Trade in the hot summer sun and leave behind the hordes of tourists. Discover a new, more intimate way to see Spain. Beach resorts and cultural attractions shine in spring and autumn without the heat and crowds.

Despite us all dreaming of sunbaked Spanish vacations, summer is actually work. Blistering heat, jam-packed beaches, sweaty sightseeing, not the world of one’s dreams. That’s where shoulder season comes to the rescue.

If you prefer travelling in March to June or September to October, it’s certainly in your own favour. Not only will you avoid the tourist chaos, but the weather is nice and much more pleasant, particularly if you dislike being toasted in 35°C sun. Imagine sunny days, crisp nights and less queues. Heaven, isn’t it?

To help you make the perfect decision, Spainholiday.com have ranked the top Spanish shoulder season destinations and taken a few things into account: Average max temperatures, sun levels and humidity discomfort. From their ranking, here are a few highlights:

Valencia: Sunshine, space and serious Paella
Let’s begin with a nice gem, Valencia. This coastal town isn’t one-dimensional oranges (though yes, they are amazing). From March to June, the temperature hovers around 22-26°C, warm enough for alfresco dining and beach promenades, but not as hot as July or August. Humidity? Zero. UV rating? Manageable with a little sunscreen. All in all, a climate sweet spot.

What’s to love? Loads. Start with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, then wander the old town’s cobbled streets, where ancient meets modern. The Turia Gardens, a dried-up riverbed turned lush park, is the perfect place for a stroll or a cheeky afternoon siesta in the shade.

And then, naturally, there’s the food. Valencia is the home of paella, and you’re not living until you’ve eaten it at a beachside chiringuito with a cold beer in your hand. Miss the beach? Malvarrosa Beach is a short tram ride from the centre and unexpectedly laid-back for a city so big. Shoulder season means space to breathe, and bask, without fighting for a sun lounger.

Castellón de la Plana: Unheralded and unvisited
Ranking second is Castellón de la Plana, an hour north of Valencia. You might not know it, and that’s exactly why it deserves to be known. This town sits atop the March-June list for good reason. The weather is ideal. A tad cooler than in Valencia but very sunny, it’s a good combination of sea air and city charm.

It’s the kind of place you feel like you’ve stumbled upon some kind of hidden treasure. Old town is alive with local activity, ranging from crowded markets to tiny tapas bars, and there’s a relaxed, sincere vibe that you can’t recreate.

Culture enthusiasts will love the Museu de Belles Arts, and nature enthusiasts can go directly to the Desert de les Palmes Natural Park nearby. Don’t worry, it’s not a real desert, but rather a stunning area of preserved hills and trails overlooking the sea that stretches as far as the eye can see. The beaches here, like Playa del Pinar, are quiet, neat and just the spot for an early-morning paddle or late-afternoon snack. And in shoulder season, they’re freely without noisy mobs.

Why these cities work so well in shoulder season
Now let’s take them apart. Valencia and Castellón de la Plana both share a winning formula: Warm (not hot) weather, mild humidity and a more relaxed pace of life in the shoulder months.

You’re also avoiding the dreaded UV spikes, so you can spend more time outdoors without feeling like you’re melting. Whether you’re cycling through parks, tasting wine in a plaza or strolling on the beach, you’ll be doing it in comfort. Another giant plus? Prices. Flights and accommodations tend to be cheaper off-season, which means you receive more bang for your buck. And zero battling crowds to book dinner tables or visit museums.

Other honourable mentions
If you’re planning a trip later in the year, say September to October, the rankings shift a bit, but the idea is the same. Cities like Palma de Mallorca and Murcia also perform well, with mellow sunshine and pleasant evenings that are ideal for sightseeing without breaking a sweat.

It’s interesting to browse the whole list of the best Spanish shoulder season places on Spain-Holiday.com if you have a preference for comparing cities on hard weather facts. They’ve done it for you so you don’t need to.

A better way to do Spain
Spain during shoulder season is a bit like hearing your top song acoustic, all the beauty, none of the noise. The crowds have gone away, the sun is softer and the whole thing feels more intimate.

If you opt for big in Valencia’s vibrancy or go quiet with Castellón’s calmness, you will bask in sunshine without the heat, and most likely fall in love with Spain again.

So, if summer is all just a bit too much, don’t write off your Spanish getaway. Just schedule it for some other time. The shoulder season’s waiting, and it’s waiting for you.