Spain is gearing up for a booming Christmas travel season with Madrid and Barcelona among the most popular destinations for city breaks and family holidays.

Posted on November 5, 2025

Spain is gearing up for another dynamic festive travel season, attracting locals and international visitors for its Christmas and New Year celebrations. With a mix of city breaks, family reunions, and the desire to soak up the winter sun in the Canary Islands, the holiday period has become one of the busiest in recent years. The diverse mix of destinations and experiences on offer will cater to a wide range of travellers, ensuring a lively atmosphere across the country.

Recent survey data reveals that 71% of Spaniards plan to travel during the holiday season, spending an average of €803 per person. A large portion of these flights are already booked, especially to domestic destinations, reflecting the growing trend of pre-arranged travel. The high demand for both city getaways and island holidays highlights Spain’s enduring appeal over the Christmas period.

Key dates and travel patterns

Travel peaks on public holidays in Spain, which include December 6 (Constitution Day), December 8 (Immaculate Conception), the Christmas to New Year period, and January 6 (Epiphany). These dates generate great travel activity, especially as many Spaniards take advantage of extended weekends and holiday breaks. Roads will be busier than usual, as traveling by private car remains the most popular way to get around. Early booking remains a key strategy to avoid high costs, with many travelers securing their flights early to take advantage of deals.

Most visited Christmas destinations

Madrid and the Canary Islands are expected to attract the largest number of visitors during the holiday period. In December and January 2023, Madrid received 2.7 million visitors, excluding flights within the region. As the capital of Spain, Madrid attracts tourists for its lively atmosphere, festive markets and cultural events. The city remains a top destination for domestic travel, with family visits a major driver. Madrid also stands out for its holiday spending, which tends to exceed the region’s average for the rest of the year.

The Canary Islands also remain a top choice for international travelers. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are prime destinations, with resort towns such as Adeje and Arona in Tenerife, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana in Gran Canaria attracting large numbers of visitors looking for warm weather and relaxation. The Canary Islands accounted for almost a third of foreign arrivals to Spain last Christmas season, with average December temperatures reaching 21C, making it a prime location for those looking to escape the winter cold.

Madrid: a leading holiday destination

Madrid is consistently ranked as the most popular city in Spain to travel to at Christmas. In 2023, the city attracted more than 2.5 million visitors, with 62% of tourists choosing to stay within the city. Madrid offers a mix of festive charm and cultural appeal, making it a major draw for domestic and international travellers. Family visits are a major incentive, with many people traveling to Madrid to reunite with loved ones. During this period, the city also sees a significant increase in tourism-related spending, strengthening its position as a prime Christmas destination.

Canary Islands: winter sun and relaxation

The Canary Islands are a top destination for those looking for winter sun. The islands are known for their pleasant climate all year round, and are especially attractive during the Christmas season. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are excellent options, with many visitors flocking to the islands to enjoy a mix of relaxation and holiday festivities. The islands’ resorts are well-equipped to accommodate the large number of visitors, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers. With average daytime temperatures of 21°C, the Canary Islands are an ideal place for those looking to enjoy a warm and cozy Christmas away from the cold of winter.

Barcelona: a cultural escape

Barcelona also remains a popular Christmas destination, attracting just under 1.5 million visitors in December and January 2023. Known for its unique blend of culture, architecture and food, the city attracts international tourists looking to experience the magic of Christmas. The city offers a range of outdoor activities, from visiting its Christmas markets to enjoying its winter festivals, without the crowds usually associated with summer tourism. With average temperatures of 14-15°C in December, Barcelona offers a comfortable climate for sightseeing and outdoor events.

Short trips, family travel and spending trends

Trips within Spain are often short, with 43% of travelers planning to stay for three days or less. Only 27% of travelers choose longer trips lasting three to five days. These short breaks are particularly popular over long weekends, making city stays and Canary Islands resorts particularly crowded during the festive season. Hotels and short-term rentals in city centers and coastal resorts are expected to see high turnover rates.

Families are the most common travel group during the holiday season, accounting for 48% of travelers. Couples follow closely at 27%, while 16% travel with friends, and 9% venture out alone. This mix of group types highlights Spain’s appeal to a wide range of travellers, from families visiting city centers to couples and solo travelers heading to beach destinations for some quiet relaxation.

Communication between the United Kingdom and Spain

Air travel remains a critical factor in facilitating travel during the holiday season. Spanish airports are well-equipped to handle the high volume of passengers, with record numbers of travelers expected over the Christmas period. The UK remains one of the largest international markets for Spanish tourism, and flights between Spain and the UK are likely to see a rise in demand during the holidays. London remains a major destination for Spaniards, boosting two-way traffic between the two countries. However, travelers should expect higher prices and limited availability on peak travel days as demand increases.

As Spain gears up for one of its busiest Christmas seasons yet, the combination of cultural city breaks, family reunions, and winter sunshine escaping to the Canary Islands promises to make this holiday season a lively and thriving time for the country’s tourism industry. Early booking and careful planning will help travelers take full advantage of the festive offers and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience across Spain’s most popular destinations.