Planning a holiday in Andalucía? New figures reveal what travellers are paying

If you’ve booked a holiday in Andalucía this summer and found yourself paying more for hotels, restaurants or attractions than you expected, you’re certainly not imagining it. Foreign visitors spent a record €7.8 billion across Andalucía between January and May this year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re splashing out more than ever. With the cost of holidays rising, many travellers are simply paying more for the same experience.

Record spending reflects another busy year

Visitor spending reached its highest ever level for the first five months of a year, rising 7.72 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. It is another sign that Andalucía remains one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations, even as travel costs continue to climb.

Whether it is the beaches of the Costa del Sol, the historic streets of Sevilla, the Alhambra in Granada or the white villages scattered across the region, Andalucía continues to attract millions of overseas visitors every year. The latest figures show those visitors spent €7.8 billion between January and May, in Andalucía alone, setting a new record for the region during that period.

For businesses preparing for the busiest months of the year, it is welcome news. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and tourist attractions all rely heavily on the summer season, and strong visitor spending helps support thousands of jobs across the region.

Are holidays becoming more expensive?

While the figures point to record spending, they do not necessarily mean holidaymakers are buying more. Accommodation prices have risen in many popular destinations, eating out often costs more than it did just a few years ago, and everything from drinks on the beach to family attractions can add noticeably more to the final holiday bill.

That means many visitors may simply be spending more because prices have increased, rather than because they are treating themselves to extra luxuries. For anyone who has returned to Andalucía after a few years away, the difference in costs is something they are likely to notice.

Visitors are still choosing Andalucía

Higher prices do not appear to be putting people off. Andalucía continues to offer the mix of sunshine, beaches, culture, gastronomy and relaxed lifestyle that has made it one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.

Many visitors return year after year, while first-time travellers continue to discover everything from the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical to the cities of Málaga, Córdoba and Cádiz. For many families, Andalucía still offers excellent value compared with long-haul destinations, even if holiday budgets are under a little more pressure than they once were.

Good news for local businesses

A busy tourist season brings obvious benefits to businesses across the region. Hotels fill more rooms, restaurants welcome more diners and local shops see more customers walking through their doors. Tour companies, museums, beach bars and leisure attractions also benefit when visitors stay longer and spend more during their trip.

After several years of rising travel demand, another strong summer could provide an important boost for businesses that depend on tourism. For many, the summer months remain the most important trading period of the entire year.

What holidaymakers should expect

For anyone travelling to Andalucía over the coming weeks, the latest figures suggest another busy summer lies ahead. Popular resorts are likely to remain lively throughout July and August, while beaches, restaurants and major attractions may be busier than usual during peak holiday periods.

Booking accommodation, restaurants and popular attractions in advance could help avoid disappointment, particularly in the region’s busiest destinations. Visitors should also be prepared for prices that may be higher than they remember from previous holidays, especially in the most sought-after coastal areas.

Spending smarter, not necessarily more

Many holidaymakers are becoming far more careful about how they spend their money. Instead of booking luxury hotels, some are choosing self-catering apartments. Others are travelling for fewer days, comparing prices more carefully or looking for free attractions and local experiences that offer better value.

That does not mean people are enjoying their holidays any less. It simply means many travellers are making every euro count. With holiday costs continuing to rise across much of Europe, careful budgeting has become part of planning a trip.

Andalucía remains as popular as ever

The latest figures confirm that Andalucía continues to attract visitors from around the world, with international tourism showing little sign of slowing down. For local businesses, record visitor spending is a positive sign as the peak summer season gets underway.

For holidaymakers, the message is slightly different. Andalucía remains one of Europe’s most popular destinations, but enjoying everything it has to offer is likely to cost a little more than it once did. Planning ahead, comparing prices and setting a realistic budget could make all the difference between an expensive surprise and a holiday that is remembered for all the right reasons.