Countdown for the end of 2015. Supermarkets are crammed with nougat candies, firms start to look for a day for the business meals, mum has already called 5 times to organise Christmas gatherings… Everything smells of Christmas and we are still on November. But do not let yourself be carried away by the social Christmas frenzy and take a break before Christmas Eve. Make the most of your last holidays and enjoy a getaway on December’s long weekend. It’s now or never. Carpe diem and let’s dream.

We have asked different travel experts for advice and they have given us some ideas for travelling at the end of the year that will help you find the perfect excuse for getting into the adventure. Unique accommodations, snow and mountain destinations, getaways to the Mediterranean looking for the sun… Everything. Take note. And keep us informed about your plans 😉

Plan 1) Sierra Nevada from the highest mountain hotel in Europe

Do you fancy a snow getaway, taking out the skis, escaping from the city, getting to Granada and crowning Sierra Nevada? Then this is the perfect option for you. This year stay in a 5-star hotel with spa, gourmet gastronomy, state-of-the-art services in Monachil and direct access to the slopes: the Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya. It is said to be the highest hotel in Europe, and it is definitely a paradise for winter sport lovers. The average prices are about 150 euros per night (taxes included).

Plan 2) Madrid with friends

Few destinations are as versatile and varied as Madrid for a winter getaway. During these dates, the capital shines more than ever, with endless plans, parties, new theatre and music shows and irresistible gastronomic options. Regarding the accommodation, Madrid is relatively cheap when talking about a good hotel in the centre (the best option if you want to travel around the heart of the city without worries). There are very interesting design hotels in Madrid for groups: the Clíper Gran Vía Hotel or the Alcalá Torre Hotel are two good examples, as both feature spacious and fully equipped rooms ideal to be shared. If you want to surprise your group of friends, the Vincci Capitol, located in the same building as the mythical cinema theatre of Madrid, may be the perfect option for you.

Plan 3) 5-star Majorca

The summer island may also be a perfect plan for winter. The actions taken to make Majorca’s capital, Palma, a complete destination for any time of the year are yielding positive results and today’s option is attractive enough for a long relax and leisure holiday in the city, beyond the typical sun and beach. If you do not want to miss any plan, either you travel with your family or with friends, the best option is getting an accommodation near Palma, like the resorts and hotels in Playa de Palma, which will allow you to stay within a 15 minute drive to the city centre, to which they are connected through a pleasant seaside promenade ideal for walking or cycling. Prices are affordable during this time of the year, whenever you do not include New Year’s Eve, when prices rise again.

Plan 4) Almeria, nature and sea

Maybe you haven’t thought of planning a getaway to Almeria in winter before, but it is during these months when the Andalusian capital shows a special charm and colours. Its stunning natural landscapes, full of contrasts and with the Cabo de Gata Níjar Natural Park as its main exponent, make it an ideal destination for nature, outdoor sports and trekking lovers. But Almeria is much more, it is relax and good gastronomy. Almeria’s gastronomy is one of its hallmarks: do not miss the opportunity to try some of the typical specialities of this magic land. Regarding accommodation, the most recommended establishments are the resorts in Cabo de Gata, near the park. Prices are usually cheap and include exclusive services.

Plan 5) Caceres, a paradise of golf and peaceful ambience

Heritage, culture, calmness and nature come hand-in-hand in Caceres to offer you the perfect winter getaway. The most interesting option is planning a trip to Isla Valdecañas, a natural oasis specially designed for the wellness and leisure of the most demanding travellers of the XXIst century. The most recommended accommodation in Isla Valdecañas is the boutique hotel near the Monfragüe Natural Park, which includes access to the spa, horse riding school, sport courts, areas for events, swimming pools, golf courts, gastronomy… It is a 4-star hotel with a good quality price ratio ideal for travelling with your couple or with children.

Plan 6) Barcelona and its coast

Visiting the great capital of the Mediterranean is always a good option, but we recommend you to travel along its coast. If you love outdoor sports, quiet villages and traditional cuisine, this coastal area will offer you everything you need for your last 2015 holidays. Besides, it is the cheapest plan of all: the hotels on Barcelona’s coast offer good prices and a wide variety of options which include from the classic hotels in Calella and the hotels in Costa Brava, specially designed for relax and entertainment, to the hotels in Santa Susanna or the accommodations in Pineda de Mar. All of them offer a good personal attention and exceptional locations.