Spain’s domestic travel surge has taken center stage this July, as Spanish residents opt overwhelmingly for getaways within their own borders. Fueled by the long weekend around July 25, traditionally marked by the Feast of Saint James, travel activity is peaking from major hubs like Madrid, Galicia, and the Basque Country.

According to booking insights from online travel giant eDreams, sun-drenched coastal spots and vibrant cities are attracting the lion’s share of attention. The data reveals strong interest in both traditional beach retreats and cultural urban escapes, reflecting a summer trend that blends relaxation with exploration.

Beachfront Bliss and Urban Adventures Dominate the Weekend

Coastal Escapes Lead the Rankings

As temperatures rise and vacation days align with the extended weekend, destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Tenerife, Ibiza, Málaga, Menorca, Alicante, and Gran Canaria top the list for domestic beach travel. These locations remain perennial favorites thanks to their combination of warm climates, iconic coastlines, and dynamic leisure offerings.

eDreams data points to a strong correlation between city of departure and destination type. Travelers from Madrid and northern Spain are most drawn to coastal locales, looking to unwind along the Balearic and Canary Islands or on the Mediterranean coast.

City Breaks Still in High Demand

Major cities aren’t left behind. Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Sevilla continue to draw visitors seeking culture, cuisine, and history. These urban destinations are ideal for travelers seeking quick yet enriching weekend trips without leaving the country.

This urban trend underlines the growing popularity of short-format travel that combines accessibility with rich cultural experiences — ideal for the limited timeframe of a holiday bridge.

Where Travelers Are Coming From — and Going

Key Departures and Arrivals

The long weekend holiday sees travelers departing primarily from Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Vigo, Madrid, and Bilbao. The same cities — especially those in Galicia — are also receiving a notable influx of travelers, with Santiago de Compostela emerging as a significant hub due to its religious and historical significance during the Feast of Saint James.

In fact, the influx of domestic and international tourists to Galicia underscores the symbolic and cultural importance of this region during late July. International visitors also show interest, with travelers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France arriving to take part in the festivities and summer atmosphere.

Top Destinations Based on eDreams Bookings

Planning Ahead or Booking Last-Minute?

Booking Habits Vary by Region

One of the more revealing trends from the eDreams analysis is the mixed approach to planning. While some travelers booked their trips more than two months in advance, others waited until just weeks — or even days — before departure.

For instance, 46% of travelers headed to Vigo and 39% of those traveling to La Coruña made their reservations within the last month. Meanwhile, a more organized 25% of visitors to Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela had confirmed plans over two months prior.

Short-Term and Spontaneous Travel on the Rise

This dual behavior reflects a broader shift in travel habits, where flexibility is key. With platforms like eDreams offering dynamic packages and real-time availability, travelers are empowered to make quick decisions without sacrificing choice or quality.

Whether meticulously planned or spontaneously booked, the July long weekend proves that Spain’s passion for local travel remains strong. From serene coastlines to buzzing cities, domestic destinations are thriving this season.

In this Wanderlust feature, we ask five tastemakers what their summer plans are. From revealing their top travel wishlist destinations, to insights on what their summer travelling plans looks like, these ladies take us on a journey into a high-summer. Along with picturesque travel inspo, they also reveal what they’re packing for their trips – for the ultimate summer inspo guide.

Her Excellency Khawla Al Serkal | Director General – Sharjah Ladies Club (Slc)

This is The Travel Issue – which locations are top of your travel list?

Cannes, Lugano, and Lake Como are at the top of my travel list. Cannes is always captivating – with its effortless blend of elegance, seaside charm, and cultural vibrancy, it’s the perfect place to immerse myself in art, film, and French Riviera glamour. Lugano offers a peaceful escape where Swiss precision meets Italian soul – its lakeside beauty and Alpine views make it a serene yet sophisticated destination. And Lake Como, with its timeless romance, historic villas, and calm waters, is simply a dream. Together, these places reflect the kind of travel I love – elegant, inspiring, and deeply rejuvenating.

Where will you be travelling to this summer?

This summer, I’ll be travelling to a few favourite destinations, but one that’s become a cherished yearly tradition is our family trip to Évian, France. Tucked between the Alps and Lake Geneva, Évian offers the perfect balance of nature, tranquility, and wellness. It’s a peaceful escape where the kids can enjoy the outdoors, and I can unwind in the crisp mountain air. From lakefront walks to fresh local cuisine, it’s a place that feels both grounding and rejuvenating. It’s not just a getaway – it’s a summer ritual that brings us together as a family in the most meaningful way.

Mona Bin Kalli | Entrepreneur

This is The Travel Issue – which locations are top of your travel list?

My favourite summer destination is Sardinia in Italy. The coastline is breathtaking with crystal clear emerald water. The entire island is stunning!

Where will you be travelling to this summer?

This summer I’ll be travelling to London, Paris and hopefully make it to Sardinia, which is my birthday ritual.

Jihane El Alaoui | Content Creator

This is The Travel Issue – which locations are top of your travel list?

London, Mykonos, Bodrum, Paris and Courchevel are on top of my travel list at the moment. I can’t wait to visit these destinations!

Where will you be travelling to this summer?

This summer, I’ll be travelling across Bodrum and Mykonos for a beautiful coastal escape. I might also head to the Maldives at the end of my trip.

Latifa Al Shamsi | Beauty & Fashion Content Creator

This is The Travel Issue – which locations are top of your travel list?

Japan and Morocco are currently at the top of my list. I love Japan for its unique blend of tradition and innovation – and Morocco for its colours, culture, and timeless charm. Both inspire me creatively in very different ways.

Where will you be travelling to this summer?

This summer is a beautiful mix of familiar favourites and new adventures. I’ll be spending time in Bodrum, Egypt, and Lebanon. And for a family escape, we’re still deciding – but it’s likely to be somewhere vibrant and exciting in Asia.

Natasha Oakley | Founder – Monday Swimwear

This is The Travel Issue – which locations are top of your travel list?

Dubai had been at the top of my list before this year. I’d visited when I was younger, but this January was my first time returning, and it was such a special trip. I absolutely loved my time there – it was even more meaningful because we were there with Monday Swimwear to celebrate our launch on Ounass. Next on my list is Africa. I’ve been dreaming of going on safari for as long as I can remember. I’d also love to explore South Africa – it’s been high on my list for years and I hope to make it happen soon.

Where will you be travelling to this summer?

I’m actually in the middle of my summer travels now. We started our trip in Paris, and I’ve spent the past few weeks in Greece, mixing work and leisure. My husband is Greek and we love coming back each year – this time we’ve had the chance to explore even more of the country. Devin, my best friend and business partner, has been with me the whole time as well, and we’ll be wrapping up this leg of the trip together at the end of our time in Greece. Italy is always calling us back – it’s probably our favourite destination. My husband and I got engaged in Capri three years ago and married there two years ago, so it holds a very special place in our hearts. We’ll be visiting Capri again this year, as well as Ischia and the Amalfi Coast. Usually we’d stay a little longer, but I’m heading back earlier than usual because we’re opening our very first Monday Swimwear store in Beverly Hills in mid-July. It’s such a huge moment for us, and I can’t wait.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram

• Hightower Top Parking Lot (908.8) to Bearfence Mountain Hut (919.1)
• 2438 feet ascent 1955 feet descent 

The Heat Dome is officially over. The differnce in the air temperature and the humidity is profound.  The last few days, taking in air was hard. The high humidity left us gasping for oxygen among the H2O laden air. 

Both of us were awful at chemistry but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that the ratio of hydrogen (H) to oxygen (0) was off kilter. 

Early Shuttle 

Wayne, our amazing shuttle driver said he was up at 5 am and would take us to the trail as early as we liked. We decided on 7 am, just on case we wanted to sleep in. 

We were up early and ready at 6:30 am. Wayne was early too so it was an unintended meeting of the minds. 

We returned his free bottle of scentfree laundry soap and added to the shuttle hiker box my leftover 1/2 shaker of bottle medicated powder. 

Another Fast Start

After low temperatures in the 80s, the mid 70 temperature of early morning was refreshing. We zoomed through the mile and a half we had skipped ahead in just 25 minutes. Had we done it two days before, I expect it would have been two or three times longer. 

We were encouraged and happy. It felt like a different life than the heavy drudgery of just 36 hours prior. 

First Blackberries

At 8:36 am, we encountered a patch of ripe wild  blackberries the Shennandoah are famed for. They were so delicious. 

Many trail snacks are berry flavored. Nothing compares to fresh picked, wild berries. Even our organic home dehydrated berries paled by comparison. 

We remembered together the fun we had last summer Huckleberry picking. Huckleberries are to Glacier National Park what blackberries are to the Shennandoah. Tourists come to eat Huckleberry foods and go pick some. 

Last summer was a particularly good year for berries and tourists. Visitors go on organized berry excursions where they are given buckets and a brief lesson in berry picking. No one ever tells them the BIG berries are up the steep hillsides on bushes that are hue from accumulated snow melt. Thwy stick to the sides of the trail where the bushes are short and the berries tasty, but small. 

Passers by notice us deep in the bushes and turn their heads away in modesty. They all assume we are on cathole patrol, not picking berries. 

This summer, we enjoyed our berries trailside, tourist style. We were focused on hiking, not berry picking. Also, we were concerned not to eat too many berries and accidentally increase our cathole patrol. 

More Food

We brought out sandwiches .adequate from vegetables, sour dough bread and pimento cheese.  We burried them in our packs to keep them cool. They were a great post berry repast.

For dinner, we ate apples. They were a crisp and refreshing dinner after a long, still hot hike. Carrying them was well worth the extra weight. 

Bouncing on Blowdowns

The afternoon threatened thunder and lightening. We paid close attention to where the rumbles issued forth. We did not want to be on an open, rocky sections with no cover. 

After a couple of hours of vigilance, along with temperatures in the low 90s, we were wearing down. The day was a rocking success, but it was getting time to rest and sleep. 

Our speed gradually increased in a fit of “horse to the barn” syndrome. I stepped tall and wode to clear a 2 foot high blowdown. My trailing right foot almost cleared the blowdown but not quite. 

I found myself hanging a couple of feet above the ground, face down over a blowdown,  balanced precariously on my left hiking pole, eyeball to eyeball with a patch of poison ivy. 

So much for hurrying. Never works. We extracted me successfully without engaging the poisen ivy. We hoped. 

Limping into Home Plate

The fall was relatively inconsequential but having jammed my fist and hiking pole into my rib I did notice. As we rounded the bend to the shelter, I spotted the first of the summer eccanacia.

It is well known for its healing power. Tonight, its golden rays made me feel better just by looking at it. 

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