How Changing Travel and Dining Patterns in Spain Are Influencing Tourism in 2025

Adjustments in Travel and Dining Spending in Spain

In 2025, Spaniards are noticeably spending less on travel and dining out, signaling a shift in habits despite a steady influx of tourists across the country. This conservative approach to leisure spending reflects broader economic concerns impacting personal budgets, even as tourism remains an important cultural activity in Spain.

Trends in Vacation Duration and Frequency

A recent survey by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (CIS) highlights a marked change in travel behaviour among Spanish residents. The tendency is moving away from lengthy vacations towards shorter breaks or foregoing holidays altogether. Specifically, the percentage of Spaniards planning vacations longer than two weeks has fallen from 24.7% in 2023 to 19.3% in 2025, while short vacations under one week have increased from 12.6% to 17.6%.

Moreover, a significant 13.6% report no intention to travel or dine out, highlighting a cautious approach in discretionary spending. Many households are substituting traditional travel with local excursions or simply opting for home comforts, demonstrating a clear tightening of purse strings.

Dining Out Patterns Reflect Budget Mindfulness

Frequency and Spending on Restaurant Visits

Dining habits are evolving alongside travel behaviors. Around 30.5% of those surveyed eat out two to three times per month, with nearly the same proportion (29.1%) dining out more than three times monthly. However, expenditure per meal tends to stay modest; 55.7% of diners spend between €15 and €30, with less than 2% splurging over €70 on a single meal.

Reservations platform data echoes these findings, indicating an average spend of approximately €27 among Spanish diners, while international visitors tend to spend about 15% more, averaging €31. Peak dining demand this summer was clustered around weekends in late July and the holiday period in mid-August, showing some resilience in festive dining outings.

Where Do Spaniards Prefer to Travel and Stay?

Coastal Destinations Remain Popular

Coastal locations continue to be the first choice for domestic travelers, with 51.3% favouring the sun and sea. Among these, seaside towns attract 37.5%, with 24.8% heading for coastal cities. Cultural tourism appeals to 39.2% of travellers, and nature tourism draws 34.9%. Rural tourism also holds sway over a third of respondents, confirming Spain’s diverse appeal.

Accommodation preferences reveal a strong lean towards hotels and aparthotels (43.8%). Hospitality from family and friends accounts for 14.4%, while 13.1% opt for short-term rental options like tourist apartments, perhaps as a practical cost-saving strategy.

Vacation Dining: A Balancing Act

Dining habits on holiday mirror careful spending. While 27% eat out two to three times a week, and 25.3% exceed three meals weekly at restaurants, daily dining out accounts for 22%. On the other end of the scale, nearly 9% do not eat out at all, and 16% reserve restaurant visits to once a week during their breaks.

Despite tighter budgets, more than half (51.7%) emphasize that dining out is essential for social connection during vacations. Alongside social enjoyment, the pleasure of food and health perceptions remain key motivators for choosing restaurants while travelling.

Summary of Key Travel and Dining Statistics in Spain, 2025

Implications for Tourism and the Hospitality Scene in Spain

This prudent approach to travel and dining will have tangible effects on tourism providers, restaurants, and local businesses seeking to attract and retain visitors in Spain. The preference for shorter trips and affordable dining options signals a market leaning towards value-driven experiences and compact itineraries. Coastal towns and cultural hubs still hold strong appeal, but traveller budgets call for a balanced offering of quality and cost-effectiveness.

For the tourism sector, understanding these evolving patterns is key. Offering tailor-made tours, day trips, and experiences that fit into shorter holiday windows could meet growing demand. Likewise, dining venues might adjust menus and pricing structures to suit more budget-conscious guests without sacrificing the rich culinary heritage Spain is noted for.

How Platforms Like GetExperience.com Play a Role

In light of these trends, platforms such as GetExperience.com become invaluable for travellers seeking curated experiences that fit their budget and preferences. Through such services, holidaymakers can securely book activities and tours tailored to shorter stays and individual interests with the assurance of transparent payment and voucher confirmation. The flexibility to request customised tours means visitors can discover Spain’s rich culture and nature without overstretching their budgets.

Personal Experience Still Reigns Supreme

While surveys and statistics shed light on general trends, nothing quite compares to experiencing travel and local gastronomy firsthand. On GetExperience, verified providers offer diverse options to choose from, ensuring travellers can capitalize on convenience, affordability, and authentic experiences across Spain’s many beautiful destinations. The platform’s transparency and wide range of offerings empower travellers to make informed choices and avoid unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Book your trip with confidence and discover Spain your way. GetExperience.com

Conclusion: Trends Shaping Spain’s Travel and Dining Landscape

The year 2025 sees Spaniards adjusting travel and dining habits with a shift toward shorter vacations and more frugal dining outings. Coastal destinations and cultural tourism remain popular, but the focus is increasingly on budget-friendly, value-rich experiences. This cautious spending impacts how tourism and hospitality industries tailor their offers, ushering in opportunities for flexible, personalised services. Platforms like GetExperience.com support this shift by connecting travellers with verified tours, excursions, and activities that meet these evolving needs.

Whether it’s adventure rafting trips for beginners, eco-friendly wildlife safaris, museum tours with live guides, or luxury adventure travel experiences, the keys to satisfying modern tourists lie in diversity, accessibility, and authenticity. In a world where online virtual tours and interactive workshops redefine travel, Spain’s tourism sector is adapting – promising visitors memorable moments without breaking the bank.