Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s sun-soaked beaches are no longer the first choice for its own citizens. This summer, an increasing number of Spanish holidaymakers are skipping Menorca and Marbella in favour of Mexico, Morocco, and Thailand — and it’s not just about wanderlust.
Soaring domestic prices are driving travellers to look beyond their borders for better value.
The trend is clear: for the same cost as a four-star hotel in Menorca, you could be sipping cocktails under Caribbean palm trees. Travel agency Destinia reports that many Spanish travellers are stunned by the comparison. Their spokesperson, Beatriz Oficialdegui, points out that “a resort in Punta Cana can be the same price as a hotel on the Balearic Islands during peak season.”
That kind of price parity is flipping traditional summer habits on their head. Why pay more for less when international options offer luxury, service — and often all-inclusive deals — at a similar or even lower cost?
European escapes beat staycations
It’s not just far-flung tropical getaways luring people away. City breaks in Europe have become a popular alternative to Spain’s own major cities. With Madrid and Barcelona ranking among the most expensive weekend destinations, cities like Lisbon, Budapest, or Rome are emerging as wallet-friendly rivals. For Spanish families, couples and solo travellers alike, hopping across borders now makes financial — not just emotional — sense.
Overseas bookings surge
Booking data from Destinia reveals a 17% jump in international travel among Spanish tourists compared to last summer. Countries like the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Mexico, and Morocco are no longer viewed as aspirational splurges — they’re now seen as practical options for maximising budget and comfort.
This shift also highlights a growing frustration with Spain’s hospitality prices. As inflation hits domestic tourism, holidaymakers are taking their money elsewhere.
A confidence crisis for domestic tourism
While foreign resorts offer better bang for your buck, Spain’s own hospitality sector is feeling the pressure. The value-for-money gap is widening, with Spanish travellers increasingly dissatisfied with what they’re getting at home. For many, paying premium rates for mediocre service just doesn’t cut it anymore — especially when better experiences await abroad.
This change in sentiment could spell long-term trouble for local tourism hotspots that once relied heavily on domestic visitors.
Spain´s pet friendly holidays
A cultural shift in the making
This isn’t just a one-off reaction to inflation — it’s part of a broader evolution in Spanish travel culture. Gone are the days of automatic pilgrimages to the Spanish costas. Today’s holidaymakers are informed, strategic, and willing to explore. They compare prices, weigh quality, and prioritise experience over tradition.
In 2025, choosing Thailand over Tarragona isn’t bold — it’s logical.
Will Spain win back its travellers?
With more Spaniards looking overseas, the pressure is on for domestic destinations to re-evaluate their pricing and service standards. If Spain wants to remain a top choice for its own people, it may need to compete not just on sunshine, but on value.
Until then, expect more passports to be stamped — and fewer towels on the Costa del Sol.
Source: La Sexta