Given the immense popularity of the Balearic and Canary Islands, one might be surprised to learn that a more traditional, mainland region has officially claimed the crown as Europe’s premier vacation hub. While the islands often dominate the travel headlines, new data reveals that Andalucia has outperformed every other region in the European Union to become the number one choice for short-term stays.
According to the latest figures from Eurostat, the sun-drenched, dry southern region of Spain saw an unprecedented surge in popularity during the second quarter of 2025. Between April and June, travellers spent a remarkable 13.3 million nights in Andalucian accommodations booked via online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia.
The scale of Andalucia’s success is most striking when compared to Europe’s traditional heavyweights. Its closest competitor, the Jadranska Hrvatska coastal region of Croatia, lagged behind significantly with 9.6 million nights. And perhaps even more shockingly, the home of the Eiffel Tower couldn’t keep pace. According to the data reported by The Olive Press, France’s Ile de France region, which includes Paris, took third place with 9.0 million nights.
Famous for its rich Moorish heritage and year-round sunshine, Andalucia offers a blend of cultural history and modern leisure that few regions can match. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Alhambra in Granada, the Cathedral of Seville and the Almeria desert – the only true desert in Europe. The region is also a global leader in gastronomy and olive oil production, which can significantly improve even the simplest meals.
But there’s much more than that. As one Reddit user wrote: “The first thing to keep in mind is that Andalusia isn’t a theme park. It’s vast, beautiful, hot, diverse, and with a brutal history. Yes, there’s flamenco. Yes, people take siestas. But we’re not just about that. And of course, we don’t just have four towns.”
Away from the main cities, gems like Setenil de las Bodegas – where homes are carved directly into rock cliffs – and the wild, volcanic coves of Cabo de Gata offer a rugged beauty untouched by mass tourism. From the prehistoric limestone spires of El Torcal to the lush, rain-drenched forests of Grazalema, the region’s landscape offers a diverse mosaic. It is this variety full of beautiful nature and history that keeps travellers returning over and over again.
The report points to a broader trend of Spanish dominance across Europe. Out of the top 20 most-visited regions in the EU, six were located in Spain. Alongside Andalucia’s top performance, the list featured familiar favourites like the Canary Islands, Catalunya, and the Valencian Community, proving that the Spanish “sun and beach” formula remains an unbeatable draw for international visitors.
At first glance, the record-breaking numbers provide a massive boost to the local economy. But, as headlines from anti-tourism protests in recent years have shown, they also started a fierce debate over the sustainability of such high-volume tourism. Now that Andalucia is the confirmed epicentre of Europe’s short-term rental market, local officials are under increasing pressure to protect the social fabric of the region. In simple terms, this means ensuring that the holiday boom doesn’t come at the expense of affordable housing for the people who live there year-round.