Tourism
Latest news and information on tourism, tourist sites, and visitor numbers in Spain.
Spain's Benidorm cracks down on mobility scooters loved by British tourists
Local businesses in the popular Costa Blanca resort say a popular British TV show could be behind the rise in so-called 'double' mobility scooters on the strip.
An inside look at Spain's ultra-lux hotels
Ultra-luxury travel is having its moment in Spain, with a boom in high-end hotels and exclusive travel services. The Local's travel reporter Esme Fox breaks down the best Spanish 'hoteles' to stay at, for those who can enjoy the finer things in life.
TUI, Jet2 and easyJet add more Spain holiday packages for UK tourists in 2027
There will be even more holiday packages available for British tourists heading to Spain next summer as the three big players in the British tour operating market are expanding their offerings, from hotels to new flight routes.
Locals in Barcelona, Ibiza and Mallorca protest Spain's airport expansions
Thousands of protesters took to the streets on Sunday in three of Spain's holiday hotspots to oppose plans for respective airport expansions, fearing this could worsen problems with overtourism, housing and climate change.
American tourist fined for entering US with nearly 9 kg of Spanish meats
An American tourist who packed his suitcase full of chorizo, fuet and other Spanish cold meats has been fined €500 at Seattle Airport upon returning from Spain.
European cities to get more power to clamp down on tourist rentals
Cities across Europe will gain more leeway to curb short-term rentals such as Airbnb under plans to bring down housing costs in tourism hotspots that the European Union is to unveil Wednesday.
Barcelona tourists sleep rough on the beach as Spain's hotel prices spike
Mass tourism and low-cost travel are colliding on Barcelona's beaches, with tourists preferring a night under the stars over eye-watering hotel prices.
Mallorca locals fight mass tourism with communal dinners in squares
It’s no secret that Mallorca has been suffering from overtourism for several years now and locals are becoming more and more frustrated with the situation. This time they're fighting with al fresco dinners instead of marches.
Five inspiring ideas for accessible holidays in Spain
Those travelling with disabilities can find it very difficult, but thankfully there are several destinations in Spain which aim to make it easier with accessible transportation, museums and city streets.
Q&A: What to know about catching a taxi or ride-hailing service in Spain
Are you planning on travelling around Spain or to a particular destination for a city break? Or are you thinking of moving to Spain? Either way, you'll want to know how taxis and ride-hailing services work here.
LISTED: Ten activities for a hot summer's day in Valencia
If staying indoors next to the fan doesn't enter your plans on a scorching day in Valencia, we've got a list of activities that will keep you cool and entertained at the same time in the eastern Spanish city.
A quick guide to restrictions on Airbnb in Spain's main cities and regions
If you’re planning on buying a property in Spain to rent out to tourists on platforms such as Airbnb, you need to think very carefully about where the property is located as many places have strict restrictions.
LISTED: Ten activities for when it's very hot in Barcelona
Long-time Barcelona resident Esme Fox shares her best tips for getting out and enjoying the Catalan capital without wilting in the heat and humidity of the summer months.
EXPLAINED: The rules for setting up a surf school in Spain
Surfing may not be the first sport you think of when you think of Spain, but it is popular, particularly along the north coast and in the Canary Islands. If you have dreams of setting up a surf school in Spain, here's what you need to know.
'Like the end of the world': The foreign eclipse chasers flocking to Spain
People from all over the world will flock to northern Spain next week in the hope of witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a total solar eclipse.
What are the rules for reserving a spot at the beach in Spain?
The early bird catches the sun lounger, many British and German tourists would have us believe. But is it actually allowed to reserve a place on the beach or at the hotel pool with your towels and umbrellas in Spain?
A quick guide to getting a Schengen visa for Spain and the EU
Depending on what non-EU country you're from, you may need a Schengen visa to visit Spain as a tourist. Find out if you need one, the financial and other requirements to get the visa, as well as common doubts people have about the Schengen visa.
How to get free glasses to see Spain's total solar eclipse
If you're planning on viewing the total solar eclipse in Spain on August 12th, you'll need safety glasses. Here are all the places where you can get them for free.
Tourists from France and Spain flock to Sweden for cooler summer
More and more tourists from southern Europe – particularly France and Spain – are heading to Sweden to experience a cooler summer, according to new data from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Development.
Should you cancel your holiday in Spain due to the wildfires?
The news in Spain over the past few weeks has been dominated by a series of devastating wildfires, including Spain’s largest ever, with thousands of hectares destroyed. So, should you still come here on holiday or is it better to cancel?
Spain's Málaga suspends new tourist flat licences for three years
The southern city of Málaga has become the latest in Spain to try and regulate short-term tourist rental accommodation, suspending new licences Airbnb-style flats for three years from Saturday July 25th 2026.
Tens of thousands march in Mallorca in latest overtourism protest in Spain
In other news, thousands of people in Mallorca took to the streets yesterday to protest against overtourism and how it’s leading to spiralling property prices and dwindling living standards for locals, with the demo ending with clashes with police.
Spanish wildfires intrude on holidaying foreign visitors
Being indoors as much as possible was not the plan when Chicago attorney Thomas Fawkes, 49, arrived on holiday in Madrid with his wife and son.