Published on
September 5, 2025
Spain’s tourism keeps smashing records, with fresh data showing another month of historic international arrivals and spending. In July 2025, 11 million foreigners chose Spain, the largest single-month figure the country has ever seen, as the National Institute of Statistics (INE) reports. That pushed the first seven months’ total to 55.5 million, confirming Spain’s strong global position ahead of the autumn data.
Visitor spending mirrored the arrivals boom and now stands above €76 billion, reflecting a 7.2 percent jump over 2024. July’s year-on-year spending growth softened to 1.6 percent, yet the destination’s reputation and appeal are unshaken. British, French and German visitors again make up the largest market shares and drive overall performance.
September: The New Peak Travel Period
For anyone dreaming of a cheap and laid-back Spanish September, the rug has been pulled. Once the nation’s sleepy shoulder month, September is now swelling to peak proportions as traveler patterns evolve and demand spikes. The month’s growing capacity, attractive shoulder offers, and temperate climate no longer guarantee serene plazas or low tariffs.
Fewer than 40% of Spanish vacationers still choose August, which used to be the busy summer month, Shell, Spain’s National Observatory of Outbound Tourism, reveals. Instead, the buzz is shifting to September, with 1 in 6 people planning to travel then. This is causing what used to be the “quiet” month to become busier than summer sun-worshippers had expected.
With September taking off, prices in Spain’s favourite getaways are going up, especially in the Canary Islands. The islands, a bellwether for Spain’s travel trends, are seeing hotel and apartment rates rise by 5.3% between September 2023 and 2024 and 25% higher than 2019 levels, the latest data from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows. Nationally, one night in September 2024 will cost an average of €132, a 21% jump over September 2023.
Tourist Spending Rises with Each Visitor Leaving €1,490 on Average
Spain is not only welcoming more tourists; it is collecting bigger vacation receipts, too. The average foreign traveller is now shelling out €1,490 for a trip, with daily habits costing about €210 for a stay of a week. July alone racked up close to €16.5 billion in spend, a clear signal that Spain has locked in its status as a top-of-the-drawer holiday pick.
Spikes in both visitor numbers and spend reflect Spain’s robust return and growth within the worldwide tourism scene, with the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands still the hottest front. Thanks to pleasantly warm September weather, late-summer seekers continue shipping in for sunny days against cooler, calmer crowds, yet observers note that costs across the board are inching upward.
Visitor Surge Draws Protests and Environmental Warnings
Spain’s record tourism climb is now framed by protests and environmentally driven alarms, especially in the Canary Islands. Demonstrations staged in 2023 have spotlighted shortages in housing and the repetitive strain of holding millions of holiday-makers. Disturbances are now demanding firm visitor quotas, yet booking data suggests the islands are already on the path to yet another record autumn a few weeks from now.
Meanwhile, cities like Barcelona are still facing the strain of mass tourism. To counter this, the local government has tightened rules on Airbnb rentals and is rethinking how visitors access famous sights. These changes are part of a broader plan to protect neighborhoods while making sure the economic perks of tourism trickle down to residents.
Wildfire threats also hover over Spain, especially in isles like the Canary Islands. Climate change has escalated the intensity of summer blazes, and alerts keep coming as millions arrive for their summer breaks. Yet, the country’s tourism sector keeps churning ahead: arrivals stay high, and the cash flow keeps rolling in.
Why September in Spain Still Calls to Travelers
Even with peak summer prices, September keeps luring vacationers. Temperatures are still sunny, the crowds thin out, and with schools back in session, families are fewer. This calm atmosphere suits vacationers seeking a slower pace. Warm Mediterranean and Canary Island waters still welcome late-season dips, and evening meals al fresco stretch into the long night.
If your travel dates are open, you can still find good deals away from the crowded hot spots. September and early October is the sweet spot, so hop on a shoulder season flight and enjoy sun and savings, even in offshore islands. Major cities, like Barcelona and Madrid, still serve up plenty of warmth and value, with price-cut deals on hotels and tapas menus compared to the peak summer months.
Wrap-Up: Spain’s Travel Scene Shows Few Signs of Slowing Down
Spain keeps smashing tourism records, with a bigger November to March growth, pushing spending sky-high. The shift of peak days to shoulder months like September just signals a bigger shift in wanderlust. Holidaymakers still crave Valencia’s orange groves and Seville’s skyline, even with airfare and tapas seemingly higher. Plus, Spain’s sunny beaches, legendary art, and delicious scents are already piping hot, even amid rising costs and new climate rules.
Since the tourism sector is responding, from biodegradable itineraries to smart apps, planners know that Gaudí is still a marvel, tapas still a treat, and even the typical trains are legendary. Give the tapas app a try, book a shoulder flight to one of Spain’s 58 counties, and you can still taste the fascinating blend of history, beach vibes, and environment.
