A region in Europe has managed to become the most popular tourist destination in the EU, leaving behind established names such as Paris or the coastal areas of Croatia. Official data shows a spectacular increase in short-term stays, a sign that tourists’ preferences are changing rapidly.
According to the latest statistics published by Eurostat, between April and June 2025, Andalusia recorded approximately 13.3 million overnight stays in accommodation units booked through online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia.
The performance places it in first place in the European Union, far above other destinations considered unbeatable until recently.
Andalucia also surpassed Croatia’s Jadranska Hrvatska, which reported 9.6 million nights, and Ile-de-France, the region that includes Paris, with 9 million overnight stays, according to express.
The explanations for this success lie in the rare combination of climate, heritage and landscape diversity. Andalusia is recognized for its Moorish heritage, for iconic monuments such as the Alhambra in Granada and the Cathedral of Seville, but also for the Almería desert, considered the only authentic desert in Europe.
At the same time, local gastronomy and olive oil production have turned the region into an international reference point.
Beyond the big cities, tourists are increasingly discovering lesser-known areas, such as Setenil de las Bodegas, where houses are built directly into the rock, or Cabo de Gata, an area with wild bays and volcanic landscapes, far from mass tourism.
From the karst formations of El Torcal to the humid forests of Grazalema, natural diversity remains one of the main assets of the region.
The Eurostat report also highlights a wider trend: Spain dominates European tourism, with six regions in the top 20 most visited in the EU, alongside established destinations such as the Canary Islands, Catalonia and the Valencian Community.
Success, however, comes with challenges. The accelerated growth of tourism has fueled intense debate about the impact on local communities, particularly in terms of access to housing and the cost of living.
