Autumn getaways surge 24% in Spain as these destinations see bookings soar

The demand for short breaks in Spain this autumn is on the rise, with bookings up by 24 per cent over last year. While Tarragona and Madrid attract the largest shares of bookings, three southern provinces are recording particularly strong growth, with increases of up to 86 per cent.

The figures suggest that short breaks remain popular beyond the traditional summer holiday season, with travellers booking trips throughout October and November.

According to new figures released by the travel platform Atrápalo on October 14, bookings for getaways of up to four nights increased by 24 per cent in comparison with the same period of autumn in 2025.

It also shows a marked preference for domestic trips, as seventy-two per cent of those booked involve destinations in Spain. For residents looking to spend a long weekend without going abroad, several well-known Spanish destinations are gaining in importance.

Sevilla, Málaga and Cádiz lead Spain’s autumn getaway boom

Although the largest share of domestic autumn bookings is on Atrápalo with Tarragona and Madrid, the highest increase year-on-year is in Andalusia.

Sevilla recorded the largest increase of 86 per cent in bookings from the previous autumn. Malaga follows closely, with an increase in the bookings of 82 per cent. Cadiz was up 77 per cent.

The three provinces of Andalusia are the fastest-growing destinations in the platform’s autumn getaway data.

And in a city where there is the combination of historic architecture, traditional neighbourhoods and cultural attractions, Seville is particularly well suited to exploring on foot. During the fall, when the heat of the summer is changing to a more bearable autumnal heat, it is a particularly attractive place for walking through its historic centre.

Málaga, however, offers a different kind of holiday. Its beaches and marina can be combined with museums, restaurants and the city’s historic attractions; it is therefore a good choice for those who want a mixture of the urban and the coastal.

Cádiz is another option, with its Atlantic coast, old towns and its traditional Andalusian atmosphere, and its province contains favourite places like Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María.

But the most rapidly growing destinations are not necessarily the ones with the most bookings.

Tarragona leads Atrápalo’s domestic autumn rankings, Tarragona ranks first, with a total of 8.5 percent of the bookings, closely followed by Madrid, with 8.15 percent. Together, the two provinces represent approximately one in six bookings booked on the platform.

For tourists who make short visits, Tarragona offers an excellent combination of Roman monuments and the Mediterranean coast; and Madrid offers a year-round program of museums, shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Having confirmed that the desire for autumn holidays reaches beyond the traditional summer tourist resorts, the study also shows that both the major cities and the coastal provinces of Spain feature prominently.

Shorter holidays, advance planning and hotel prices shape autumn travel

Beyond the choice of destination, Atrápalo’s figures reveal how travellers are planning their autumn breaks. Atrápalo’s data gives us a good idea of the way in which this phenomenon is taking place.

During the autumn season the average length of a stay is 1.89 nights. The shortening of the average stay shows the preference for weekend trips or shorter midweek breaks as opposed to longer holidays.

These journeys, despite their short duration, are often arranged long in advance.

According to the booking system, at least half of all domestic reservations are made at least 55 days in advance.

Travellers booking Barcelona hotels plan particularly far ahead, booking an average of 110 days in advance. Seville follows with an average advance of 98 days, Tarragona and Almeria a few days less, on average 72 and 56 days.

Those who are thinking of arranging a last-minute autumn break Travellers considering a last-minute autumn break may find it worthwhile to book accommodation early where it is best to book early.

Hotel prices have also remained relatively stable within the platform’s data.

In Spain, the average price of a night in a hotel is €149, an increase of one per cent compared to the previous year.

Among the most popular tourist destinations analysed, the average price per night in Tarragona, at €192.84, is the highest, while Barcelona is the cheapest, at €137.93.

These are averages of the reservations made at Atrápalo, and not a guaranteed price, and it depends on the dates, the accommodations, and the availability.

Autumn is also a favourite time for travellers who visit the Spanish wine-growing regions.

The Marco de Jerez area in Andalusia has 57.5 per cent of the bookings of the wine regions analysed by Atrápalo, followed by La Rioja, 35.6%.

Those staying in the Jerez region average 2.6 nights. El Puerto de Santa María accounts for 58 per cent of bookings, ahead of Jerez de la Frontera and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

And all the while, one can combine vineyard visits with visits to historic towns and beaches.

Roberto Ramos, Atrápalo’s director of Product and Operations, says that autumn is assuming greater importance in the holiday plans of the Spanish traveller, with the characteristics of short stays and advance booking.

This year, the October Pilar weekend has been excluded from the figures, so the increase does not include a disproportionate number of visitors on that occasion.

For British residents in Spain, the figures highlight the variety of destinations attracting travellers this autumn. Whether it is a weekend in Seville, a coastal break in Cádiz or a cultural trip to Madrid, the growing interest in shorter getaways offers another reason to explore the country outside the summer season.