The week after New Year is one of the most underrated times to be on the Costa Blanca. The Christmas lights are still on, the weather is mild compared to Northern Europe, and the crowds of summer have disappeared.
Whether you’re here on holiday, escaping the cold, or using this time to explore living in Costa Blanca and buying property in Spain, there are plenty of things to do in the first week of January.
Why the Week After New Year Is a Great Time in Costa Blanca?
The days between New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) and Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes, 6 January) are special in Spain:
- families are still in a festive mood;
- many towns on the Costa Blanca have events, markets and children’s activities;
- the weather is usually good enough for walks, terraces and short hikes;
- after 7 January, winter sales (rebajas) start in shops and malls.
It’s a perfect moment to see Costa Blanca in January as locals live it – quieter, but still full of life.
Enjoy the Winter Sun: Beaches & Promenades
Even if it’s not swimming season for everyone, winter in Costa Blanca, Spain is ideal for being outside.
Ideas for the first week of January:
- Walk along the Explanada de España in Alicante, the seaside promenades in Benidorm, or the coastal paths in Altea and explore the Benissa Costa region.
- Enjoy coffee or churros con chocolate on a terrace with sea views – many cafés stay open all winter.
- Enjoy shopping in Valencia.
- Take relaxed beach walks on Levante or Poniente (Benidorm), La Fossa (Calpe), Playa del Postiguet (Alicante) or the beaches of Denia or Gandia.
These simple activities are some of the best Costa Blanca winter activities and a great way to imagine what everyday life here could feel like if you moved.
Experience Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) on the Costa Blanca
If you’re in Costa Blanca on 5–6 January, don’t miss Three Kings Day – one of the most important Spanish Christmas traditions.
- On the evening of 5 January, most towns hold a Cabalgata de Reyes – a colourful Three Kings parade with floats, music and sweets for children.
- Popular Three Kings parades in Costa Blanca take place in Alicante, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja and many smaller towns.
- On 6 January, families meet again for a special lunch and eat Roscón de Reyes, a traditional cake.
If you want to understand real Spanish Christmas and New Year traditions, this is the best time. It’s also a beautiful way to see how family-friendly and community-oriented life is in this region.
Food, Markets & Local Life After New Year
The week after New Year is also a time to slow down and enjoy food and local routines.
- Visit indoor food markets in Valencia for fresh produce, seafood and tapas.
- Try menu del día (set lunch menus) in local restaurants – good value and very typical for living in Costa Blanca.
- From 7 January, winter sales (rebajas) start, so it’s a good time for shopping in Alicante, Valencia or centres like La Zenia Boulevard.
These small experiences help you see what winter life here really looks like – not just as a tourist, but as a potential resident.
Use the Quiet Week to Explore Costa Blanca Real Estate
If you’re thinking about buying property in Costa Blanca, the first week of January can be surprisingly productive:
- Agents have more time for you than in peak holiday periods.
- You can see how neighbourhoods feel in winter – a key factor when you’re choosing between different towns.
- It’s easier to imagine everyday life: shopping, walking, restaurants, schools and services.
A Gentle Start to the Year in Costa Blanca
The week after New Year in Costa Blanca is calm, light and full of small, meaningful moments: walks in the winter sun, evening lights in town squares, local traditions, and time to think about your plans for the year ahead.
If one of those plans is to bring more light, sea and simplicity into your life, Costa Blanca in January is a good place to start.
You can enjoy the winter activities, explore different towns, and – if you feel ready – take the first quiet steps towards owning a home in Spain.
