Spain remains one of the world’s tourism powerhouses — a country where Mediterranean beaches meet vibrant cities, world-class art, and culinary excellence.
In 2024, Spain welcomed 85.1 million international tourists, a 13% increase from 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic records and securing its position as the world’s second most-visited country, just behind France.
Tourism generated EUR 108 billion, making it one of the key drivers of Spain’s economy and employment.
Key stats: Spain Tourism
- 94 million international tourists in 2024 — Spain smashed yet another record and sits once again among the globe’s top destinations.
- Visitors spent around €126 billion in Spain in 2024 — a significant boost for local businesses and public revenues.
- Tourism now accounts for roughly 15.6% of Spain’s GDP, underlining the sector’s strategic importance.
- The industry supports about 3 million jobs, meaning nearly one in seven people in Spain works because someone visits.
- In October 2024, each international visitor spent on average €1,327, with €191 per day — showing that tourists are staying active and spending big.
- Outside the usual hotspots, regions showed massive growth: one group of destinations saw a 19.5% jump in arrivals and 26.2% higher spending in September 2024.
- Early numbers for 2025 already hint at momentum: 35 million visitors in just the first five months, generating €46.6 billion and growing ~8%.
💡 Expert Insight — Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism
“Spain continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism leader thanks to the diversity of its destinations, the excellence of its services, and the growing commitment to sustainability.”
How Many Tourists Visit Spain Each Year?
Spain welcomed 85.1 million international tourists in 2024.
| Year | International Tourists | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 83.7M | Pre-pandemic record |
| 2020 | 18.9M | Pandemic collapse |
| 2021 | 31.1M | Partial recovery |
| 2022 | 71.6M | +130% YoY |
| 2023 | 75.6M | +5.6% YoY |
| 2024 | 85.1M | +13% YoY |
Spain aims to exceed 90 million visitors in 2025, according to Turespaña projections.
How Many Tourists Visit Spain Each Day?
On average, around 233,000 international visitors arrived in Spain daily in 2024.
Summer months (June–September) saw peaks surpassing 8 million arrivals per month, driven by coastal destinations and city tourism.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Spain?
Tourists spent a record EUR 108 billion in 2024 — up 17% from 2023.
- Average spend per visitor: EUR 1,268
- Average daily spend: EUR 186
- Tourism share of Spain’s GDP: ~12.8%
- Jobs supported by tourism: ~2.9 million
💡 Expert Insight — Miguel Sanz, Director of Turespaña
“Beyond the record numbers, our focus is on quality tourism — visitors who stay longer, spend more, and respect the local environment and culture.”
Which Countries Visit Spain the Most?
The United Kingdom remains the largest source market, followed by France and Germany.
| Country | Visitors (2024 est.) | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 17.3M | 20% |
| 🇫🇷 France | 11.7M | 14% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 10.8M | 13% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 4.7M | 6% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 4.1M | 5% |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 2.7M | 3% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 2.5M | 3% |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 2.1M | 2% |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 2M | 2% |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 1.9M | 2% |
💡 Expert Insight — María Valcarce, Director of FITUR
“Spain’s tourism strength lies in diversification — from sun-and-beach travelers to cultural, gastronomic, and eco-conscious visitors.”
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Spain?
Spain’s attractions reflect its rich history, architecture, and cultural diversity.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (2024 est.) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sagrada Família | ~5.3M | Barcelona |
| Prado Museum | ~3.2M | Madrid |
| Park Güell | ~4.8M | Barcelona |
| Alhambra | ~2.8M | Granada |
| Royal Palace | ~2.3M | Madrid |
| Santiago de Compostela Cathedral | ~2M | Galicia |
| Seville Cathedral & Giralda | ~2.4M | Seville |
| Reina Sofía Museum | ~2.5M | Madrid |
| Guggenheim Museum | ~1.3M | Bilbao |
| Camp Nou Experience | ~1.5M | Barcelona |
Which Cities Attract the Most Visitors in Spain?
| City | Visitors (2024 est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | ~14.6M | Spain’s top destination |
| Madrid | ~10.9M | Culture, business, gastronomy |
| Benidorm | ~5.3M | Resort city |
| Palma de Mallorca | ~4.8M | Balearic hub |
| Seville | ~3.9M | Andalusian charm |
| Valencia | ~3.7M | Mediterranean lifestyle |
| Málaga | ~3.2M | Coastal and cultural |
| Granada | ~2.8M | Home of the Alhambra |
| Bilbao | ~1.5M | Northern design capital |
| San Sebastián | ~1.4M | Culinary hotspot |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain? (Seasonality)
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | High | Festivals & mild weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | Beaches, nightlife |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Moderate | Wine regions, fewer crowds |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Moderate | Canary Islands, skiing |
Spain’s Canary Islands maintain year-round tourism thanks to their subtropical climate.
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Spain?
| Event | Location | Visitors (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| La Tomatina | Buñol | ~40K |
| San Fermín (Running of the Bulls) | Pamplona | ~1.3M |
| Feria de Abril | Seville | ~1M |
| Las Fallas | Valencia | ~1M |
| Carnival of Santa Cruz | Tenerife | ~250K |
| Holy Week (Semana Santa) | Nationwide | Millions |
| Sónar Festival | Barcelona | ~120K |
| Primavera Sound | Barcelona | ~250K |
| Madrid Pride | Madrid | ~2M |
| San Sebastián Film Festival | San Sebastián | ~150K |
How Much Money Does Spain Make From Tourism?
Spain’s tourism revenue reached EUR 108 billion in 2024, up 17% year-on-year.
Tourism now accounts for nearly 13% of Spain’s GDP, and the country aims to push sustainable travel, digital transformation, and local development as part of its “España 2030 Tourism Strategy.”
💡 Expert Insight — Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UNWTO
“Spain’s tourism recovery is not just a return to pre-pandemic levels — it’s a transformation towards smarter, more resilient, and more sustainable travel.”
FAQ – Spain Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Spain annually?
85.1 million in 2024, a record high.
Which country sends the most tourists?
The United Kingdom, followed by France and Germany.
How much does tourism contribute to Spain’s economy?
EUR 108 billion (~12.8% of GDP).
What is Spain’s most visited attraction?
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona (~5.3M visitors).
When is the best time to visit Spain?
Spring and autumn — warm weather and fewer crowds.
Which Spanish city attracts the most tourists?
Barcelona (~14.6M visitors).
Sources
- Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) — Spain Tourism Data 2024
- Turespaña — Tourism Forecasts and Market Reports 2025
- UNWTO — Global Tourism Barometer 2025
- Reuters — Spain Hits Record 85.1 Million Tourists in 2024
- El País — Tourism Surpasses EUR 108 Billion in 2024, Driving Job Growth
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