Spain usually equates to sun, warmth and olive trees? What about covered in snow?.
Do you remember viewing my tongue in cheek quote on Travelling Light, regarding warm clothing and how this may not be as necessary this year to pack? Just in case you don’t here it is,
“Now getting back to the dilemma about whether I need to include another warmer jacket in my luggage. Though as I have mentioned above, we hope not to repeat the -14C this northern winter. We will be in Southern Spain where it doesn’t get too cold.”
Yes, I can see the headlines now!
Well, it did not entirely break all previous records, nonetheless to see snow on Malaga beach is quite a rare event. You are more likely to glimpse pale-skinned visitors from another land bathing in the waters or sunbathing on the shoreline.
Technically we were headed towards Northern Spain with the final destination being South West France. So, yes we knew it was going to be colder than the temperate climate of Southern Spain.
BUT, it did get down to -11degs. For a short while, less than 1/2 hour to be exact. As we drove up towards the hills we were covered in misty clouds. Where a hoar frost was showing off her best side.
It was still a surprise to discover that Spain does have areas where the snow falls rather thickly on its arid soils and on top of its hills and mountains. These looked like mountains though, in theory, they are only hills as we were travelling through a gorge which made them seem so much more significant!
The reality was not quite as warm as we expected!
Here are a few more photographs captured during our roadtrip:
Nothing like snowball throwing and dodging to keep warm.
My favourite photographic subject, the tree, all pretty dressed in white.
With the amount of snow, there was very few, in fact, no places to stop and capture some of the snowy vistas, which meant that most photographs were taken through the windscreen or passenger seat window.
The sun was shining on the snow covered village, for a moment, it looked like a fairy wonderland.

Villa Nueva de Cameros
Snow certainly never springs to mind when you think of Spain – the weather seems to be becoming such a mystery these days! Lovely photographs by the way!
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Yes, we got a surprise to find it so cold!! Though most days the sun was shinning and now we are in Istanbul where it is not sunny at all. Missing sunny Spain. Having said that Istanbul is keeping us entertained in more ways than one 🙂 Hard to describe this intriguing city!!
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I didn’t know that it snowed in Spain, but that always surprises me when I think of warmer climates. Snowy Spain looks beautiful.
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Yes, it certainly does snow in Spain. Though it has been a very cold winter for most over here in Spain!
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Wow, great pics!
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Thanks 🙂
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Lovely pictures….I like that road trips allow us admire beautiful scenery and even capture it
…you’ll always enjoy the memory
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The photos are beautiful. And it still looks like sunny Spain. I love a blue sky in the snow!
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Thanks Gloria. I had to muck around with some of them due to the bad quality from taking them through the windscreen!
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Stunning photos as usual. Send some snow my way!
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Thanks Gemma. Unfortunately we now have rain in France 😊
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Looks like a perfect winter day, Suzanne! Though I think you need to find a jacket for snowy Spain. And like so many who have commented your mid-flight snowball shot is terrific. Now I want to see if I can get one of these photos in my back yard!
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Look forward to seeing your backyard snowball photo 😁
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Our snow is not sticky enough to make snowballs right now. But I’m sure I’ll have a chance to try it before the winter ends!
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Beautiful pictures and I had never given a thought about Spain getting snow…A mid-flight snowball as well..Well done! It takes me about 15 shots to get anything mid-air and it is just luck when I do 🙂
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Thanks Carol. I think all photos are based on timing and good luck 🙂 Some people have an eye for it and then it becomes a passion!
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Yes they certainly are Suzanne, my treat to me this year is going to be camera with a slightly faster shutter speed and then I will be away…I love action shots 🙂
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Carol I only use my phone camera. Though I do miss a more professional camera. Just too heavy to carry around!!
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My phone is not good I need a new one which is next on my agenda it used be ok but it is one of those phones which has been trouble since I had it …
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Awesome photos! I would love to visit Spain. The countryside looks so pristine and beautiful. You’re an incredible photographer to snap the pic of the snowball midair!
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Oh we do think that Spain is definitely worth a visit or two. So much diversity there, we enjoy it for so many reasons! Thanks regarding the photo of the snowball, good timing more than anything 🙂
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Stunning photos- but I think I’d feel a bit cheated if I was in Spain and got snow. I wonder if “Snow in Spain” would be eligible for a refund? Seriously it looks like another fantastic trip, Suzanne, with some beautiful, if unexpected views x
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Thanks, Claire 🙂 Some parts of Northern Spain snow is expected just not so spread out after that last polar blast!
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Gorgeous pictures. It does seem like a bit of a surprise to have a dusty snow in Southern Spain. But, the lovely sights make up for it. Since I’m in Minnesota that light frost seems like a tickle rather than a punch of winter, but when warmth is expected even a little frost seems much harsher! The snowball fight did sound like a fun idea and I’m sure you’ll have many more adventures to share as you go!
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We enjoy having a change of scene. Yes, Spain got a blast of polar air, which shocked many Spaniards and visitors 🙂 These cold spells don’t last long and the sun is shining more than it is not. It is very strange and unusual weather patterns! Now we are in France in the rain though it is supposed to be picking up next week! Thank goodness!!
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I loved all the pictures as I always do in your posts, but catching the snowball in mid-air was really cool.
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Thanks Phil, it was a fun thing to capture and the Squires idea 🙂
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These are particularly stunning pictures! I love when a country gives you the opposite of stereotype. Beautiful experience for you guys x
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Thanks Orla, it was an amazing experience x
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Such lovely pictures and I couldn’t stop admiring that tree. Sitting here in Bangalore and typing this when the Sun is shining bright outside, you pictures make me wonder how would it feel in so much of snow. Enjoyed your post!
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Thanks Parul, funnily enough I was trying to imagine how hot it was not long ago 🙂
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My brain literally can’t compute the idea of snow in Spain. Though I have only been to Spain in summer of course. And I also can’t believe the temperatures. It hasn’t been anywhere near as cold as that in the North of England! Excellent photo of the snowball by the way.
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Yes, it was a surprise to us, though if we had researched the various places maybe not. We tend to book places to sleep and leave the rest as a surprise. With so much organising to do regarding the housesits it is great to just “wander”. It was the wind that made it cold, take that away and the sun and snow were delightful!! North England has more rain, and we still enjoy going up to North Yorkshire. I didn’t realise how much I missed the green paddocks until we got to France. Where it is now raining 🙂
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Ah lovely France. Enjoy the rain. I know I am up here in Yorkshire. Maybe!
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LOL – funnily enough I missed the rain when we were in Turkey last summer and every day was sunny. No such thing as a perfect place or housesit 🙂
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I can imagine. You must get something different from each country.
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Wow, something about blue skies with snow underneath that really sends me back to days of yore and childhood idylls fishing for grayling as a teenager. You can’t beat low rivers, soft sun and the outdoors in those conditions. Coincidentally out local pub has Spanish landlords and their chef went back to Spain for three weeks this month. I spoke to him on Wedbesday asking how it went and he said “Cold, it was very cold.” Obviousky spoken with a Spanish accent, but he was rather gloomy as he went back for some sun not snow lol.
Missed your posts of late too. Writing has proper made me neglect blogging!
Lovely photos too, as always!
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The Spanish are quite amusing when the weather turns nasty. Very rare to see people out walking in wet weather. Though more were enjoying playing in the snow 🙂 Yes, coldest winter for a few years. Strange weather!! Oh well Gary, I would say your quest to finish your book is more important, don’t you think 🙂
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I’ve noticed, the staff are mostly Spanish too. Lovely people, but do they not like cold weather! Thanks re the book too. I love blog engagement, but I did start blogging because of it so I need to balance time writing and blogging. Doesn’t mean I don’t miss popping over to blogs run by friends 😊
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I thought I left the minus temps in Maine when I came to Provence for the winter. The biggest surprise for me was to see the photos of the snow dunes in the Sahara. At least we both had the options of some amazing food during the cold spell. I hope the rest of your winter is warm.
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Yes seeing snow in the Sahara would have been an eye opener. In France doing another housesit where at the moment it is raining!! Hopefully next week is looking more promising for some exploring!!
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The snow just makes everything look even more beautiful, Suzanne, especially with that bright blue sky. Great shot of the snowball, glad to see you making the most of the weather. 😁😁
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To be honest Judy, the weather doesn’t worry us as we are never there longer enough for it to be an issue. As with most things in life, we make the most of what opportunities that come up. Thank goodness for warm jackets and beanies 🙂
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Yes, indeed. it is great that you get to experience so many different countries and their climates 🙂
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That looks cold! It’s not what one would expect in the south of Spain… But the photos are lovely.
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The larger quantities of snow were more above Madrid. Yes, we are seeing more extreme weather as we travel!
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The snow has been falling here as well this week, but that’s not as big a surprise as in South of Spain.
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It would be very rare not to see snow where you live 🙂 As someone pointed out Madrid is on the same latitude as New York! Papamoa beach in New Zealand had snow on it one year. Though it never stayed there for long!!
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We don’t usually get to much snow in my part of Norway and it usually never stay for long.
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Okay, that is a surprise! I just assumed it would, I love it that I learn something new about our world every day 🙂
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Well I live in the south west of Norway. And being south and sø close to the sea makes the temperature not go too far down, usually.
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Thanks for information. It is still on the to do list 🙂
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It’s quite rare that we get snow in the UK now, nevermind in Spain! At least you got some pretty pictures 😁
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Rare for snow in the UK? I would say it all depends on where you go. Thanks for the comment Emma 🙂
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Well, in Norfolk it has only snowed once this year so far. I don’t know about elsewhere….
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It is very changeable and unpredictable weather patterns the world is experiencing. It would be a brave person to predict it too far ahead!!
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Beautiful photos! Love the blue sky with the snow and frost. And the snowball photo was perfectly timed! Did you take your coat or get another one? Hope you’ve not been cold x
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Thanks Lauren. We did take our usual winter gear. Luckily for us we had a heated car and accommodation which made it easy to enjoy the cooler temperatures. As long as there is no wind, sunny snowy days are enjoyable.
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Wow, that came unexpected! Beautiful photos, though! I hope it has warmed up a bit by now. Mark and I have been experiencing record low temperatures in New England as well. Not our favorite AT ALL, but, luckily, we have some winter clothes. Most of which we keep at his parents house in New England. 🙂
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The snow experience was on the way to housesit in France, where it is now wet and cold. Think we enjoyed the snow and sun 🙂 Forecast is for sun next week!! Hope you and Mark are coping in the cold and with his mother’s condition.
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It’s great when you’re in a place and experience something pleasantly unusual that even has the locals talking. Looks pretty, but then you mentioned -11°. Brrrrr!
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Thanks Chris it was a fun experience, and when it hit -11 deg we were in a a warm car 🙂
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Gorgeous pictures! I’m not very fond of the cold, but snow on the trees and ground make such beautiful vistas. Loved the snowball too!
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Thanks 😃 Especially when the sun is present and the wind is not!!
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Gorgeous white and blue. And good shot with the snowball!
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Thanks Anabel, it was a good shot, it certainly made us laugh 🙂
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Lovely photographs Suzanne. I have never seen snow in Spain before nor heard of it on the beach.
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Here is an article on it. http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2018/01/08/watch-snow-fallinnng-on-beach-in-fuengirola-in-wet-and-windy-conditions/
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Goodness. It does look cold.
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It was certainly a shock to the locals!!
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Thanks Bridget 🙂
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A novelty, indeed! Wonderful pics. I’ve been/lived a few places that rarely get snow, as in only the old-timers remember the last occurrence, and people tend to lose their minds. The roads are a mess of inexperienced drivers and everything is usually shuttered for the day. But, boy, your experience, at least what is visible in your pics, seems miles away from that. It’s been miserably cold here of late , and we have snow coming down this very moment.
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What a difference the sun and lack of wind makes. While we were driving we hit low cloud and very grey conditions. The changes within hours were mind blowing!! No doubt having day after day of very cold wet snowy weather would wear anyone down. The sun came out for a little while this afternoon and what a treat. Wet though higher temperatures aren’t necessarily warmer to walk in! I do love the different seasons and couldn’t stand to have the same all year round. Makes life far more interesting to have change 🙂
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No argument there. I definitely prefer snow when it isn’t paired with extreme cold and wind. The other bonus of snow in unusual locales is that it dissipates rather quickly. Enjoyable and then gone before you know it!
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Fabulous photos, I love snow and sun together 🙂
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Thanks Cathy. It is wonderful when there is no wind and the sun stays out, definitely bright and cheerful 🙂
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Beautiful even through a windshield.
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Thanks Miriam, it was a challenge 🙂
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Oh wow Snow in Spain!! Unusual, but looks absolutely gorgeous Suzanne and the sun still shines 🌞❄️
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It was lovely in the sun with the snow around. As long as the wind isn’t strong it’s all good! Enjoy Canada 🙂
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We had snow last night. There were about twenty snowflakes frozen on top of the coop when I went to let the chickens out this morning 🙂
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Hahaha @ the 20 snowflakes 🙂 I love snow as it is still a novelty though for months on end with no sun could be tiring! Though sun and snow with no wind is lovely. Wet and cold not so much!! Fresh eggs yummy!!
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Stunning pictures and how wonderful to experience the unexpected 😉 A fact that most people miss is that Boston is on the same latitude as Madrid … given the force of the polar vortex and bomb cyclones that have hit the US in the past few weeks, I guess it is not that surprising after all. Meanwhile in south west France you will need galoshes … the rain has been fairly incessant, I believe down most of that side. Perhaps you will bring some welcome blue skies with you – I am sure you would be sainted if you did!!
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Thanks Osyth. No sainthood as we unfortunately did not bring sunshine with us. The powers be decided to keep with the wet stuff as in rain. We have been in France since last Thursday. You are correct regarding the latitude being the same between Madrid and Boston. Some small villages have not seen snow in over 90 years. Ronda was covered in snow!!
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My husband lives in Boston most of the time, since he is a Harvard Professor so we are well versed in the fact which surprises many. We are expecting snow today but being the gateway to the Alps, that is certainly not as surprising as Ronda!
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The wind outside is no surprise to us that you are going to receive a dollop of snow. We could too!!
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I don’t know where ou are, so I have no view. You will find I am quite the weather-girl on the quiet and watch France with great interest when I am here 🙂
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About 30kms inland from Agen. The sun has come out so we are off for a walk 🙂
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Enjoy! 🙂
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Lovely pictures 🙂
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Thanks Sue 🙂
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Super pics and so clever to capture the snow ball as well.
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Thanks Rosie, yes the snowball day was fun 🙂
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