Travel Information

Off-Season Discounts

As an example, the Costa del Sol welcomed approximately 14.4 million tourists in 2024, with around two-thirds arriving during the peak season from mid-April to mid-October. The remaining one-third visited during the quieter off-season months, from mid-October to mid-April.

While summer hotel occupancy rates often approached 100%, winter occupancy typically ranged from 50% to 65%. This seasonal drop in demand means that many hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals offer discounted rates during the winter months—making it an excellent time for Canadian travelers to enjoy Southern Spain or Portugal with fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and greater value for money.

Know Before You Go: Schengen Area Stay Limits

Spain and Portugal are part of the Schengen Area, a group of 29 European countries that have removed internal borders to allow for free and unrestricted travel. It’s the largest passport-free travel zone in the world, making it easy to move between countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal without border checks.

However, if you’re a Canadian or another non-Schengen citizen (such as a UK passport holder), your stay in the Schengen Area is limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. That means if you spend 90 days in Spain or Portugal (or any combination of Schengen countries), you must spend another 90 days outside the Schengen zone before returning.

If you plan to stay longer—for example, as a snowbird or long-term traveler—you’ll need to apply for an appropriate visa in advance. Overstaying your allowed time could result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

For official and up-to-date information 👉 Travelling to Europe – Travel.gc.ca

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