Spain sets tourism records, what it means for your trip

Spain’s tourism boom: what to expect

Spain is on track to break its all-time record for foreign visitors this summer, according to Euronews. Popular destinations like Barcelona, Madrid and the Costa del Sol will be packed. Queues at the Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra can stretch over an hour in peak season. Book tickets online at least two weeks ahead.

Where to go instead

Skip the busiest beaches and towns. Head inland: cities like Zaragoza, Valladolid or Cáceres see far fewer crowds and offer lower prices. A meal in central Madrid starts from around 15 EUR, in Cáceres it can be half that. Check official tourism sites for accurate opening times, many smaller museums close on Mondays.

New ways to book your trip

Amazon is testing trip booking through Alexa+ with Priceline, as reported by Skift. If you are in the US or UK, you can now ask your smart speaker to find flights or hotels in Europe and complete the purchase. It saves time but compare prices manually too, AI doesn’t always catch the cheapest option.

Practical reminders

Prices everywhere are up this summer. Accommodation in central Barcelona starts from around 120 EUR per night, but check for hidden fees. Always verify official websites for strike alerts, rail strikes in France and Italy can affect cross-border travel. Pack patience and plan backup routes.