in Spain in November
Not sure how to prepare for your late autumn holiday? Here are a few top tips for a holiday in Spain in November to help you get prepared:
- All Saints Day, November 1st, is a national holiday. Many businesses and tours are closed, so plan ahead to avoid getting caught out. In addition, the roads can be busy the day before and after as people drive to visit family and flock to cemeteries and churches. Avoid travelling on those days if possible.
- The weather can be unpredictable in November, with chilly spells and rains often appearing out of the blue. Pack plenty of layers and take a bag with a sweater, jacket and umbrella when you head out for the day so you don’t get caught out.
- Although the weather might be decidedly more wintery, the Spanish sun still packs a punch, so if you’re doing outdoor activities, remember your sun cream.
- Many European countries have a half-term holiday that straddles the end of October / start of November. If you’re travelling without children, booking outside these dates will get you cheaper deals on flights and fewer crowds when you arrive.
- With an increase in stormy and wintery weather both in Spain and (probably) in your home country, the chances of flights getting delayed or even cancelled increases. There’s nothing you can do about the weather, but you can make sure your travel insurance covers you should your plans get derailed. Check the small print of both your insurance policy and the airline you’ve booked with to see what you’re entitled to.
So what do you think of our top 10 things to do in Spain in November?
Can you see yourself enjoying a holiday in Spain in November? Do you fancy sampling freshly pressed olive oil, foraging for mushrooms and tasting potent mountain spirits? Do you want to climb the world’s third tallest volcano, catch a jazz festival or go whale watching? Or is it all about the chance to catch some winter sun?
Whatever holiday vibe appeals to you, find your ideal accommodation in Spain now so you can enjoy an awesome autumnal holiday.
What about next month? Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Spain in December.
I am a huge fan of Spain and knew I would be before I’d ever set foot there. Any country where meals last for hours and afternoon naps are part of the culture is always going to be right up my street! And it did not disappoint. From beach holidays in the Canaries to working in the Balearics to road-tripping through the mainland and city breaks in the country’s urban hubs, I have returned again and again to Spain and will continue to do so for years to come.