Spain Tourism: Your Complete Travel Guide

Spain tourism is one of the strongest in Europe, with over 85 million international visitors each year. The tourism industry plays an important role in the country’s economy, attracting travelers with its mix of beaches, historic cities, cultural landmarks, Spain tourist attractions, and world-famous food. From Madrid to Barcelona, and from the Costa del Sol to the Canary Islands, there is something for every kind of traveler.

This guide will walk you through everything about Spain tourism. It covers top destinations, travel tips, as well as the average accommodation prices, transport options, and what a full trip to Spain might cost. Here is what to expect:

• Spain Overview
• Spain Tourism Overview
• Traveling to Spain
• Coastal Tourism in Spain: Summer Resorts and Beaches
• Winter tourism in Spain
• Transport in Spain
• Accommodation Costs for Top Destinations in Spain
• An Average Spain Trip Itinerary with Full Cost Breakdown
• 6 Travel Tips to Spain

Spain Overview

Spain Tourism Overview

Tourism is one of Spain’s most important industries. It makes up more than 12% of the country’s economy. In 2024, around 94 million international tourists visited Spain, making it the second most visited country in the world. Spain also ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index and was ranked number one in 2015, 2017, and 2019. People love visiting Spain for its rich culture, beautiful beaches, exciting cities, and amazing food.

Popular places to visit include Barcelona, known for the Sagrada Família and the Gothic Quarter, and Madrid, where you can see the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. Other highlights are Seville, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Balearic and Canary Islands. Summer (June to August) is best for beach holidays, while spring and fall are great for city visits and festivals.

Winter tourism is also growing, especially in Spain’s mountainous regions like the Pyrenees, the Sierra Nevada, and the Picos de Europa, which offer skiing, snowboarding, and scenic hiking. Spain is just a great place to visit all year round.

Traveling to Spain

Traveling to Spain as a tourist depends on your nationality. If you’re from the EU/EEA or the Schengen Area, you can enter Spain freely with just an ID or passport. For many non-EU countries, including the U.S, Canada, Australia, and the UK, you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure and issued within the last 10 years.

Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries must also apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) before entering.

Tourists must also show:

• Proof of return or onward travel
• Evidence of sufficient funds (around €100 per day)
• Accommodation details (hotel booking or invitation letter)

Long-term stays

To live in Spain for over 90 days, you must apply for a long-stay visa before arriving. It’s quite common for a holiday in Spain to inspire expats to stay longer, and there are many reasons for that. Spain ranks 5th on the Quality of Life Index by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), which evaluates countries based on factors like healthcare, education, personal safety, cost of living, and more. 

Additionally, Spain is one of the most sought-after countries for retirement. This is reflected in its top 2 ranking in the recently published Global Retirement Report by GCS. What makes this report unique is its detailed research into what retirees value most in their ideal retirement. It considers aspects such as mobility, economy, taxes, quality of life, safety, and ease of integration.

  Below are the main visa options that allow you to stay longer in Spain, which can be applied for through a Spanish consulate:

To learn more about the Spain Digital Nomad Visa

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Coastal Tourism in Spain: Summer Resorts and Beaches

Coastal tourism is a big part of Spain’s tourism industry. The country has over 8,000 kilometers (about 5,000 miles) of coastline and more than 600 Blue Flag beaches, making it one of the top places in the world for beach holidays. In 2024, most international visitors went to coastal areas like Catalonia, Andalusia, Valencia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. These places are very busy in the summer, especially from June to August.

People love Spain’s coast because of the warm weather and long beach season. Some areas have sunshine almost 300 days a year. Many coastal towns are great for families, with all-inclusive resorts and waterparks. Tourists also enjoy local food, festivals, and exploring historic towns.

Spain is also cheaper than many other beach destinations in Western Europe. You can find budget-friendly towns like Torremolinos or Benidorm with hotels between €60 and €100 per night. Ibiza and Marbella are popular for travelers who want luxury and nightlife, but they can cost more than €300 per night.

Spain’s top coastal regions

Winter tourism in Spain

Winter tourism in Spain is growing, with over 5.2 million international tourists visiting between December and February 2024. Many love Spain’s milder winter temperatures, particularly in the south and the Canary Islands as well as affordable travel and accommodation compared to summer. But traveling to Spain in winter also gives people the opportunity to enjoy a different side of the country like the winter sports in mountain regions like the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada.

Top Winter destinations in Spain

Accommodation Costs for Top Destinations in Spain

An Average Spain Trip Itinerary with Full Cost Breakdown

This table shows an example of what an average trip to Spain might look like, including costs and activities. The things to do in Spain are endless, from exploring historic sites and beautiful beaches to enjoying wine tastings, flamenco shows, and delicious local food. This is just a starting point to plan your own adventure.

Estimated Total for 7 Days: €1,210 – €1,250 per person. 

6 Travel Tips to Spain

1. Learn basic Spanish phrases – While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing the basics can go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.
2. Book popular attractions early – Famous spots like the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, or Park Güell often sell out days in advance, especially in summer.
3. Use public transport – Spain has an efficient train and bus system, so using public transport will be easy and cost less. 
4. Stay alert for pickpockets – Be especially careful in busy tourist areas, on public transport, and at festivals. Use a money belt or crossbody bag.
5. Buy a local SIM card- Spanish providers like Orange, Vodafone, and Movistar offer prepaid SIM cards with data that are much cheaper than international roaming.
6. Carry both cash and a card – Cards are widely accepted, but small shops, cafés, and rural areas might prefer cash. Having both gives you flexibility. You can withdraw money easily from ATMs operated by national banks in Spain.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.