British tourists are Spain’s number one nationality by arrivals — and have held that top spot for years. In 2025, they continue to set the pace, nudging crowd patterns, prices and which hotspots are on the up.
How many British tourists visit Spain in 2025
According to Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE) provisional data, across January to August 2025, British arrivals reached 13.2 million, a 4.3% rise, keeping the UK firmly as the top source market.
In August 2025, over 2 million UK residents arrived in Spain, up 4.4% year on year. Despite Brexit and changes in regulation, the British also remain the largest group of foreign homebuyers in Spain.
The number of UK tourists to Spain in 2025 equates to roughly one in five international arrivals both in August and year‑to‑date, underscoring the UK’s weight as a source market. Trip length patterns skew to four–seven nights as the main duration in August, which aligns with typical British holiday rhythms.
Where British tourists are going in Spain in 2025
January to August 2025 saw Catalonia top the table with about 13.8 million visitors, followed by the Balearic Islands on 11.5 million, and the Canary Islands with 10.3 million.
August’s top destinations by total arrivals were the Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Andalusia. The tourism boom in the Balearics and Canaries has attracted billions of euros in investment in the last five years.
- For the British market, the islands and the Costas remain staples, with strong volumes into the Balearics, Canary Islands, the Region of Valencia and Andalusia.
- Heat and crowd spillover continue to push some demand into secondary destinations near major resorts, as well as into cooler northern regions during hotter spells.
The Balearic Islands: resorts galore
This is a peak‑season favourite for UK holidaymakers, with strong resort choice in Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca. For those avoiding the crowds, you'll find authentic alternatives to the tourist resorts.
- It's busiest between May and October, backed by dense flight schedules into Palma (PMI), Ibiza (IBZ) and Mahón (MAH).
- There's a mix of family resorts (Alcúdia, Cala d’Or), party hubs (Sant Antoni), and quieter calas.
Canary Islands: off-season destination
This archipelago off the coast of Africa has a year‑round draw for Brits. Getting some winter sun on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura is especially popular.
- It offers good value outside school holidays and larger resorts, balanced by quieter coastal towns.
- Strong UK flight connectivity and plenty of self‑catering accommodation.
Benidorm and the Costas: British tourist hotspots
Benidorm and the wider Costa Blanca sit within the Region of Valencia. The area’s appeal is familiar: beach time, nightlife, family‑friendly amenities and competitive packages.
- Quieter bases exist within short reach of the main strips, giving a calmer stay while keeping access to services.
- Local rules are evolving thanks to overtourism management and tourist tax updates, so it pays to check the latest before booking.
Old-time fave: Costa del Sol (Andalusia)
Long‑standing UK favourite anchored by Málaga’s air links and golf scene. Popular resorts include Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Marbella and Estepona. The area is also evolving into one of Europe's top luxury destinations.
- Combines beaches with city culture in Málaga and inland day trips., with a wide range of hotels and rental options at varied price points.
Basque Country
Cooler summers, big food culture and surf appeal, pick between San Sebastián, Bilbao and the Bizkaia coast. Away from the overtourism hotpots of Spain, this part of northern Spain appeals to outdoorsy types who prefer an active holiday.
- Direct UK flights to Bilbao help with long weekends, and you'll find plenty of pintxos bars and coastal walks.
British tourist spend in Spain 2025: length of stay and daily budgets
In August 2025, international tourist spending hit €16,39 million. UK citizens spent the most, contributing 19.2% of the total. Average spend by UK visitors stood at €1,420 per person, with a daily average of €184 over an average 7.7‑day stay.
By category across all markets in August: accommodation took 20.6% of spend, activities 18.7%, package tours 18.2%, international transport 18.1%, and food and drink 15.3%.
Crowds and capacity in Spain 2025
Spain received 66.8 million between January and August, with a record-breaking 11.3 million international visitors in August. The islands and major coastal regions are busiest in summer, with shoulder‑season travel gradually absorbing more demand as travellers seek better prices and cooler weather.
Spain entry basics for British visitors in 2025
Things are shifting a bit for British holidaymakers as Spain tightens up tourist rules and digitises border checks, so expect a touch more formality at the frontier.
Firstly, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) starts on 12th October 2025. It’s a digital register for non‑EU travellers that replaces manual passport stamping with biometric checks, automatically tracking your 90/180‑day allowance.
Separately, ETIAS is a new pre‑travel authorisation for visa‑exempt nationals such as UK citizens that is set to launch in 2026. It isn’t a visa, but you’ll apply online, pay a small fee and get approval before boarding once it’s live.
At Spanish border control, you may also be asked to show various documents, although this will depend on the airport, region and officer. Documents could include:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of your travel insurance
- evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address if you’re staying at your own property
- an invitation or proof of address if staying with friends or family
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