December in Seville is winter, but not as you recognise it. There’s no frost on the ground, no breath clouding in the air, just a mellow sun casting long shadows of marble columns over Moorish courtyards. Temperatures linger in the high teens – warm enough for al fresco tapas and sangria-sipping, cool enough for a light jacket and pleasant ambles through the maze-like streets of Santa Cruz. The summer’s intensity, with its sweltering heat and bustling crowds, has long since passed, replaced by a calmer, slower atmosphere soundtracked by residents’ sighs of relief. The scent of orange trees still clings to the air, and the low winter light makes Seville’s sandstone glow like caramel. Stroll the gardens of the Royal Alcázar of Seville without the crowds, sample dry manzanilla wine on a tranquil terrace, and immerse yourself in the festive spirit as the southern Spanish do best. Nativity scenes fill the corners of town squares, gift shops swap summery knick-knacks for wholesome trinkets, and Christmas markets take over from food markets as some of the city’s most delicious spots.
Where to stay: Ocean Drive’s striking, modern design mixes Mediterranean with Mudejar, resulting in an uber-sleek place to bed down in the main square of the Encarnación neighbourhood. Casa Palacio Don Ramón, meanwhile, offers a taste of tradition in the centre of the Old Town just a short stroll from the shopping strip of Calle Sierpe. Our guide to the fanciest hotels in Seville is the only guide you need.
The Algarve, Portugal
Average high December temperature: 17°C
Average low December temperature: 10°C
Average December sunshine hours: 7.5
Average December rainfall: 94mm
17°C might be a little too chilly for sunbathing and sea swimming (although if you’re feeling brave, who are we to tell you otherwise?). However, December is a great time to visit this southern part of Portugal. The days are dry and sunny, and temperatures are a good 9°C warmer than in the UK, making this a great time to take on some of the region’s wonderful hiking trails or explore some of the cute little towns without the summer crowds. It’s worth noting that many people visit for Christmas and New Year’s, so tourist numbers will pick up around the festive season – although this also means more restaurants and bars are open, and the atmosphere is a little livelier.
