Although Valencia is famous for its sunshine and mild climate, winter has its own charm and offers activities that are truly ours. When temperatures drop, Valencians swap the beach for the mountains, shared meals, and gentle strolls for nature and charming inland villages. Here are some of our favourites:
1) Enjoying a calçotada (and where to eat calçots)
The calçotada is one of the winter’s culinary highlights. Although it originates from Valls (Tarragona), the tradition has spread strongly to the Valencian Community. It involves roasting calçots a type of tender spring onion) directly over vine cuttings or wood fire. They are eaten with your hands, peeling off the burnt outer layer and dipping them in romesco or salvitxada sauce.. The ritual is usually completed with grilled meat, bread, wine or cava.
What to do: rather with friends or family around the fire, roast the calçots, and enjoy a long, leisurely meal.
How / where:
- In country houses or chalets inland dalencia, it’s very common for families and friends to organise homemade calçotadas.
- If this isn’t an option, or you prefer a restaurant, some local restaurants offer calçotada menus between January and March. These are usually places specialising in traditional cuisine or grilled dishes. Some of our favourites include:
- La Taula de Paula in Valencia city
- Bergamonte in Pobla de Farnals
- Asador Mayor in Manises
2) Skiing in Valdelinares
For Valencians, Valdelinares is the closest snow getaway. Located in the province of Teruel, it is the nearest ski resort to Valencia, just an hour and a half by car.
What to do: alpine skiing, snowboarding, sledging for children, and enjoying the mountain atmosphere. It’s ideal for beginners and families alike.
How to get there: about 1.5 hours by car from Valencia, passing through Teruel. It’s a typical day trip or weekend escape. If you don’t have a car, buses run from Valencia throughout the season, with tickets covering the round trip. You can also add ski passes, equipment rental, and lessons.
Why it’s popular: proximity, more affordable prices, and the chance to see snow and ski without a long journey.
3) Skiing in the Pyrenees
When we have more time or are after longer slopes and spectacular scenery, many Valencians head for the Pyrenees.
What to do: alpine skiing and snowboarding at resorts such as Andorra, Baqueira-Beret, Formigal or Cerler. Beyond skiing, you can enjoy mountain villages, hearty local cuisine, and après-ski.
How to get there:
- By car, it’s a long journey (6 hours or more, depending on the destination).
- If you don’t have a car, you can try Blablacar, or combine train to Lleida or Barcelona with a bus.
When to go: the season usually runs from December until the end of March, sometimes April, depending on snow conditions. The most dedicated Valencian skiers often escape for the weekend whenever the forecast is good, making the most of every minute on the slopes. For a fuller experience, several days are recommended.
4) Visiting charming inland villages
In winter, many Valencians take the chance to explore historic villages in the mountains and enjoy traditional mountain cuisine.
What to do: stroll through historic centres, enjoy hearty dishes (stews, Manchego gazpacho, cured meats and grilled meat), visit castles, and soak up the rural atmosphere.
Our seven favourite villages: Morella, Bocairent, Guadalest, Culla, Albarracín, Rubielos de Mora, Mora de Rubielos (and yes, that’s not a joke—they really are called that!).
How to get there: by car, journeys take between 1 and 2 hours from Valencia.
Origin: a tradition linked to rural tourism and the search for cold weather, fireplaces, and hearty inland cuisine.
5) Christmas in Valencia
During the festive season, the city fills with lights and Christmas markets. You can read more in this blog about Spanish traditions at this time of year.
In short, winter in Valencia is spent between the table, the mountains, and nature. We don’t have harsh winters, but we do have a variety of activities that combine tradition, short getaways, and landscapes that are worth discovering at a relaxed pace.