Spain’s summer travel season reached a new milestone in August 2026, as 12.26 million international tourists arrived across the country, marking its busiest August on record. The latest figures from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) show a 9.2% annual increase, while international visitor spending reached €17.84 billion. From the Balearic Islands and Catalonia to Andalusia and Madrid, the figures capture the scale of Spain’s summer tourism activity, with British travellers continuing to account for the largest share of international arrivals.
Spain Records Its Busiest August for International Tourism
Spain welcomed 12,256,087 international tourists in August, compared with the same month in 2025. The increase contributed to a January-August total of 70.36 million foreign visitors, up 5.4% year on year. International tourism spending also increased. Visitors spent €17.84 billion in August, taking the cumulative total for the first eight months of 2026 to €99.89 billion, an annual rise of 8%. The average visitor spent €1,455 during the trip, broadly unchanged from the previous year. Daily spending reached €202, an increase of 1.9%, while the average stay shortened by 1.9% to 7.2 days. These figures show how higher visitor numbers and daily spending contributed to the overall increase in tourism revenue, even as average trip duration declined.
Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia Lead August Arrivals
The Balearic Islands received the largest share of international tourists in August, accounting for 21.2% of arrivals. Catalonia followed with 19.4%, while Andalusia recorded 16.8%. The three regions offer different holiday experiences, from Mediterranean beaches and island resorts to historic cities, cultural attractions and coastal destinations. The Balearic Islands welcomed approximately 2.60 million international visitors, a 2.6% increase compared with August 2025. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera remain central to the region’s summer tourism offer, with beaches, coastal villages, accommodation and ferry connections supporting visitor travel. Catalonia recorded approximately 2.38 million arrivals, rising 9.1%. Barcelona remains a major international entry point, with access to architecture, museums, food markets and Mediterranean beaches. Visitors can also travel beyond the capital towards the Costa Brava and other parts of the region. Andalusia registered approximately 2.07 million international tourists, an increase of 21.3%. Seville, Málaga, Granada and Córdoba provide access to historic architecture, cultural attractions, coastal resorts and regional food traditions.
British Travellers Remain Spain’s Largest Source Market
The United Kingdom supplied 2.41 million international tourists in August, making it Spain’s largest source market. British arrivals increased by 9.3% compared with August 2025. France followed with approximately 2.06 million visitors, while Germany contributed around 1.36 million. British tourists also accounted for the largest share of international visitor spending, generating €3.37 billion in August. However, average spending per British tourist stood at €1,396, down 1.6% year on year. Their average stay was 7.1 days, a decline of 7.9%. The figures distinguish between the number of visitors arriving and the spending generated by each trip. British travellers continued to contribute substantial visitor volume, while shorter stays and lower average expenditure per person shaped the market’s spending profile.
Accommodation and Holiday Planning Shape Travel Patterns
Accommodation remained a central part of international visitor spending. Hotel accommodation accounted for 20.7% of total expenditure, reaching approximately €3.70 billion, an increase of 9.4% from August 2025. Spending on package holidays reached €3.29 billion, rising 9.9%. Visitors travelling without a package generated €13.15 billion in expenditure, up 8%. For travellers planning a Spanish summer holiday, accommodation and transport choices vary considerably by destination. Barcelona and Madrid offer extensive rail connections, while island visitors commonly combine flights with local transfers or ferry services. Coastal holidays in Andalusia and Valencia can involve rail journeys, regional buses or car hire, depending on the resort and itinerary. August’s visitor distribution also places the Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Andalusia at the centre of Spain’s international holiday market. Their beaches, cities, cultural attractions and accommodation networks continue to feature prominently in travel planning.
Spain’s Tourism Spending Reaches €99.89 Billion
Between January and August 2026, international tourists spent €99.89 billion in Spain, 8% more than during the same period in 2025. The United Kingdom remained the leading source market for cumulative visitor spending, followed by Germany and France. In August, the Balearic Islands accounted for 22.8% of international tourism expenditure, Catalonia 18.7% and Andalusia 15.7%. Spending in Andalusia increased by 18.8% year on year, while Catalonia recorded a 7.2% rise and the Balearic Islands 4.2%. Spain’s August tourism figures therefore combine record international arrivals with varied regional performance, different visitor spending patterns and a shorter average stay. The latest INE releases, published on 2 October 2026, provide the official figures for the country’s summer travel market.
