What’s happening this month?
In previous blog posts, I’ve shared that I used to worry about not having so much to write about as the colder months (aka my least favorite time of the year) approached. But the truth is, now that the moment has come, I actually have quite a lot to say about November in Spain.
November still carries a hint of autumn, and we haven’t fully plunged into winter yet. In fact, in many areas, the weather is wonderfully mild, perfect for going on walks, exploring new places, and enjoying cozy plans. In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the interest things happening in November in Spain.
Festivals
Let’s start with festivals and celebrations. November in Spain is full of events. As I mentioned, the weather isn’t too cold yet, so it’s still nice to spend time outdoors. And, as you probably know, Spaniards love getting together, socializing and celebrating.
Catando Somontano (all throughout November)
The Somontano Wine Route celebrates Wine Tourism Month in November with their festival Catando Somontano. It is a month-long celebration of wine in the Somontano region of Aragón. You can enjoy tastings, food pairings, and visit local wineries. Thereare also musicevents, exhibitions, and fun activities. It’s a great way to experience the region’s wine and culture in November.
Monkey week SON Estrella Galicia (November 20-22)
Monkey Week SON Estrella Galicia is an annual music festival held in El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz. It transforms the city into a hub for emerging artists and music professionals. The festival features a showcase circuit where bands perform short sets in unique venues like the Monasterio de la Victoria and Castillo de San Marcos.
Alcine – Festival de Cine de Alcalá de Henares (November 6-16)
Alcine, the Film Festival of Alcalá de Henares, is one of Spain’s most important festivals for independent and European cinema, showcasing short films, feature films, and a variety of parallel activities. The festival attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from across Spain and beyond, offering screenings, workshops, and discussions that celebrate creativity and innovation in film. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in discovering new talent and enjoying a cinematic experience, and something you would definitely enjoy.
Seasonal produce
November in Spain is a great time to enjoy the season’s fresh produce. Cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin, and leeks are at their peak, while mushrooms like boletus or champignons bring rich, earthy flavors to autumn dishes. In fact, a lot of people go to the woods mushroom hunting, especially for negrillas.
Fruits such as mandarins, persimmons, apples, and pomegranates are sweet and ready to eat. It’s also the season for venison, wild boar, and rabbit, as well as cured favorites like chorizo. From the sea, sardines, mackerel, cod, and octopus are fresh and perfect for simple tapas or hearty stews. Add in nuts like walnuts, chestnuts, and almonds, along with freshly pressed aceite de oliva, and you’ve got the true taste of a Spanish November!
Recipes
With so much delicious seasonal produce this month, we’ve picked five traditional recipes or dishes you should try if you’re visiting Spain in November.
- Roasted chestnuts. A classic of the streets in autumn, especially at plazas and fairs, with street stalls (“puestos”) selling them everywhere; very typical of the season.
- Pulpo a la gallega. Boiled octopus seasoned with paprika, coarse salt, and olive oil; a traditional dish from Galicia.
- Wild boar stew. A traditional game dish from rural areas, cooked with red wine and vegetables.
- Pumpkin soup. Comforting and simple, making the most of seasonal pumpkin.
- Dulce de membrillo. Popular in many regions, often served with cheese or as a traditional dessert.
Cities to visit
As I already mentioned, the weather is still mild, the streets are less crowded, and it’s perfect for exploring some of the country’s most charming cities and towns. I have selected three that I think are perfect for November.
- Granada. The city feels cozy this time of year. You can wander through the Albaicín, visit the Alhambra without the summer crowds, and enjoy a warm cup of tea or some tapas in a little local bar.
- Sevilla. With cooler temperatures, walking around the Alcázar, climbing the Giralda, or strolling along the Guadalquivir River is much more enjoyable. The city feels relaxed and inviting in November.
- Ronda. Famous for its dramatic cliffs and the Puente Nuevo, Ronda is perfect for scenic walks, visiting a few local wineries, and taking in the golden autumn landscapes of Andalusia.
Again: a wonderful month to visit Spain
This is our selection, but truly, November in Spain is a great month to visit. The tourist crowds are smaller, and the cities and towns have a cozy, authentic feel that’s perfect for exploring. From seasonal foods and traditional dishes to local festivals and beautiful streets, there’s so much to enjoy this time of year. We hope you’re taking note of all these recommendations and getting inspired to plan your November trip! See you next month!