Spain has once again proven its status as one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
In the first six months of 2025, the country welcomed 44.5 million tourists, marking a 4.7% increase compared with the same period last year. Even more striking than the surge in arrivals is the fact that these visitors spent more than ever before, nearly €60 billion in total, a 7.5% rise year on year.
Spending more in less time
One of the most notable trends is the way tourists are adjusting their habits. While the average stay has dropped by 2.8%, down to 6.6 days, daily spending has climbed significantly. Visitors now spend an average of €209 per day, up 6.5% compared to June 2024.
This change suggests that while travellers may be opting for shorter trips, they are investing more in experiences, accommodation, and dining during their stays.
Britain, Germany, and France lead the charge
Spain’s biggest markets remain its European neighbours, with Britain, Germany, and France providing the bulk of visitors. Nearly nine million British travellers arrived in the first half of 2025, a 5.2% increase that secured the UK’s position as Spain’s largest tourism market. German and French arrivals also grew, by 3% and 3.1%, respectively. Together, these three countries accounted for nearly 40% of Spain’s total tourism revenue.
The United States is also becoming an increasingly important source of visitors. Over 2.1 million Americans arrived between January and June, a 3.4% rise compared to last year.
The Spanish regions tourists can’t resist
Spain’s most visited regions in the first half of the year were Catalonia (9.3 million visitors), the Canary Islands (7.8 million), and Andalusia (6.8 million).
The Canary Islands led in terms of overall spending, accounting for 19.9% of the national total, followed by Catalonia with 17.7% and Andalusia with 15.3%. In June alone, however, the Balearic Islands took the lead, representing 21% of monthly tourism spending.
When it comes to daily expenditure, Madrid topped the list, with visitors spending an average of €329 per day. Catalonia followed with €251, while Andalusia saw the fastest growth, with daily spending up 17.3% to reach €200.
While hotels remain the most popular form of accommodation, chosen by 28.7 million tourists, or about two‑thirds of visitors in June, alternative options are gaining ground.
Rental housing saw the sharpest growth, up nearly 10%, reflecting the continuing popularity of platforms like Airbnb. Meanwhile, stays in private residences jumped 12.4%, and visits to family and friends rose 10.4%.
Notably, hotel guests continue to spend more overall compared to those staying in private homes, suggesting that traditional accommodation still holds the edge when it comes to economic impact.
Spain’s strong performance underscores the resilience of its tourism sector, even in a period when travel habits are evolving. The trend of shorter stays paired with higher daily spending suggests that tourists are increasingly seeking premium, experience‑driven travel, rather than extended, budget‑focused holidays.
With visitor numbers and spending both climbing, 2025 is shaping up to be a record‑breaking year for Spanish tourism.
