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

I’ve made it about halfway! And for now that’s my signal to take a pause from blogging here. My main reason for sharing my blood, sweat, and tears on the trail here was in support of my fundraiser, but it hasn’t gained me the support needed to reach my goal. It’s been my incredible friends and family who have mostly been cheering me on, and so for now I will just be doing limited posting on my social media. Thank you so much for the support from those who have been following along here– some days it was just what I needed to brighten my day, and I hope it added to yours as well. Perhaps I will post here again in the future if things shift.

Thruhikes are hard even without sharing the experience with the world, even “rest days” often being carefully crafted to be efficient and almost militant just to get stuff done: gear repair, food resupply, laundry, paying the bills, calling friends and family, post office, hiker box, getting to and around the towns you end up in, stretching and relaxing and maybe getting some dang lotion on those terrible looking but strong feet– you get the point. I have to use my time wisely. Like I said, I will still be posting on social media and am also trying to brainstorm right now on how to create some LNT material for the CDTC while out here!

As I’ve hiked further and further north into Colorado I’ve also begun to feel as if I’m hiking deeper and deeper into the trail and being consumed by my emotions. There’s a lot to deal with, both personally and with big picture systems (and they are ultimately intertwined) and at times it can feel overwhelming.

When I hiked the PCT in 2017, it was a strange time but I felt able to fully disconnect from the world, I was only on the trail. But now I feel the elsewhere on the trail too– I see the pain occurring in the world right now and the consumption of nature rather than the stewarding of it and I want to implode. The chaos is exhausting.

I should be able to enjoy a quiet, beautiful trail without being worried for people in my home community disappearing or friends who may lose their healthcare or jobs. Without worrying about the defunding of our public lands. And more than that. But I can’t. But I have to, or they win.

Cheers from Steamboat 🖤

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