Spain closed the year with a new inbound visitor record, as anticipated by all forecasts. In 2023, 85.1 million tourists visited Spain, an increase of 18.7% over the previous year. Before the pandemic, in 2019, inbound visitor figures were 1.9% higher.
Brits and French are at the head of inbound visitor figures in 2023, with Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands being the autonomous communities that benefited the most from the positive tourist trend in our country.
The statistical data on tourist movements at borders (Frontur) made public by the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE) indicate that the primary countries of residence of tourists visiting Spain in 2023 were the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
Inbound visitors from the United Kingdom increased by 14.6%, those from France by 17% and those from Germany by 10.6%.
In 2023, Catalonia received the most inbound visitors, followed by the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. Catalonia received 18 million tourists (21.2% more than in 2022), the Balearic Islands 14.4 million (9.1% more) and the Canary Islands 13.9 million (13.1% more).
Living in Torrox: Costa del Sol's sunniest spot
Located on the eastern stretch of the Costa del Sol, in the Axarquía region, you’ll find Torrox. This whitewashed municipality makes a rather bold claim: to have the best climate in Europe. Its position, sheltered by mountains and moderated by the Mediterranean, creates genuinely mild winters and pleasant summers, making the idea of living in Torrox particularly appealing. Home to around 20,000 people, including a considerable number of international residents from Britain and Germany, which
Things to do in San Sebastian: pintxos, beaches and city views
Located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in Spain's Basque Country, San Sebastián—or Donostia, as it's known in Basque—is a city that effortlessly combines Belle Époque elegance with its status as a world-class foodie playground. It's framed by the glistening bay of La Concha on one side and rolling green hills on the other.
Spanish passport ranking 2025: how powerful is a passport from Spain?
For those considering a move or already living in Spain, the strength of the local passport is a significant factor. A passport's ranking is a global measure of travel freedom, essentially counting the number of destinations its holder can visit without arranging a visa in advance. Spain consistently features near the top of these lists, offering its citizens remarkable mobility across the world.
A look inside Spain's UNESCO heritage cities
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Valencia's best public swimming pools to cool off this summer
With the arrival of warmer weather, finding a spot to escape the heat becomes a priority for both residents and visitors. In this regard, Valencia’s municipal swimming pools offer one of the best options for cooling off, enjoying the sun and spending a special day out with the family as an alternative to the beach. Discover which pools will be open in 2025.
Spain's World Heritage story: 10 must-see UNESCO sites
Spain is brimming with cultural treasures, including ancient Roman structures, mind-bending modern architecture and history-defining rock art. To give you an idea of how significant the history is here, the city of Córdoba holds the record for the most UNESCO recognitions in the world. In fact, Spain has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
7 lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain
When most people think of UNESCO sites in Spain, their minds usually jump to the Alhambra or Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona. And while they're undoubtedly must-sees, they're just the start of the story. Spain is one of the top nations for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, with an incredible list of protected spots. Some of Spain's lesser-known UNESCO World Heritage sites are the places that offer a different sort of experience, giving you a quieter glimpse into the country's deep history and