Tourism in Spain

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).

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.

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.

**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.

Barcelona’s blockbuster sights hog the limelight, but the city’s best moments live in quiet barrios, leafy slopes and tiny bodegas.

Girona is home to medieval towns brimming with history and charm, where streets and monuments preserve the spirit of centuries past. Visiting them offers a chance to explore unique traditions and landscapes that bring the past to life.

Tucked away in the mountains and along the coasts, you’ll find some of Spain's real treasures – its little villages, which often get overlooked.

Málaga has taken a major step to balance its booming tourism sector with the local housing market. The city council has confirmed that it will suspend new licences for tourist accommodation for the next three years, following a promise made by Mayor Francisco de la Torre.

A fresh wave of airport strikes is set to affect major Spanish holiday destinations this August, impacting passengers flying with various carriers. The industrial action has been called by the UGT union, representing ground handling staff employed by the Menzies group.

The Councils of A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela, two of the most visited cities in the Galicia region of Spain, have approved an ordinance requiring tourists staying overnight to pay a so-called “tourist tax”.This move follows a growing trend among Spanish towns and cities to introduce similar c