Visiting Spain during the winter months is perfect for skiing holidays, Christmas getaways or the chance to explore a quieter Spain. Winters in Spain are generally cold and dry but always milder than winters in the European countries around them. This makes winter Spain the perfect place to explore during the darker, colder months but it does beg the question, what exactly should you pack? It’s not like the blazing summer months when shorts, flip flops and sun cream will do, the colder winter months need a bit more thought. Which is what we’re here for.
We’ve put together a list of the absolute essentials, everything you should have when you take your next trip to Spain in the winter.
The Essentials
Plug Travel Adaptor
Nothing worse than unpacking in your hotel room and realising none of your plugs fit the sockets. Spain use two pinned plugs so British three pinned ones will never fit. Spain operate on a 230V supply of electricity. This means if you’re coming from North America you’ll need an electrical converter to lower the voltage. If not, cheaper electrical goods might get fried by the higher voltage. A quick tip is to bring a multiple plug extension lead, stick your plug adaptor to the plug on this and hooray, you’ve got a couple of standard plugs you can use with only one adaptor.
Reusable water bottle
Most travellers tend to stick to single use plastic water bottles while they’re travelling. This is not only bad for the environment but also really inconvenient. Carrying a good quality reusable, preferably BPA free water bottle saves you time and energy while exploring. Plus, having water on you at all times will most likely help you stay more hydrated while out and about.
Compact Travel umbrella
Spain is generally dry in the winter but sudden showers can still happen. Carrying a convenient, small umbrella can save you getting drenched suddenly. If you hire a car, even just having one stowed in the boot can really save the day. These are luckily quite cheap too which is a bonus.
Mobile battery packs
Imagine coming across the most gorgeous view you’ve ever seen. Snow topped mountains with a bright winter sun slowly setting behind them, you go to your phone to take a picture and oh. The battery is dead. This is every traveller’s worst nightmare and can be easily avoided by bringing a good quality, high capacity battery pack with you. Not only will this help avoid missed moments but will also ensure you’ve always got a phone in case of emergencies.
The Essential Spanish Winter Wardrobe
Knowing what to wear in Spain during the summer is easy, this can be a bit trickier during the winter though. Northern and central Spain tend to get colder and wetter than southern Spain but in general, temperatures are manageable. With some preparation, you should be fine.
Comfortable shoes
Lots of Spanish streets are long and cobbled which makes strong, comfortable shoes a must. If you’re travelling in winter chances are you won’t be hitting the beach enough to warrant flip-flops. So you’ll be hitting these cobbled streets often so keep your feet happy and bring good walking shoes. Bonus points if these double as smart shoes for evening dinners.
Light jacket
Spain doesn’t usually get cold enough to warrant a huge coat, especially if you’re in southern Spain. This means that most of the time, a light, casual and comfortable jacket will be more than enough. This also gives you the chance to layer up if it does get a bit chilly.
Long sleeve shirts
While not super cold, you’ll definitely still want to wrap up. Packing long sleeve shirts is an easy way to give yourself options to stay warm or cool. If it’s chilly just have the sleeves down. If you get a bit warm and the sun comes out, roll the sleeves up for a casual look.
Comfortable jumpers
A comfortable jumper is the ultimate accessory in wintery Spain. While it won’t always be needed, it’s the perfect way to layer up if it get colder than you like. Jumpers are also quite flexible and you can wear them over a shirt and under your jacket for the ultimate in flexibility.
Long jeans and casual trousers
Spain in the summer is shorts all round. In winter though you’ll want to keep your legs covered to keep warm. Normal jeans and full length casual trousers should be more than enough to complement any outfit and keep you warm.
In general, long sleeved shirts, a couple of warm jumpers, jeans or casual trousers should be absolutely fine. If you’re in the UK imagine what you’d wear outside in late March. Make sure you’re always equipped with a light jacket, an umbrella and some dry, comfortable shoes and you’ll be fine.
Really helpful packing tips..Your way of explanation was great.. keep on making this kind of informative stuff..Thanks for posting this useful content.
Thanks for this. Always helpful.