Where to go in Spain after Summer: 4 Destinations to Visit
Updated: 2 days ago
Spain has a bit of a reputation for being a summer-only destination. Sun, beaches, sangria and busy resorts are what usually spring to mind when people start thinking about a trip to Spain.
But once August is over, Spain doesn't suddenly shut down.
In fact, for many travellers, September and October can be some of the best months to visit. The intense summer heat begins to ease, the busiest resorts start to quieten down and cities become much more enjoyable to explore on foot.
So, if you're looking for somewhere to go in Spain after summer, where should you actually consider?
We've picked four destinations that offer something completely different.
Madrid is a city that works throughout the year, but there's something particularly appealing about visiting once the height of summer has passed.
The temperatures become much more comfortable for exploring the city on foot, whether you're wandering through the streets of the historic centre, spending an afternoon in the Prado or taking a break in El Retiro.
Autumn also brings the city's cultural calendar back to life, with exhibitions, performances and events taking place across the capital.
And then there's the food.
Madrid is one of those cities where you can quite happily build an entire day around eating. (we know from experience!) Start with coffee and something sweet, spend the afternoon moving between neighbourhoods and markets, then settle down for tapas and drinks in the evening.
It's also a good time of year simply to enjoy Madrid as a city rather than treating it as a checklist of attractions. Sit on a terrace, explore a neighbourhood you've never heard of, stop in a traditional bar or spend an hour in a park without worrying about rushing on to the next sight.
Best for: Culture, food, nightlife and first-time visitors
How long: 3 - 4 days
Seville in August is not for everyone.
The city is famous for its heat and during the height of summer, temperatures can make sightseeing feel like hard work (Again, we have learnt this through experience!) . Once September arrives, however, things begin to slowly change.
You can still get the warmth and atmosphere that make Seville such a popular destination, but exploring the city becomes considerably more appealing when you're not trying to avoid the midday sun.
Plaza de España 
Alcázar 
Puente Isabel II
There's plenty to keep you occupied, from the Alcázar and Seville Cathedral to the narrow streets of Santa Cruz, the Plaza de España and the gardens of María Luisa.
Seville is also a great base for exploring more of Andalucía. One of the easiest day trips is Cádiz, around an hour and a half away, where you can swap Seville's historic streets for beaches, fresh seafood and the winding streets of one of Spain's oldest cities.
And don't underestimate how much difference the weather makes to a city like Seville. When you're comfortable walking around for hours, you see far more of it.
Best for: Architecture, food, atmosphere and a warmer city break
How long: 3 - 5 days
Planning a trip to Seville?
Our Seville Travel Toolkit gives you everything you need to plan your trip in one place from where to stay and what to see to our recommendations for making the most of your time in the city.
Murcia probably isn't the first Spanish city that comes to mind when you think about a city break.
That's precisely why we think it's worth considering.
The regional capital remains one of Spain's more under-the-radar destinations, despite having everything you'd expect from a good Spanish city break: historic streets and plazas, plenty of restaurants and tapas bars, impressive architecture, museums, gardens and a relaxed pace of life.
It's also a particularly good option if you want sunshine without automatically heading for one of Spain's better-known tourist destinations.
The wider region gives you even more options. You can combine time in the city with trips towards the coast, explore Cartagena or head out into the countryside and vineyards.
Murcia isn't necessarily somewhere we'd recommend if you want to tick off a long list of famous landmarks. It's somewhere to slow down, eat well and experience a different yet incredible side of Spain.
Best for: Food, sunshine, value and somewhere different
How long: 2–3 days
Bar Los Zagales 
Murcia Cathedral 
Murcia Market during feria
If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, the Canary Islands are an obvious choice. With year-round sunshine, they offer something that much of mainland Spain can't always promise once autumn arrives.
But the islands aren't all the same. Fuerteventura is the place to go for stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes and a slower pace, while Lanzarote combines volcanic scenery with beaches, food and plenty of character. Gran Canaria offers a bit of everything from lively resorts to mountains, villages and some great road-trip opportunities.
September and October can be a particularly good time to visit, with warm temperatures and the summer period starting to ease. If you're looking for somewhere to properly switch off rather than fill every hour with sightseeing, the Canary Islands make a pretty compelling case.
Our Fuerteventura Travel Toolkit is packed with practical advice and recommendations to help you plan your trip, from choosing the right area to stay to finding the restaurants and experiences that are actually worth your time.
Best for: Sunshine, beaches and relaxation
How long: 5 - 7 days
Gran Canaria 
Morro Jable, Fuerteventura 
Betancuria, Fuerteventura
Don't just visit Spain. Make the most of it.
Whether you're planning a long weekend in Madrid, a few days in Seville or a slower escape along the Costa Cálida, the difference between a good trip and a great one is often in the planning.
That's where our MakeTheMost service comes in.
Our MakeTheMost personalised travel planning service is designed for people who don't want a generic package holiday or a copy-and-paste itinerary. We create personalised travel plans based around you! Your interests, your pace, your budget and what you actually want to get out of your trip.
So, where should you visit in Spain after summer?
There isn't really one right answer. That's the point.
Spain after summer can mean a completely different type of holiday depending on what you're looking for and these aren't the only options.
The biggest mistake is thinking that Spain is a destination you have to visit in July or August.
Sometimes, the best time to go is when everyone else has gone home.
Here's some additional information that might help you to plan your trip to Spain
How do I get to Spain after the summer?
Spain is one of the easiest countries to access by air from the UK, with very frequent direct flights from many major cities around the UK. The flight time from the UK varies, depending which part of Spain you're flying to, but is normally around 2 to 3 hours. You may think that after the peak summer travel period, flights would be less regular, but they're still available daily from most UK airports. You can use Trip.com to help you find cheap flights to different Spanish destinations.
How do I find accomodation in Spain after the summer is over?
There is a huge amount of choice for accommodation options in Spain, and after the summer is over you may find that the prices come down a lot due to decreased demand.
First, choose your destination, then start your search on a popular booking platform such as booking.com. Make sure to check the location is close enough to the things you want to see and do and in an area that looks appealing to your group, and always check reviews!
Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Spain?
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Spain for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Spain?
The currency of Spain is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't.
What languages are spoken in Spain?
The official language of Spain is Spanish, but English is spoken in many major cities and holiday destinations. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
