Spain: The Uncontested Champion of European Autumn Travel
Spain is solidifying its position as Europe’s unrivaled travel hotspot this September. It has seized a remarkable 43% of total European autumn bookings on major platforms such as eDreams. Furthermore, it accounts for 27.9% of international flight-and-hotel bookings on eSky. This is significantly ahead of its closest competitors, Greece at 17%, and Italy at 10%.
This surge mirrors a wider shift in tourist preferences. Travelers are increasingly choosing September for its balmy weather, fewer crowds, and more competitive prices compared to the peak summer months. Spain is set to welcome a record-breaking 100 million international visitors in 2026. An estimated 43 million arrivals are expected between June and September alone, marking a 6% increase from the same period last year. International tourists are projected to contribute approximately €64 billion in tourism spending during this period, signifying a roughly 10% year-on-year increase.
The primary attractions continue to be the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, as well as the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands. However, the Spanish government is actively steering visitor traffic towards lesser-known interior and rural regions. This is part of its Spain Tourism Strategy 2030, an initiative to mitigate overtourism in coastal hotspots while enhancing economic opportunities in rural areas. Northern “Green Spain” — which includes Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country — is gaining notable traction with its milder temperatures, coastal scenery, and world-class food culture.
Source: Travel And Tour World – September 1, 2026