December is the start of the winter season in the Costa Blanca with short, rainy, colder days. However, thanks to the region's temperate Mediterranean climate, it's unlikely to get really cold and generally weather conditions are quite pleasant year round.
The average temperature in Torrevieja in December is 12C, with highs of 17. Temperatures are likely to reach above 20C for a few days, particularly at the start of the month, although overnight lows of around 7C mean the evenings will feel significantly colder. With low humidity and cooling sea breezes in coastal areas, it will feel a little chillier in Torrevieja and across the Costa Blanca. Sea temperatures of 17C, while not exactly cold, would put off all but the keenest swimmers. While it's definitely no longer beach weather, with relatively clement temperatures and 7 hours of sunshine on average each day, it's just perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
It's a similar story across Spain, with average temperatures of 11C in Barcelona and 7C in Madrid; it's generally a little cooler further north.
With average rainfall of 37mm over 5 days in Torrevieja, it's likely there will be some showers and at this time of year and they're usually heavy and prolonged. There may be violent thunderstorms at the start of the month, with lightning and torrential rainfall, which has been known to cause flooding in some areas. Torrevieja usually escapes the worst of the storms, however, and in general the Costa Blanca rarely experiences such extreme weather. In comparison, Madrid expects average rainfall of 50mm over 9 days; 13mm more than in Torrevieja. Thanks, in part, to more mountainous topography, it's generally wetter year round further north. Even just a few miles up the coast in Benidorm there's likely to be more rain than in Torrevieja; around 52mm over 8 days in December.
There are plenty of gorgeous villas to choose from in Torrevieja. The four room Casa Bermon, for example, with comfortable, homely décor, a living room with TV and open fireplace and TV, dining room and three bedrooms that sleep six, is a great choice. There's access to a patio with terrace furniture, barbecue and deck chairs and the 800m2 grounds boast attractive landscaping, pool, solarium and individual garage. The house is just 2km from the town centre and the sea, within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and bars.
Similarly, Lomas del Mar Casares sleeps 6 and offers a home away from home, with comfortable, traditional décor, satellite TV, full kitchen with dishwasher and microwave and sea views from every window. There's parking nearby and the property is just a few kilometres from the Marina.
Durty Nelly's on Los Locos serves great Spanish pub food and reasonably priced drinks. Popular with tourist and ex pats, the cocktail jugs are lethal!
For something a little more tropical, check out Jean Luc on Calle San Pascual, one street to the left of The Post Room in Torrevieja. Jean Luc, with a delicious French Caribbean menu, offers something unique and different in Torrevieja and is very popular.
If you fancy something a bit different, or a little further afield, head up the coast to Benidorm. There are tons of restaurants to choose from here, though one of the favourites with the tourist crowd is undoubtedly Topo Gigio. With a delightful Italian menu, Topo Gigio is also the largest "Garden Restaurant" in Benidorm and one of the oldest pizzerias. Handcrafted pizzas are baked in enormous wood fired ovens, giving them a deliciously authentic taste. The restaurant also specialises in mussels dishes, for which they have gained quite a reputation.
For a family fun day out, visit Tibidabo Amusement Park. Located at the highest point in Barcelona city, an amusement park has been on this site for over a hundred years. There are lots of state if the art modern rides to suit thrill seekers, while the historical attractions will keep the whole family amused.
LO Rufete Multi-Aventura Park, not far from Torrevieja offers horse riding, with lessons in the country with highly- experienced guides, quad bikes on and off track, zip wire rides, and pitch and putt. It's perfect fun for the whole family!
A visit to the Market of la Boqueria in Barcelona is a must on any trip to Spain. The market is a lively bustle of colour, activity, sights and smells, and showcases the best local produce. Foodies will adore the tapas bars and Catalonian food stalls, while shopaholics will find plenty of local crafts and up and coming designer fashion to lighten their wallets.
