Higher Tourism Costs Are Driving Spaniards Away from Their Beaches

According to official data analyzed by inAtlas, domestic tourism in Spain declined by 800,000 people last year, while the number of foreign visitors rose by 1.94 million. With Spain poised to welcome a record-breaking 100 million international tourists in 2025, this trend shows no sign of slowing down.

The situation is increasingly challenging for Spanish travelers. Wendy Davila, a 26-year-old local, shared her experience of canceling a seaside trip to Cadiz due to what she called “outrageous” prices. Instead, she opted for the more budget-friendly city of Burgos. Like her, many Spaniards are now vacationing where their budgets allow, rather than where their hearts desire.

Tourism is a cornerstone of the Spanish economy, contributing over 13% to the national GDP. However, the rapid growth in visitor numbers has led to housing shortages and higher living expenses, sparking frustration among residents. Hotel rates have risen 23% over the last three years, now averaging €136 per night, according to Mabrian, while beachfront rental prices have surged by 20.3% since mid-2023.

Jose Maria Basanez, President of Tecnitasa Group, emphasized the increasing difficulty Spaniards face in securing affordable coastal accommodations. Meanwhile, foreign tourists—who typically stay longer and spend more—are driving up demand and prices. In fact, Spanish travelers can now only afford half the duration and a quarter of the spending of their international counterparts.

This economic imbalance is shifting holiday patterns across the country. In 2024 alone, Spaniards made 400,000 fewer trips to major cities, while foreign tourist visits climbed by nearly 3 million.

In response, Spain’s government is actively promoting inland tourism to relieve pressure on coastal regions and diversify tourist hotspots. Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu highlighted the importance of decentralizing tourism to sustain Spain’s global position as a top destination.

This policy shift appears to be working. More Spaniards are choosing inland getaways and favoring platforms like Airbnb over traditional hotels. In 2024, inland regions welcomed 1.7 million additional Spanish tourists, with destinations like the mountain town of El Bosque recording a 22% increase in local visitors.

Lower domestic purchasing power, especially in comparison to British and German visitors, continues to drive this shift. For some, like nurse Maria de la Jara, avoiding the summer rush entirely is the best solution. She plans to remain in Madrid for the season and visit family in Cadiz once the peak crowds have dispersed.

As Spain navigates these evolving tourism trends, the emphasis on sustainable and inclusive travel is becoming increasingly vital—for locals and visitors alike.