Dreaming of uncovering Spain without sweltering summer temperatures and tourist-filled streets? Your holiday in Spain guide to two of the best places to soak up some Spanish sun, minus the heat, in shoulder season is here.
Spain in summer can be, well… a bit much. The crowds, the blazing heat, the queues for a table at that one tapas place everyone’s posting on Instagram, not exactly the peaceful foodie escape you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re someone who likes your sangria chilled, not your entire holiday, there’s good news: Shoulder season in Spain is where it’s at.
This article has dug into the numbers, including average high temperature, UV index and that all-important humidity discomfort, to find the top Spanish shoulder season destinations, based on weather data. And two cities stood out, really, from March through June: Valencia and Castellón de la Plana. So, if you’re planning your next Spanish food vacation, Spain-Holiday.com have ranked the top Spanish shoulder season spots, based on weather data. This is why these two coastal cities should be number one on your list.
Why shoulder season, specifically?
First things first. So, what is shoulder season, then? It’s the pleasant middle ground between low season and high season visitors, spring and early autumn, essentially. In Spain, it means fewer tourists, better prices and, crucially, weather that’s warm but not cripplingly hot.
Between March and June and between September and October, most of Spain enjoys warm weather, perpetual sunshine and lower humidity. It’s perfect for walking down old streets, soaking up the sun with a glass of vermouth or gobbling down fresh seafood without worrying about stumbling over a pool of your own perspiration.
Valencia: Sun, sea and seriously good paella
Valencia isn’t exactly under-the-radar, but in shoulder season, it feels like you’ve got the best of it without battling the peak-season crowds. Sitting pretty on Spain’s southeastern coast, it topped the weather charts for the March-June shoulder season, averaging comfortably warm days with low humidity and a very tolerable UV index.
But when the weather is good, Valencia is a heaven for food lovers. This, remember, is the birthplace of paella. And yes, you will find it on every menu, but to find the real thing, go to Albufera, a local natural park hugged by old-fashioned paella restaurants that were serving rice dishes long before the dish became trendy.
In town, the Mercado Central is a sensory overload in the best way possible. Grab a few bites, jamón ibérico, salty olives, maybe some fresh figs, and settle into one of the surrounding bars with a glass of local wine or horchata if you’re keeping it non-alcoholic (but still very Valencian).
When you don’t feel like eating, Valencia gives you plenty of space to get around, from the City of Arts and Sciences’ high-tech style to the relaxed beaches that follow the contours of the coast. And let’s not neglect the cycling enthusiasm of the city, with a grid of bike lanes, you can cycle from parkland to port without breaking a sweat.
Castellón de la Plana: The humble seaside gem
Just an hour’s drive north of Valencia, Castellón de la Plana is the sort of town you visit and then find yourself insisting to all your friends, “You have to go before it becomes fashionable.” It’s the humble cousin of more stylish seaside towns, and that’s exactly why it is so lovable.
It ranks second in the March-June weather data table, and for good reason, it’s just warm enough to get that golden glow, but not so hot you’re hiding in the shade all day. The UV is lower, humidity’s manageable and the pace of life? Absolutely perfect for long lunches and lazy dinners.
The food scene here is refreshingly local. It’s the kind of restaurant where menus are still handwritten and the day’s special is what the fisherman brought ashore that morning. Have a plate of arroz a banda (an aromatic rice pilaf cooked in fish broth) or tombet, a Valencian ratatouille. And be sure to ask for a glass of vino de la tierra, wines from the surrounding region are often surprisingly good and far cheaper than what you’ll find in the big cities.
Grao de Castellón, the port district of the city, contains some great seafood restaurants and beachy drink bars. It’s also where the locals go for a Sunday aperitivo, which can drift on into dinner if you’re doing it the right way. If you want to stroll, the Ribalta Park in the city centre is shaded and old-fashioned, with palm tree-lined walkways and decorative gardens.
If Spain is on your radar for a long-term stay or extended adventure, be sure to check out our guide to expat travel in Spain. It’s packed with practical tips and insider insights to help you settle in and make the most of your experience abroad.
Shoulder season travel tips
- Book your lodgings ahead. Shoulder season is getting popular, so the best places still get booked up although not busy.
- Pack layers. It’s not cold, but evenings can be cool. A light coat should suffice.
- Have lunch as your principal meal. As in most Spanish villages, Valencia and Castellón restaurants have large portions for lunch. Get used to having large helpings and menus del día (set menus) at a cheap price.
Warm days, cold drinks and no crowds? Yes please.
Spain is never a bad idea, but visiting during the shoulder season makes it a good one, particularly if food and drink are your thing. Valencia and Castellón de la Plana are standouts during these periods, with their golden sunlight, crisp sea air and a gastronomic scene that sings all the right notes without the madness of high season.
So, give up the hot and humid city weekends and check yourself in at one of these under-whelming gems’ summary bars. Your future self, lounging with a glass of white wine and ripping through a plate of marinated anchovies, will thank you.
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