For business reasons, I need to travel to Spain and Northern Italy in December. I also want to take a family member, an art student, mostly to visit art museums in Madrid and Italy. Is this a good idea in December? I'm from Seattle so don't mind a little rain. But would museums be open shortly before Christmas? Is it easy to travel at this time? I'm more used to traveling in Northern Europe where I love Christmas time. Is southern Europe similar in regards to festivals and tourism at this time of year? Thanks!
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
Bob, we did So Portugal and central Portugal at Xmass; it was great fun. Warm and beautiful weather on the coast, and rain in the central (Porto) area.
We were wading in the Ocean warm waters, and had an awesome time in the Algarve. We new it was going to be rainy in central Portugal, so we dressed like we do for the rain in Oregon that time of year.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
As far as Spain is concerned, the major museums are open throughout the holidays. The Prado, for example, closes (besides its usual Mondays) only on Christmas day, New year's day, Good Friday, and May Day.
There are all sorts of decorations and displays over Christmas. But the holiday period itself is relatively quiet, very much oriented towards the famly, so make sure you can find a place to eat on Christmas Day. Many people will head out of town early to be with family eslewhere. The big celebrations in Spain are New Year's Eve and January 6th (Three Kings) when most get their presents.