Heading To Spain This Summer? Here's What To Expect In This Record-Breaking Travel Season

Tourism numbers are up in Spain — way up. In the first quarter of 2025, more than 17 million people visited the country, predominantly from the U.K., France, Germany, and the U.S., breaking records and marking a 5.7% jump from the same period in 2024. This is a considerable increase, especially since Spain's resident population is less than 50 million. The country has already implemented measures to combat overtourism, but based on the past few months, even larger crowds can be expected during the upcoming summer season.

It's not a great situation for travelers facing oversold flights, overbooked hotels, and overcrowding at major attractions. But locals aren't happy about it, either. "We feel quite invaded," said Barcelona resident Joan Albert Riu Fortuny in an interview with CNN. Longtime homeowners in Spanish cities complain about tourist apartments taking over their buildings and city blocks, even with updated government restrictions in place, and protesters have taken to the streets complaining about overtourism in various Spanish cities.

So, what's the best strategy if you've already booked tickets to Spain this summer? First, consider your itinerary. The top tourist destinations in Spain include the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Andalusia, and Málaga, so if your travel plans aren't set, you might want to avoid these crowd magnets. Rick Steves made headlines when he specifically advised against traveling to the Costa del Sol — not only because of overtourism, he said, but because it's not a great area to visit in the first place.

"Anything resembling a quaint fishing village has been bikini-strangled and Nivea-creamed," Steves wrote of the region on his website. "Oblivious to the concrete, pollution, ridiculous prices, and traffic jams, tourists — looking for a change in weather but not a change in culture — lie on the beach like game hens on skewers — cooking, rolling, and sweating under the sun." No, gracias! Skip the tourist traps and think about visiting lesser-known spots like the quiet seaside town of Almuñécar or one of the beautiful Spanish islands you've probably never heard of.

Perhaps your itinerary is already set, and museum-hopping in Madrid or partying in Ibiza is very much part of the plan. What's the best way to proceed in what's almost certain to be another record-breaking tourist season?

First, book your lodgings as far in advance as possible — and if you'd like to stay safely on the locals' good side, consider a conventional hotel room over an apartment stay. Second, be prepared for travel disruptions, like the recent country-wide power outage and cable thefts that halted train travel. And don't forget about the upcoming anti-tourism protests — one is planned in the Canary Islands on May 18 and another in Barcelona, Mallorca, and other destinations on June 15.

Finally, use common sense: Purchase tickets ahead of time when possible, keep a close eye on your valuables, stay hydrated, and get an early start for sightseeing to beat the biggest crowds. Keep a sense of humor and practice extra courtesy around fellow travelers in the same situation — and when in doubt, leave a big tip for your Spanish hosts.