A new survey by Spain’s National Statistics Institute (CIS) reveals that Spaniards are reducing spending on both travel and dining out in 2025, despite continued tourist activity across the country.
The findings suggest that while domestic and international travelers continue to arrive, Spanish households are adjusting their personal budgets in response to broader economic concerns.
The CIS survey, titled “Tourism and Gastronomy,” shows a shift in vacation behavior, with fewer Spaniards taking long holidays and more opting for shorter stays or no vacations at all. Dining habits are also changing, with the majority of respondents spending under €30 per meal when eating out and visiting restaurants less frequently than in previous years.
Shorter Holidays and Budget-Conscious Travelers
Fewer Long Stays, More Day Trips
The survey, which gathered responses from nearly 3,000 participants, shows that only 19.3% of Spaniards plan to take vacations longer than two weeks in 2025, down from 24.7% in 2023. Meanwhile, the number of those opting for vacations shorter than one week has increased from 12.6% to 17.6%.
Currently, 28.1% of Spaniards take week-long vacations, while 13.6% report that they do not travel or dine out at all. These shifts suggest a broader trend of financial caution, even as travel remains a cultural priority. A significant number of households are reportedly replacing trips with local outings or supermarket purchases.
Dining Out Less Often, Spending Less
When it comes to eating out, 30.5% of respondents say they go to restaurants two to three times per month, while 29.1% do so more than three times monthly. About 20.5% eat out at least once a month. Among those who dine out, 55.7% spend between €15 and €30 per meal, and only 1.8% spend more than €70.
The average spend reported by the reservations platform The Fork aligns closely with these findings. Spanish diners spend approximately €27 per meal, while foreign tourists average €31—about 15% more. High-demand dining periods this summer included weekends in late July and the long Assumption holiday weekend in mid-August.
Domestic Travel Preferences and Vacation Dining
Sun and Coast Still Top Choices
According to CIS data, 51.3% of domestic travelers prefer coastal destinations, with 37.5% choosing seaside towns and 24.8% opting for coastal cities. Other popular vacation types include cultural tourism (39.2%), nature tourism (34.9%), and rural tourism (30%).
In terms of accommodation, 43.8% of travelers stay in hotels or aparthotels, 14.4% stay with family or friends, and 13.1% opt for short-term rentals or tourist apartments.
Eating Habits While on Holiday
Vacation dining also reflects careful budgeting. While 27% of Spaniards eat out two to three times per week while on holiday, 25.3% dine out more than three times weekly, and 22% eat out daily. In contrast, 8.8% report not eating out at all during vacation, and 16% do so only once a week.
Despite budget constraints, 51.7% of respondents consider dining out important for social connection. Enjoyment of food and perceived health benefits also rank high among motivations for eating at restaurants while on vacation.
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