Spain has been named as the favourite holiday spot for British travellers aged 55 and over, according to new research.
The study found that older UK holidaymakers made a whopping 6.2 million trips to Spain in 2024, spending £5.27million along the way.
That makes Spain the clear winner for both visitor numbers and economic impact among this age group.
Short, affordable flights, year-round sun in some areas, and a relaxed pace of life that suits longer getaways all play a part in the appeal. Walkable towns and solid public transport also make getting around a breeze for older couples.
Short, affordable flights, plenty of sunshine, and a relaxed pace of life all appeal to holidaymakers
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GETTYMost popular destinations for over-55s
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Portugal
- Greece
- Republic of Ireland
- Turkey
- United States
- Germany
- Netherlands
France came in second place, welcoming nearly 2.6 million visits from the over-55s who spent just under £2million during their trips. Many older travellers love that France can be reached by car, ferry, or Eurostar, making it a no-fly option that feels far less stressful.
Italy took third spot with 1.17 million visits and £1.23million in spending, with short flight times from the UK making it one of the easiest Mediterranean choices.
Portugal attracted 1.13 million visitors who spent £9.42million, with the Algarve region proving particularly popular for its gentle coastal walks and golf resorts.
Greece rounded out the top five with over a million visits. Travellers spent £1.05 million exploring Greece’s warm temperatures and coastal scenery, perfect for restful breaks.
The Republic of Ireland claimed sixth place with 954,000 visits and £4.44million in spending, thanks to its proximity and frequent flight and ferry connections.
Turkey drew 908,000 older visitors who spent £8.26million, with all-inclusive hotels catering brilliantly to accessibility needs. The United States attracted 905,000 visits despite requiring long-haul flights, with easy English navigation proving a big draw.
France came in second place, welcoming nearly 2.6 million visits from the over-55s
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PEXELSGermany welcomed 647,000 visitors spending £4.68million, while the Netherlands rounded out the top ten with 487,000 visits and £3.07million spent.
James Rodgers, head of dating at Senior Lovers – who conducted the research – said: “Older travellers and older couples often prioritise destinations that offer reliable infrastructure, which makes these countries especially appealing. Many of the top-ranked countries provide strong accessibility from the UK through frequent direct flights and short travel times.
“Warm weather destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece offer comfortable climates that suit slower-paced itineraries and year-round travel. Cultural familiarity also plays a role, since many older travellers prefer places where language barriers and navigation challenges are minimal.
“Safety and healthcare access are important factors, and these destinations generally score well on both. Finally, the variety of accommodation and activity options across these countries means older adults can personalise their trips to match their comfort levels and interests.”
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