BRITONS have searched for flights to Spain more than for any other European destination nearly every year for the past five, data shows.
It makes sense – second favourite Turkey is primarily known for affordable all-inclusive coastal resorts and Istanbul city breaks.
But Spain retains top spot because it offers so many different types of holidays.
With regions that boast their own food, culture, vibe and even climate, there are endless places to explore.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a global travel explosion.
The Google Trends data proves it, with huge spikes in searches across 2022 as holiday-starved Brits scrambled to get abroad.
Hotels slashed prices, airlines pushed post-lockdown promotions and, after years of being stuck indoors (and stuck in the UK), the hunger for sun, warmth and a proper sandy beach was intense.
Pebbly British beaches just don’t offer the same glamour when you’re trying to show off a new swimsuit while awkwardly shuffling into the sea.
And Spain’s biggest strength is its variety – it’s not a one-size-fits-all holiday.
Want culture? Barcelona and Seville have museums, architecture and food for days.
Travelling with kids? Majorca and parts of the Costa del Sol offer calm beaches and reliable all-inclusive resorts.
Out to party until sunrise? Ibiza and certain parts of Tenerife were made for that. Whatever holiday you want, Spain has a version of it.
Google Trends data from the past five years shows that on average, Tenerife is the most-searched beach destination, followed by Barcelona, Majorca, Ibiza and good old Benidorm last.
With sunshine basically guaranteed year-round, it’s no shock that searches peak every January.
Tenerife has something for everyone: buzzing nightlife in the south, family-friendly beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes for anyone craving a nature escape.
But come summer, Ibiza takes centre stage.
The island becomes a magnet for party-seekers, famous for its world-class clubs, beach raves and DJ culture. It’s a go-to spot for groups of friends and an unofficial HQ for hen and stag dos.
Barcelona, meanwhile, offers the best of both worlds: a proper city break with the bonus of beaches.
You can spend the morning exploring Gaudí architecture and the evening with your toes in the sand.
It stays popular year-round because it doesn’t rely on summer weather to pull in the holidaymakers.
In the end, it’s no surprise Spain remains the UK’s favourite escape. It’s close, it’s cheap, it’s warm, it’s familiar – and it ticks every holiday box imaginable.
When the British weather disappoints (so… most of the time), Spain is the quick, easy fix – and judging by the search trends, the king of holiday destinations is not losing its crown any time soon.
