A short haul break just after New year ideas please

[Goatblu]

We usually head for a week in the sun over New year but things are different this year so we haven't booked anything.

I'm now looking for a 4 or 5 day break departing maybe 1st January. It doesn't have to be hot but constant rain wouldn't be great as I'd like to be able to explore without feeling uncomfortable.

Our closest airport is Bristol so that limits destinations but we could also travel from Birmingham.

Has anyone been to Spain or Portugal at this time of year and found it pleasant to walk around in?

We’ve done Copenhagen at that time of year. Very walkable with great public transport and loads to see and do.,

Madeira ? We've been twice for Xmas, & it's pleasant.

We will be in Seville for Christmas - the weather in southern Spain at that time of year is glorious.

We have done Southern Spain at this time of the year for past 5 + years. Nearly all,have been very pleasant. We go for 28+ days so,if there is rain there are plenty other days. Sun usually shines every day.

I like the idea of Copenhagen @Parker231, any areas to aim for or avoid?

We've been to Madeira a few times @oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends but yes, it is lovely.

Seville is already booked for May @CharlotteStreetW1- looking forward to that.

Southern Spain might be good too @Advocodo. Do you go for city breaks or beach?

Copenhagen is a very safe city. No where I can think you should avoid. It’s a quick train ride from the airport right into the city centre. The underground is small but incredibly clean and easy to navigate. The Christmas markets are on into January. If you have enough time you can get the train over to Malmo in Sweden.

We’re going to Malaga after Christmas next year. The weather can vary, so we’re treating it as a city break.

We did Seville at new year. Funny and warm during the day. Done lots of city breaks and this is one of my favourites.

sunny

Sorry just seen you’ve booked Seville. We did Copenhagen too, very cold. Valencia was also warm in Jan. Mix of city and beach.

The Canaries would likely be dry if that’s a major stipulation.

Nerja?

Thanks @Parker231, looking at hotels but they seem quite expensive.

Malaga looks good @MinnieMountain- and at least we could get a flight from Bristol.

Definitely looking forward to Seville @DemonsandMosquitoes.

Is Nerja good for a city break @BoxingHares22? The beaches look nice but I don't think early Jan is beach weather.

We usually go to the Canaries @Thedevilhasfinallycaughtupwithhim but as we're only going for a few days, I quite fancy a city break that's a shorter flight.

We stayed at Scandic Nørreport - brilliant location and had a rooftop bar where we also had breakfast.,

I too thought of Malaga before someone else suggested it. The town- not the beach resorts along the coast. I've never been in Jan, but Mar, Nov and other months. Easy town to walk around, lots to see and do, a beach promenade to walk along and great good. The bus from the airport used to be 3euro each so very easy transfers. The 1st time we went, we stayed at NH Malaga which is a hotel. The next visits, we always stayed here: https://www.santacruz-apartments.com/index.php?lng=en which was very near the mercado atarazanas, a lidl and other shops so handy if you want some fresh produce. 1 day trip from there via train it to Rhonda to see their famous bridge.

Another thought is Sicily. Either flying into Palermo or Catania. We spend several days in each city, also 2 days at Agrigento and day trips to Mondello beach and Syracuse. (we were there 2 weeks in total though). We travelled Palermo-Agrigento via train, but the rest via bus. It was well organised and on time. I've since read great reviews about Cefalu, but this is a beach place, so maybe not the best in Jan. In Palermo we stayed here. A family run place with delicious home made jams, cakes, and breakfast. sicily.co.uk/places_to_stay/bb-extra-bed-breakfast.

Alicante? Marrakech?

Another vote for Malaga. A great place for a short winter break, and you can easily get to Nerja for a day, or Frigiliana.

Historically we never go back to the same place, but considering going to Malaga for a third time soon for a short winter break as it ticks boxes as easy to get to and so varied.

For a Copenhagen hotel, have a look at the BW Astoria. Fairly simple rooms but excellent location next to the train station, good breakfast and cosy lounge areas.

January is the best month of the off-season to visit Palma (Majorca). The weather is usually dry and you can expect 17° at midday. And there is lots of great walking to be done.