If you’re planning on crossing the pond this spring or summer for a much-needed culture-infused sunny break, there’s one country in particular that should be at the top of your list.
According to Mabrian, a travel intelligence firm, Spain has already captured a whopping one-third of global travel demand for the region for 2025, with approximately 33% of Southern Europe-bound arrivals heading to this destination.
In Europe in general, it accounts for 12% of the rising demand, especially in the shoulder and low seasons, and that’s hardly a surprise: just check the (oddly-pleasant) weather for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria right now, in the middle of winter.
Spain as a whole is set for yet another record-breaking year in tourism, but if you’re wondering where travelers are being drawn to the most, these are the top 5 cities:
Palma de Mallorca
Capturing 4.1% of tourists landing in Southern Europe, Palma de Mallorca is the capital of its namesake Mallorca, an island worth visiting for the scenic callas lapped by turquoise waters and verdant hills strewn with rolling vineyards alone.
Gorgeous as all of Mallorca may be, with resort zones in Pollença and Alcudia drawing in big crowds, Palma is undoubtedly its crown jewel: dating back thousands of years, it has a rich amalgamation of Roman, Vandal, Moorish, and medieval-era landmarks.
Its magnificent cathedral, La Seu, or Cathedral of Santa Maria for English speakers, is the most easily recognized symbol of Palma’s skyline and perhaps the magnum opus of the Catalonian Gothic movement, with intricate rose windows and flying buttresses.
Just opposite the cathedral, Almudaina is a palace combining Islamic and Gothic elements, representative of Palma’s diverse breadth of architecture, whereas Castell de Bellver, sitting on a prominent hill with views of the city, is a uniquely circular-shaped, 14th-century castle.
If you’re looking for that hidden gem beachgoers are missing out on, the Arab Baths should definitely be on your bucket list: built in the 10th century by Mallorca’s at-the-time North African rulers, it has columned chambers and courtyards you’re free to wander through.
Alicante
Over in the Spanish mainland, with high-rises encroaching on a palm-lined, golden sand beach, Alicante is a vibrant resort city boasting year-round warmer temps––just so you know, they’re currently sitting at a pleasant 65 degrees right now in the dead of winter––and lower prices than average.
When you think that going to a tapas bar for patatas bravas and some sweet tinto de verano in a whitewashed Barrio de la Santa Cruz costs $15 or that you can book a room only a few steps away from the beach starts from $40, it’s hardly a surprise tourists are flocking in here.
More specifically, 4.4% of all Mediterranean arrivals, and among the pleasant surprises awaiting them in this offbeat Spanish gem, there’s Explanada de España, a long coastal walk paved with colorful, patterned mosaics, a hilltop, medieval Santa Barbara Castle, and a bustling Mercado Central:
The best spot in town for sampling fresh produce, sampling the seafood––the paella here is arguably up there with the best in the country––and browsing the local delicacies, this market is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
In desperate need of relaxation? Look no further than Postiguet, a postcard-ready beach at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle welcoming guests to crystal-clear seas, a wide range of amenities, and mid-range restaurants with terraces for sunset views.
Malaga
The gemstone of Spain’s Costa Del Sol, a sun-drenched stretch of coast to the southeast of Spain, Malaga is a sprawling port combining resort city and open-air museum vibes, from the ruin-littered historic center, down to the parasol-sprinkled Malagueta beach.
As part of Andalusia, the hottest destination in Spain as a result of its geographical proximity to Africa, Malagueños and Malagueñas enjoy shorts weather for most of the calendar year, and chances are you won’t need to pack a raincoat irrespective of season.
Malaga’s greatest appeal, however, is its enviable collection of historical structures: for instance, there is a 1st-century Roman Theater built onto the side of a central elevation now dominated by an Islamic 11th-century fortress, the Alcazaba.
Then there is a nearby 14th-century Gibralfaro Castle, occupying yet another hill that overlooks the urban maze that is Malaga and its azure seas, and let’s not forget Malaga’s iconic Plaza de Toros, an intact bullfighting ring that continues to host select events.
Albeit a fascinating cultural ensemble, Malaga’s hustle and bustle can get a tad much at times, especially with the summer crowds––it captures 6.4% of Southern Europe’s arrivals––so if you’re in need of a breather, head out to the verdant, waterfall-dotted Montes de Málaga Natural Park.
Barcelona
At the runner-up position, capturing a whopping 21.7% of all arrivals to Europe’s southern half, Barcelona is the quintessential Mediterranean getaway combining resort city vibes and Old World allure.
Its Barceloneta golden-sand strip, backed by high-rise condominiums and glass-and-steel skyscrapers, is a favorite among beachgoers, and for those who love history, the medieval Gothic Quarter is filled with picturesque alleys, plazas, and locally-run tapas bars.
Despite having an unlimited cultural offer, Barcelona’s pride and joy is undoubtedly its Gaudí heritage, best evidenced in the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the Expressionist chef-d’oeuvre that is Casa Batlló, and the lush Park Güell, best known for its curvilinear shapes and bright colors.
Barcelona tends to get quite busy irrespective of season, so if you’re hoping to beat the crowds, you should leave the bustling streets of Eixample behind and head instead to an offbeat Gràcia, where you’ll find independent boutique shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries.
Other attractions first-time visitors wouldn’t normally pay attention to include Refugi 307, a Spanish Civil War-era bomb shelter now housing a museum, the Roman Necropolis buried beneath Plaça Vila de Madrid, and the serene Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Barcelona’s oldest park featuring a maze.
Madrid
Leading with a 24% share, the capital of Spain is officially the number one destination in Southern Europe right now, and this, to some, might be surprising, considering it doesn’t sit on the coast.
Madrid doesn’t need Mediterranean beaches or palm-lined promenades to woo tourists, though: dubbed Iberian Paris, it is characterized by expansive, leafy boulevards flanked by Belle époque buildings, sprawling green zones, and a host of world-class museums.
The most visited of them all, Prado is home to masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, and Raphael, and if you’re visiting Europe primarily for the magnificent architecture, exploring the area around the portico-bordered Plaza Mayor is a must.
Besides Madrid’s top landmarks, namely the aforementioned Prado, the richly-decorated Baroque Royal Palace, and Parque El Retiro, here are some unique, unexpected things to do in the city in 2025:
Escape the heat and go underground at Andén 0 (or Zero Platform), a historic metro station dating back to the early 20th century, still served by retro-style carriages, or take a leisurely stroll in Cementerio de la Almudena, probably one of Europe’s prettiest burial grounds, littered with ornate chapels and tombs.
Away from El Retiro’s crowds, Quinta de los Molinos is a much more peaceful park with wide avenues strewn with almond trees, and don’t forget Parque del Oeste, in Western Madrid: it will look it’s most beautiful in spring when the rose gardens are in full bloom.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
