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Spain Tourism Set for Growth in 2026 — but Costs Rise for Travellers

Madrid / 6 April 2026

Spain looks set to welcome another strong year of international tourism in 2026, but holiday‑makers are facing higher costs and new charges that could temper the traditional “bargain holiday” image. After setting a record 97 million foreign visitors in 2025, official data and industry forecasts indicate that visitor numbers and spending will continue to grow through 2026, even as travel costs rise.

Recent official figures show international tourist spending in Spain reached €7.6 billion in February 2026 alone, a year‑on‑year increase, and arrivals are tracking above last year’s levels, with key markets such as the United Kingdom maintaining strong interest.

However, several factors are pushing up the price of travel and stays:

Higher airport and operational costs have filtered through to airlines and travel services, adding to flight and holiday package prices.
Tourist taxes are rising, particularly in major destinations such as Barcelona. From April 2026, visitors to the Catalan capital will pay increased per‑night tourist levies on top of regional charges — broadly higher than in past years and among the notable increases in Europe.
Local administrations across Spain are introducing or expanding regional and city‑level tourist levies to better manage overtourism and generate revenue for infrastructure, sustainable tourism initiatives and housing programmes.

In Barcelona, under the new law now in force, overnight charges for visitors can rise substantially compared with previous rates, particularly in higher‑rated accommodation, as part of coordinated efforts to address pressures on housing and public services in a city that welcomes more than 30 million tourists a year.

The evolving model involves more deliberate regulation and cost recovery, as authorities seek to balance growth with social impacts and sustainability goals. Tourism remains central to the Spanish economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP, but travellers and residents alike are experiencing a shift in how that success is managed.

Key Takeaways for Visitors and Residents:

Spain continues to attract record numbers of international visitors, with strong spending levels early in 2026.
Holiday costs are rising due to aviation cost pressures and expanded tourist taxes in key cities and regions.
Local authorities are increasingly using taxes and regulatory tools to fund services, manage visitor flows and address resident concerns about overtourism.

🌴 What's On Across the Costa Blanca

Benidorm & Surrounding Areas | 6–12 July 2026

The Costa Blanca is in full summer swing, with another busy week of sunshine, festivals, sporting events and family entertainment across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.

With schools now breaking up across Europe and visitor numbers increasing, beaches, attractions, markets and nightlife are all operating at peak season.

☀️ Benidorm

Beaches & Summer Fun

Benidorm's Blue Flag beaches continue to welcome thousands of visitors each day with full summer services.

Activities include:

Parasailing and jet ski adventures
Boat trips to Benidorm Island
Paddleboarding and kayaking
Beach volleyball
Open-air fitness classes
Family beach activities

New Attraction

Visitors can now take photos at Benidorm's brand-new giant seafront letters, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets, located on the Tamarindos Promenade.

Costa Blanca Cup 2026

The international youth football tournament continues across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa, bringing together:

319 teams
34 countries
Thousands of players, coaches and supporters
Matches are being played throughout the week in Benidorm, Altea, La Vila Joiosa, La Nucía, Finestrat, L'Alfàs del Pi and Calpe.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live tribute shows every evening
Comedy, cabaret and karaoke
Beach clubs and rooftop bars
Live DJs along Levante and Poniente
Sunset boat parties
Summer club nights

🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi

Award-Winning Nature

The Albir Lighthouse Trail, recently named Spain's Best Blue Trail 2026, remains one of the Costa Blanca's most popular walks.

Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Serra Gelada Natural Park.

Things To Do

Guided nature walks
Cycling routes
Outdoor fitness
Beachfront restaurants
Evening live music
International community events

🍫 Villajoyosa

Colourful Coastal Heritage

La Vila Joiosa continues to attract visitors with its colourful seafront and historic centre.

Popular attractions include:

Chocolate museum visits
Factory tours
Artisan markets
Historic Old Town walks
Beachfront restaurants
Live music
Summer gastronomy events continue throughout July.

🏟️ La Nucía

Sports & Family Activities

The Camilo Cano Sports City remains busy with:
National and international training camps
Community fitness programmes
Youth sporting events
Outdoor exercise sessions

Family activities

Local summer cultural events and evening entertainment continue throughout the municipality.

🌅 Finestrat

Outdoor Adventures

The warm weather makes Finestrat one of the area's top destinations for outdoor activities.

Popular choices include:
Hiking Puig Campana
Guided countryside walks
Scenic village tours
Mountain biking
La Cala beach days
Shopping & Dining
La Marina Shopping Centre summer promotions
Beachfront restaurants
Evening shopping
Outdoor terraces

🎭 Altea

Arts & Culture

Altea continues its lively summer programme with:
Artisan markets
Art galleries
Live jazz
Acoustic concerts
Cultural events around Plaza de la Iglesia

New This Week

Altea has launched a special summer police operation, increasing patrols across beaches, the Old Town and tourist areas to help keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.

Coastal Experiences
Catamaran cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Seafront dining
Photography workshops

📅 Coming Up

Costa Blanca Cup finals approach
Outdoor concerts continue across the Marina Baixa
More beach entertainment throughout July
Summer fiestas gathering momentum
Markets, family activities and evening events across the region
Tourist attractions operating extended opening hours

Quick Summary

⚽ Costa Blanca Cup continues across the region

📸 New giant Benidorm letters now open on Tamarindos Promenade

🏖️ Beaches, water sports and boat trips in full swing

🌿 Albir Lighthouse Trail remains Spain's Best Blue Trail

🍫 Villajoyosa's heritage attractions continue to draw visitors

👮 Altea launches enhanced summer police patrols

🎶 Live music, nightlife and outdoor dining across the Costa Blanca

☀️ Peak summer holiday season is now underway

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Expect another week of hot, settled weather.

🌡️ Daytime temperatures: 30°C–34°C

🌙 Evening temperatures: 23°C–26°C

Perfect conditions for beach days, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.