Tourists are heading to sunny Spain in their masses and British tourists absolutely love this holiday destination.
One expert claimed that it's hard to find a place quite like it close to the UK, stating that Britons are drawn to the holiday hotspot for three reasons: sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife and rich cultural heritage.
According to new data from the National Statistics Institute in Spain, overnight stays in hotel establishments increased by 7.8 per cent in December compared to the same month in 2022.
Many of the tourists that flock to Spain in their millions are Britons in search of sun, sea, sand - and sangria - just a few hours away.
In December alone, travellers from the United Kingdom accounted for 23.4 per cent (just under a quarter) of total overnight stays by non-residents.
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La Sagrada Familia is a must-see tourist attraction in Barcelona, Spain
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Throughout 2023, travellers from the United Kingdom and Germany made 97.9 million overnight stays in 2023, 43.4 per cent of the total by non-resident travellers.
The Spanish destinations visited most by non-residents were Canarias, Cataluña and Andalucía.
GB News spoke exclusively to travel expert and CEO of Ibiza Summer Villas Michele Massa about why Britons are such huge fans of Spain.
Michele said: "British tourists are drawn to Spain for its combination of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.
"It's hard to find a country that offers such an eclectic range of experiences, while still being so cheap to fly to from the UK."
Spain promises a vibrant, exciting city break as well as a relaxing, laid-back seaside vacation.
For those who may have been to popular tourist hotspots such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Palma de Mallorca, the expert recommended Bilbao.
The high-energy cultural port city is "a stone's throw away from relaxing resort towns like San Sebastian".
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Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Casa Viejo in beautiful Bilbao
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In Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is somewhat of an architectural masterpiece.
Casco Viejo is an old neighbourhood well worth the visit if you're keen to try "some of the freshest and best-tasting fruit and vegetables in Europe", according to Tripadvisor.
Michele continued: "For Britons looking for a party holiday, Spain has Britons spoiled for choice with so many fun destinations to choose from.
"Ibiza is world-famous and arguably the greatest location for travellers that want to experience the biggest names in the electronic music scene, and doesn't compromise anything in the way of natural beauty or culinary magnificence."
For Britons who want to visit the stunning European destination, Spain airports announced a major change that will affect how British tourists go through security.
