Breaking the seasonal barrier. Credit: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / Creative Commons
The Costa Blanca proves that peak tourist season is not limited to summer. Two of its most iconic towns, Denia and Calpe, have established themselves as highly sought-after winter destinations, ranking among the twenty most popular locations across Spain in December, according to a recent study by holiday rental platform Holidu, which analysed all traveller searches in the country during this month.
Breaking the seasonal barrier
This finding highlights the growing trend of year-round tourism in the region, where visitors no longer only arrive in the summer months. Thanks to its mild climate, rich gastronomy, beaches and cultural heritage, both towns continue to attract tourists even when much of Spain enters the low season.
Top destinations alongside major cities
Holidu’s ranking, reflecting both domestic and international traveller preferences, places Denia and Calpe alongside major cities and destinations known for their winter appeal. Madrid tops the list, driven by its wide-ranging cultural and festive offerings, reaching a peak during Christmas with markets, lights and traditional activities. Málaga comes in second, valued for its warm weather and the opportunity to combine beach and culture, while Granada occupies third place, offering visitors the unique combination of snow in Sierra Nevada and the historic charm of the Alhambra.
Valencian towns in the spotlight
València and Benidorm follow in fourth and fifth place, two towns in the Valencian Community that maintain a steady flow of tourists year-round. The top ten is completed by Barcelona, Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Alicante and Las Palmas, demonstrating the appeal of both urban breaks and sun-and-beach destinations.
Denia and Calpe outperform other cities
Within this context, Calpe is ranked 16th and Denia 20th, surpassing traditional cities such as San Sebastián, La Coruña and Salamanca. Other Valencian towns also feature in the top 30: Peñíscola ranks 25th and Elche 29th, showing the strength of the region’s tourism even outside the summer months.
Affordable yet competitive accommodation
Holidu’s report also examines average nightly prices in Spain’s top destinations. The most expensive locations are Palma de Mallorca (€278), Barcelona (€265), San Sebastián (€230), Madrid (€222) and Bilbao (€171). The most affordable are Murcia (€106), Peñíscola (€109), Conil de la Frontera (€113), Cádiz (€115) and Tarragona (€120).
Denia and Calpe offer value for money
Denia and Calpe offer competitive prices within the Marina Alta, although they are not the cheapest in the country. Apartments in Denia average €135 per night in December, while in Calpe the figure is slightly lower at €121. These rates are attractive for those wishing to enjoy the Mediterranean coast without facing the higher costs of other popular destinations such as Palma de Mallorca or Barcelona.
Winter weather does not deter visitors
All this occurs despite potentially unstable weather during December. Rain and the absence of the region’s famous “winter sun” may disappoint visitors expecting continuous sunny beach days. However, year-round tourism ensures that Denia and Calpe continue to welcome guests thanks to their gastronomic, cultural and leisure offerings beyond the weather.
A true year-round destination
This trend demonstrates that the Costa Blanca is becoming a truly year-round destination. Tourists seeking tranquillity, quality cuisine, coastal walks and local culture find a winter haven here that combines natural beauty with services adapted to the off-season. The popularity of Denia and Calpe in December not only reflects their ability to attract visitors outside the summer months but also highlights the region’s shift towards more sustainable and diversified tourism.
Mediterranean charm in December
With its mild winter climate, rich history and vibrant cultural life, the Marina Alta is proving that Spanish coastal towns can shine just as brightly in December as they do in July, offering a mix of relaxation, gastronomy and cultural experiences that appeal to visitors from across the country and beyond.