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Spain Encourages Shoulder-Season Travel as Wine Regions Offer Quieter, Richer Experiences

 

Madrid / 22 april 2026

 

Tourism experts and regional producers are encouraging travellers to rethink when they visit Spain’s famous wine regions, highlighting early spring as one of the most rewarding and overlooked times of year to explore vineyards across the country.

 

According to recent data from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), tourism patterns are shifting beyond traditional peak seasons, with strong visitor numbers now extending into what was once considered off-peak months.

 

Changing Travel Patterns Across Spain

Spain recorded more than 11 million international visitors in July 2025 and a similar peak in August, followed by sustained high levels of tourism into September and October.

 

However, experts say the true shoulder season is now emerging in March and April, when visitor numbers are lower but weather conditions remain favourable.

 

Tourism analysts say this shift reflects:

• Rising demand for quieter travel experiences
• Increasing cost-conscious travel behaviour
• Greater interest in cultural and food-based tourism
• Why Spring is Ideal for Wine Tourism

 

Wine experts argue that spring offers one of the most authentic ways to experience Spain’s vineyards, particularly in regions such as Rioja, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, Andalucía, and Ribera del Duero.

 

Instead of harvest crowds in autumn, spring visitors experience:

• Blooming vineyards and green landscapes
• Mild temperatures ideal for outdoor tours
• Smaller groups and more personalised tastings
• Greater availability at boutique wineries

 

Wineries also tend to offer more relaxed, in-depth experiences, with increased access to vineyard tours and wine-making facilities.

 

 

Spotlight on Alicante Wines (Vinos Alicante DO)

One region gaining increasing attention is the Alicante wine region (Vinos Alicante DOP), located in the south-east of Spain.

 

Known for its warm Mediterranean climate and long winemaking history, Alicante produces a diverse range of wines including:

• Full-bodied reds made from Monastrell grapes
• Fresh whites and rosés influenced by coastal conditions
• The historic sweet wine “Fondillón”, once prized across Europe

 

Spring is considered an ideal time to visit Alicante’s vineyards, as the region combines:

• Coastal scenery along the Costa Blanca
• Traditional inland wine villages
• Increasingly popular wine routes linking wineries and gastronomy

 

Tourism and wine producers in the region say spring allows visitors to enjoy tastings and vineyard tours without peak-season pressure, while also pairing wine experiences with coastal and cultural tourism.

 

Where to Experience Spain’s Wine Regions in Spring

Across Spain, several wine tourism experiences are proving particularly popular in shoulder season:

• Rías Baixas (Galicia): Albariño wines and coastal vineyard landscapes
• La Rioja: Historic bodegas and heritage wine tours
• Castilla-La Mancha: Windmill landscapes and cultural wine routes linked to Don Quixote
• Navarra: Boutique wineries and guided heritage tastings
• Canary Islands (Tenerife): Volcanic vineyards and unique indigenous grape varieties

 

Many wineries now offer flexible booking schedules in spring, allowing for slower-paced, more immersive visits.

 

Tourism Trend Shift

• Industry data suggests that Spain’s tourism model is evolving:
• Summer and autumn remain strong
• Spring is becoming a key growth period
• Traditional off-season travel is shrinking

 

Experts say this reflects a broader shift towards experience-led travel, where visitors prioritise culture, food and authenticity over peak-season festivals.

 

Conclusion

Spain’s wine regions are increasingly promoting spring as the most balanced time to visit, offering a combination of favourable weather, fewer crowds and deeper cultural engagement.

 

Tourism officials say this shift could help distribute visitor numbers more evenly across the year while enhancing the quality of visitor experiences.