As the weather gets colder, visitors traveling to Spain in November will want to pursue more cultural activities rather than lazing on the beach. However, despite the colder weather, there are still many November events in Spain that are worth exploring on your trip.
While iconic events like Tomatina Tomato Fight or Pamplona Running of the Bulls take place at the beginning of the year, you can still expect to find religious, film and jazz festivals in Madrid, Barcelona and the outlying areas of the country throughout the month.
Whether you’re heading to major cities like the capital Madrid, or heading to more remote and picturesque destinations like Puerto de la Cruz in the Canary Islands, you’re sure to find something exciting to do, no matter where you go in Spain this November.
Madrid
In the capital of Spain, Madrid, you will have no trouble finding things to do. Along with a vibrant nightlife and a host of great foods to enjoy, the city is packed with annual events each November. However, since November is the shoulder season for tourism in Madrid, most of this month’s celebrations focus on celebrating local culture, heritage and art.
The Madrid Dance Festival is a Spanish favorite, as is the Madrid Jazz Festival, which takes place most of November. In addition, Madrid is also hosting some film festivals this month, including the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the ALCINE Film Festival in nearby Alcalá de Henares.
Barcelona
Barcelona ranks second after Madrid as the best place to visit in Spain in November. Although considerably warmer than its northern counterpart, Barcelona has fewer events to enjoy this time of year. However, you can take advantage of the cool fall weather by taking a tour of an art studio to explore the city’s community of world-famous artists.
Among the many events throughout the area, you can attend a film festival and a jazz festival this month. One of the largest jazz events in the world, the Voll-Damm International Jazz Festival will take place in various venues in Madrid from the beginning of October to the end of December. If you’re looking for a way to escape one of November’s rainy days, head to the L’alternativa Independent Film Festival in mid-November to see a screening of one of the latest European independent films.
Potes, Cantabria
Potes is a small town that is rarely on the radar of tourists, but its Orujo Festival in November is definitely worth a visit.
Orujo is the Spanish version of the Italian grappa, a type of brandy made from the solid part of the grapes that remains after being pressed. At the Orujo Festival, you can taste some of the powerful spirits (fire water) and see how they are made.
While in Potes, you should also take the time to try other local dishes such as cocido lebaniego (chicken stew from Liébana), Picón cheese, and a black pudding called borono . Potes is also close to the Picos de Europa mountain range, where you can go hiking to enjoy the cool autumn weather.
Granada, Andalusia
Granada is a great place to explore at any time of the year, but November brings with it the Granada International Jazz Festival, which runs throughout the month. Started in 1980, it is one of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe and has attracted top musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, and Oscar Peterson over the years.
Rich in history and located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is home to tons of medieval architecture, including royal palaces from the 1100s, government buildings from the Moorish occupation, and lush orchards and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty. Granada is also known for its delicious tapas, and you can take a walking tour to broaden your culinary horizons while enjoying the city’s scenery.
Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands
If you want to enjoy warm weather in Spain this November, the Canary Islands are your best option. Not only can you enjoy the beach at this time of year, but you can also book a tour of the best sights in the city or enjoy a bit of Puerto de la Cruz’s bustling nightlife.
At the end of November, Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife hosts the San Andrés Festival, where the Arrastre de Los Cacharros (dragging of the pots and pans) takes place. It is a loud and chaotic event accompanied by a festive drink because it also coincides with the opening of the new wines of the season.
