It’s possible to beat the January blues. Travel somewhere sunny or cosmopolitan, somewhere full of art, history, nature, mysticism...
January – possibly the most hated month of the year – can be a little more bearable if you book a getaway that breaks your routine and gets you excited about discovering new places. Let us know what you fancy now that January is looming and we’ll tell you the best places to go to beat the post-Christmas blues.
1. Any beach in Gran Canaria
Any beach or any natural pool, for that matter (because this island is full of them!). An urban beach with plenty of services, a secluded cove or a place in the heart of nature that you can only get to on a narrow path... Gran Canaria has all this and more. Beat the post-holiday blues as you soak up the sun and be soothed by the sound of the sea. Here are some of the most popular places: Las Canteras, considered to be one of the best urban beaches in Europe; Maspalomas, situated in a beautiful semi-desert area; San Agustín, perfect for relaxing in a peaceful environment; or Güigüí, one of the most unspoilt and beautiful beaches on the island. What’s more, the temperature is mild all year round in Gran Canaria, so you’ll probably be able to bathe in the sea.
2. Take shelter from the cold in the museums of Paris
It’s always a good time to revisit museums such as the Louvre, Orsay and Pompidou, and discover new ones as we try to escape the cold. There are countless museums across the city so you’re sure to find some you like. You can start by visiting the Rodin Museum, then discover the amazing building and collection of the National Museum of the Middle Age. Next you can go to the Picasso Museum and finish off by admiring the architectural gems of L’Orangerie. If you want to explore the history of Paris more in depth, the best place to go is the Carnavalet (the oldest in the city, opened in 1880), and if you fancy discovering 20th and 21st century artworks, head towards the futuristic building that houses the Museum of Modern Art. Photography, archaeology, science... There’s something for everyone in Paris!
3. Tapas in the sun in Seville
Good weather is almost always guaranteed in Seville, as well as good vibes and amazing tapas wherever you go in the city. With its popular atmosphere and delicious tapas, Freiduría El Arenal is a great place to start on your quest to discover the best places to eat. Álvaro Peregil is also an informal tapas bar, situated on the bustling Mateos Gago street. And if you want to taste traditional croquettes, go to Casa Ricardo. And if you’re looking for a youthful and modern atmosphere, craft beer, cocktails and more contemporary cuisine, don’t miss Bier Kraft.
4. Gaudí Route in Barcelona
Barcelona usually has great weather all year round, so any time of year is ideal to sit outdoors and enjoy some food. The best plan for January is to combine a tour round the best contemporary cuisine restaurants (there are plenty in Barcelona) with a Modernist route while you wait for your food to go down! The Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, Casa Vicens, Palau Güell and the beautiful Colonia Güell (in the nearby town of Santa Coloma de Cervelló) are some of the buildings by Antoni Gaudí that you can find around the city.
5. Patinaje sobre hielo en Londres
Londres es una de esas ciudades que nunca te acabas, que en cada visita te demuestra que esconde más y más secretos y ofrece un montón de originales planes. En enero, nada mejor que organizar una visita a la capital para aprovechar sus rebajas (si los Reyes han sido generosos la calle Marylebone es todo un festival y, si no lo han sido tanto, Carnaby y Oxford son siempre grandes opciones) y calzarse unos patines para patinar sobre hielo disfrutando del gélido viento invernal en las pistas de Canary Wharf (abierta hasta el 25 de febrero). Si viajamos durante los primeros días de enero, todavía encontraremos abiertas algunas de las clásicas pistas navideñas, como la de Hampton Court o Somerset House, entre otras.
