The country has recorded a historic 17 million visitors already in 2025, and the summer travel rush hasn’t even hit full swing yet.
When people think of European Summers, a lot of the images that pop up are probably scenes from
Spain
. The Gaudi architecture,
seaside villages
, rolling hills, Mediterranean waters, quiet cobblestone streets—all of it can be found in Barcelona, Madrid,
Seville
,
Granada
,
Córdoba
, Girona, Ibiza, and countless other cities across the country. But with everyone dreaming of Spain, it means the country is a popular destination for a lot of people. Like, a whole, whole lot of people.
According to the
most recent data
, Spain has already had 17 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025 alone. That’s a 5.7 percent increase in visitors compared to last year, and is the busiest year for visitors to the country in recorded history. When accounting for Spain’s population of just under 50 million people, it can be easy to see how such a high volume of visitors could overwhelm.
That data doesn’t even account for the busiest summer travel months right around the corner. And while an increase in tourism might be good for some places, that hasn’t been the case for Spain in recent years. In cities like Barcelona, locals have outright rejected the influx of visitors, going so far as to pour water on dining tourists and
mass protests
.
There’s already been a few issues to take note of this year. In the last days of April 2025, a
power outage
impacted transit, hospitals, and everything else in Spain, France, and Portugal. On May 5,
cable thefts
Delays affected numerous passengers on key railway routes. This week, Canada released a travel advisory for the nation, urging travelers to be highly cautious and aware of potential risks within the country.
increased threat of terrorism
The U.S. had previously released a comparable Level 2 advisory concerning the danger posed by
terrorism and civil unrest
back in December 2024.
With all this information, moving forward with your planned summer trip to Spain might seem overwhelmingly daunting. Below are some insights to keep in mind before you depart, along with advice for steering clear of large crowds.
Book in advance
Think about planning your journey for a different time of year. Right now, the costs would likely be steep and open spots might be limited. However, if you’ve already secured your flights and accommodation, ensure you have bookings for eateries, outings, transportation, and cultural sites set up well ahead of arriving at your destination.
Prepare for the crowds
If you’re heading to one of Spain’s busier urban centers, expect sizable crowds. While making reservations ahead of time might assist somewhat, it won’t entirely shield you from the disorder. A fantastic alternative could be venturing out for a day trip to some lesser-known and quieter locales instead. (T+L offers suggestions on such trips.)
hidden gem wine regions
and hidden spots teeming with
Michelin starred restaurants
) Places such as Barcelona and Madrid don’t necessarily have to be completely overwhelming. We’ve provided a guide to help with that.
exploring Barcelona during any time of year
and tips on the
top experiences to have when visiting Madrid
.
Travel responsibly
It’s going to be scorching hot and teeming with people, and chances are your expectations might fall short of what you’ll actually experience. Unexpected transit problems and demonstrations could arise anytime, just like they have earlier this year. Stay sharp to avoid turning minor inconveniences into major disasters. Secure your belongings carefully, create a practical budget, and plan accordingly.
stay street smart
Before leaving, review your country’s travel warnings, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, apply sunscreen, and be courteous when interacting with locals and those serving you.
Read the initial article on
Travel & Leisure
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