The Most Popular Fall Destinations in Spain

Just because summer is officially over, doesn’t mean the good times end there. While it’s the preferred time to travel for many and the peak European season, other seasons like the fall have plenty to offer in countries like Spain. The peak summer months can be unbearably hot and humid with hoards of tourists descending upon Barcelona and every grain of sand on offer on the Spanish coastline. 

The fall, however, tends to be a bit quieter, as the transition from summer to winter begins. The leaves start changing color, the wine harvest is in full swing, temperatures cool, and seasonal delicacies like mushrooms and chestnuts flourish. Along with lower accommodation prices, it really is a magical time of the year. 

Spain also has a very varied climate and topography and as a result, the weather conditions differ in each region. I’ve selected a list of some of the most popular fall destinations in the country that you might want to consider for you next trip. 

Let’s take a look!

1. Benidorm

The city of Benidorm, known for its beaches, hotels, and skyscrapers, is located on the east coast of Spain and forms part of Costa Blanca. Previously a small fishing village, Benidorm is now a popular seaside city for many British holiday makers as it’s a mere 2-hour flight away. 

While summer is beautifully hot and sunny, it’s incredibly busy about which can be rather unpleasant. The fall, however, still boasts great weather, albeit a bit cooler. It’s a great time of year for getting that dose of vitamin D just without the nasty sunburn and dreaded crowds. Two of the city’s most popular beaches Levante and Poniente are amongst the top attractions along with its bustling nightlife and great food. 

2. Malaga

The city of Malaga is found on the Costa del Sol coastline, in the Andalucia region of Spain. While it’s another one of Spain’s popular summertime destinations for sunseekers and beachgoers, there’s more to the city than meets the eye. Malaga is probably best known as the home of the world-famous artist Pablo Picasso as well as its incredible art culture that comes as no surprise.

With moderate temperatures and thinner crowds, fall in Malaga is the perfect time to explore the local historical buildings and museums. Some of the best museums in the entire country can be found here – a mere stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea. 

3. Nerja

Nerja is a resort town that is found on the Costa del Sol, along with Malaga. Now, many people will try decided which of the two to visit during a trip to Spain and the answer is simple. If you wish to have a more bustling vibe with nightlife and bars, then Malaga is the place for you. Nerja has a much more relaxed vibe about it with stunning architecture, white sand beaches, and rugged mountains in the background.

The fall months in Nerja provide the perfect opportunity to explore the natural beauty that is on offer in the region. With cooler temperatures and less crowds, walking along the Rio Chillar is one of the favorite activities. There are even coastal caves to discover that house stalactites that seem ready to pounce at any minute.

4. Benalmádena

Benalmádena is a town that is found on the southern stretches of the Costa del Sol. Much like the rest of the Costa del Sol, Benalmádena sports some pretty amazing beaches and is a popular summertime venue for holiday makers. However, there’s a lot more to the town than its beaches with some rather interesting places of interest to visit.

Fall is one of the best times to check out the sites such as the Castillo Monumento Colomares and the Benalmádena Stupa. The former being a monument dedicated to Christopher Colombus and the latter a 33-metre-tall Buddhist temple. The Tivoli World theme park and Puerto Marina are also some of the popular attractions along with the Benalmádena Cable Car. The cable car provides unparalled views of the town and surrounds once you reach the top at Monte Calamorro.

5. Marbella

Sticking to the Costa del Sol, Marbella is arguably one of the most popular holiday destinations in the entire country. The city really does seem to have it all, from pristine white sand beaches, marinas full of beautiful yachts, and lively nightclubs, to incredible architecture, museums, and art galleries. 

While summertime is the favorite time to visit Marbella for its great weather, beaches, and nightlife, be prepared for masses upon masses of holiday makers with the same idea as you. Fall on the other hand still boasts amazing weather as the name would suggest – Costa del Sol means “the coast of sun” and sun you shall get. The only difference is that there are less crowds, accommodation is cheaper, and the weather is milder – a win-win in my opinion. 

6. Alicante

The city of Alicante is found in the southeastern corner of Costa Blanca in the Alicante province. It is a rather charismatic city with a wide range on offer, from amazing beaches and nightlife to impressive cultural sites and museums. Alicante is a city that is steeped in culture, history, and heritage and no trip to Spain is complete without visiting it.

Once again, summer reigns supreme down in this corner of the Costa Blanca but don’t worry, fall is just as great. With so many cultural sites and museums to visit, the blistering summer heat is less important. Come to think of it, it’s actually welcomed as you cruise the streets exploring museums like the MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum or make the steep ascent up to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

7. Palma de Mallorca

Last but not least is Palma de Mallorca – one of the most well-known and popular cities in the Balearics. Not only is Mallorca one of the most historic islands in the country, but it’s capital, Palma, boasts an iconic nightlife, pristine beaches, and very much liberal and open-minded lifestyle.

Again, Palma is the place to be in summertime but don’t let that overshadow seasons like the fall. It’s much more moderate weather-wise with less crowds. This makes it the perfect time for exploring the local sites such as the Gothic Santa María cathedral, the Almudaina Arab fortress, or the Bellver Castle. 

Final Words

Right, that brings us to the end of the most popular fall destinations in Spain. I hope that you find this list helpful when you’re deciding where to head outside of the bustling summer months. Don’t forget to book yourself an epic place to stay during you time in Spain. Go on, you deserve it! 

Safe travels!