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Barcelona’s iconic monuments are facing record levels of tourist pressure. Credit: Pelin Oleg Image via Canva.com
Spain is crowded. Spain is packed. By the end of 2025, the country is expected to hit around 85 million international arrivals — another record, another headline. This is good news for the economy. For travellers arriving in Madrid this summer it is already beginning to feel too much. The plazas have been filled. Transport is stretched. Locals have spoken up. What is the mood? Not always a welcoming atmosphere. Tourism hasn’t slowed. But something else has — the breathing room that used to define Spain’s big cities.
The quiet neighbourhoods have become open-air terminals, as the trains are packed and hotel prices are increasing. Spanish charm may be a bit rushed for travellers looking to experience a laid-back Spain. What is causing this surge in tourism, and what are the most popular cities of Spain doing to adapt before they collapse under pressure?
Spain’s tourism statistics
Spain will remain one of the top visited countries by June 2025. The government predicts that more than 85 millions international arrivals will occur in 2025. This is a huge jump, which reflects both recovery and acceleration. Barcelona, Madrid, and other hotspots, such as Málaga, are already reporting records for the fall, and the summer surge has not yet peaked.
AI, a packed events calendar and changing habits are behind this boom. Tourists are booking faster and staying shorter. They also look for more affordable, easily accessible destinations. Spain ticks all of these boxes.
Tourist experience
By June 2025 the economic benefits of Spain will be soaring. So too will the pressure on residents and tourists. The costs are climbing, and according to WTTC, international tourist spending is expected to reach €113 billion in 2025, a 5.7% increase from 2024 levels. That means this is an average daily spend of around €1,382 per visitor in the first quarter alone.
This means that travellers can use this as a guide.
- Hotels with higher rates
- Pricier meals
- Fewer budget options
Spain is expecting to receive 17.1 million visitors in the first three months of 2025. The summer has yet to arrive and the major attractions and metros have already felt the strain. Popular lines are fully booked, and busy streets are getting increasingly congested.
Protests will be held in 16 Spanish towns on the 15th of June 2025 to show the growing unrest over tourism and its impact on locals’ and residents’ daily lives. Not only in Barcelona and Mallorca but also Madrid and Valencia. Prices are rising for rental options, and young tourists might feel the same way as summer approaches.
Madrid is under pressure.
Madrid is not falling apart because of tourism, but is extremely stressed by it. Since early spring, the Metro Line 1 and commuter train have seen an increase in passengers. The city’s data shows that foot traffic also has almost doubled from 2019.
Residents of various residential districts are now asking for new limits to be placed on loud drinking in public and large groups of tourists, as they try to establish a stable law governing livability.
Madrid short-term listings have increased by 49% between 2022 and 2025. In order to stop the spread, the council hinted that new zoning laws would be implemented for tourist Flats. Under pressure, it is adapting but not smoothly.
You should still go!
Booking early for summer 2025 is not only smart, but essential. Accommodation in Madrid and Barcelona is usually booked up months in advance, particularly near transit routes or historic districts.
Staying out of the center helps neighborhoods like Chamberí You can also find out more about Carabanchel, Central zones, which are currently losing their rhythm and local pricing, would be able to offer more breathing space with better pricing. You can also travel at off-peak times.
Locals have less tolerance for disruptive behaviour. The cities are stricter in their enforcement. Noise and disorderly tourism now subject to new finesNew taxes and fees may apply based on the type of accommodation and the location.
Spain still delivers — the food, the art, the energy — but the Tourism that is careless and crowded out of control is declining. The trip is worth it for what’s left. It’s important to approach it with more thought.
