Tourism in Spain

Barcelona’s planning a full-on glow this year for its Christmas lights display.

Madrid is going big with its Christmas lights display for 2025.

The number of tourists visiting Spain in the first nine months of the year increased by 3.5% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching almost 76.5 million, the highest figure in the FRONTUR series compiled by the Spanish Statistics Institute (INE).

This festive season, Torrejón de Ardoz transforms into the ultimate Christmas destination with Mágicas Navidades (Magical Christmas), the largest Christmas park in Spain.

Are you looking for the best lakes in Spain to explore this autumn? Spain, famous for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes, is also home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.

The 10 places to celebrate Christmas in Spain span giant illuminations, edible Christmas displays, life-size nativity scenes, and sweet‑tooth pilgrimages.

Christmas in Málaga has become a real highlight in the calendar, thanks to the city's impressive light display that floods the streets with twinkling festive colours.Málaga Christmas lights 2025: switch‑on, season, and what’s newCalle Larios light show 2025: times and viewing tipsWhen are the Christ

Early December can reshape work and travel plans across Spain, with closures and altered schedules felt nationwide for the December bank holiday weekend.

Spain is stepping up its bid in luxury travel by raising service standards in areas like Madrid, Barcelona and Marbella.

With the arrival of autumn, Spain’s towns are painted in shades of gold, red and copper.

Spain does winter differently. If you’re sizing up the best Spanish cities to visit in winter, think softer light, calmer plazas and, on the right coast, a midday coffee outdoors in December without turning blue.

**Update — 13th October 2025**Ryanair has escalated its Spain cuts, announcing a further reduction of 1.2 million seats from regional Spain for Summer 2026. It has also announced it will no longer have flights to and from Asturias Airport.

British tourists are Spain’s number one nationality by arrivals — and have held that top spot for years.

Spain has rolled out higher tourist taxes and stricter local rules across key destinations this year, aiming to curb overtourism and ease pressure on residents. From city surcharges to tighter rental licensing and guest registration, the travel experience is changing at check‑in and on the street.

Barcelona is preparing one of its most significant shake-ups to cruise tourism in years.

Spain enters the final stretch of 2025 with fresh tourism milestones and a reshaped travel calendar.

A €1.5 billion, multi-year expansion is set to reshape Málaga Airport—extending terminals, streamlining security and overhauling ground access—signalling a step-change for the Costa del Sol’s main gateway.What the Málaga Airport expansion includesPassenger experience upgradesTimeline and key milesto

Barcelona marked World Tourism Day on Saturday with protests at several landmark sites, drawing fresh attention to visitor pressure and housing concerns. What happened during the World Tourism Day protests in BarcelonaOn Saturday, 27th September, anti-tourism activists staged a protest at Parc

The EU's new automated border control system launches on 12th October 2025.

Travel back in time and explore the most enchanting medieval towns in Spain. These historic villages offer a perfect mix of charm, history, and architecture, ideal for an autumn or winter getaway.

Overtourism is biting in parts of Spain—crowded old towns, housing pressure, and cruise‑day crushes have stirred local pushback. The calmer route away from overtourism hotspots is smart place‑and‑timing.

For authentic alternatives to Spain’s tourist resorts, think compact old towns, protected coasts and mountain parks with capped development. Shoulder‑season, mid‑week trips and rail or bus links usually keep things calmer and cheaper.

If you’re eyeing things to do in Palma Nova, think three Blue Flag beaches, a palm-lined promenade and easygoing spots for a cold drink by the sea.

Spain has bagged three places in the World’s Best Low‑Cost Airlines awards in 2025, a tidy win for anyone flying in and out of Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga or the islands.

San Sebastián, renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant social scene, boasts unique terraces with views of the Cantabrian Sea, La Concha Bay, and its charming streets.