Favorite summer destinations: Where are the Basques going on holiday?

Summer holidays are synonymous with journeys, family gatherings and getaways to the mountain, to the city or to the beach; who decides where they want to go, according to their needs and wishes, to their liking. According to data collected by the National Institute of Statistics last summer, 5.2 million tourists from Hego Euskal Herria made some trip abroad or somewhere in the Spanish state.

According to this data, seven out of ten travelled within the State, and in addition to the territories that make up the Southern Basque Country, Cantabria, Burgos, La Rioja, Madrid and the Mediterranean coast were once again the preferred destinations for those who decided to pack their bags and leave their homes during thesummer months. Among these places are the Canttabra Noja, Castro-Urdiales and Laredo, which received about 100,000 Basque tourists from our surroundings, among others.

Despite the loss of a few visitors compared to the previous year, in 2024 Cantabria remained a summer refuge for many Basques; almost 13% of tourists chose to stay there. It is close, comfortable for travel and has the natural attractiveness of the neighboring community; Cantabria is a favourite destination for those who seek the sun, tranquility and green landscapes without going too far.

Thus, from Bizkaia, in the summer of last year, just over 521,000 people went on holiday to Cantabria (three out of ten Biscayans moved within the state).

The Alaveses do not disdain the charm of the neighbouring country either, and proof of this is that last year more than 67,000 people went on holiday to that province, while in Gipuzkoamore than 38,000,000 chose to disconnect.

Two of the other major summer destinations are closer than expected. Burgos and La Rioja are second homes for thousands of people, which is clearly reflected in the number of journeys between provinces. More than 370,000 people crossed the border last summer on their way to Burgos ( 7.1%of tourists), mainly from the CAPV; and 340,000 to La Rioja (6.4%), the preferred destination of the Navarros.

The territories that make up Hego Euskal Herria were other tourist destinations that entered the top 10 for the summer , of which Gipuzkoa was the preferred, ahead of Navarre, Bizkaia and Álava. However, it is worth noting the affection of the Guipuzkoans towards Navarre, which was the preferred destination of the state, with 17.8% of travellers choosing this territory for their holidays.

The Mediterranean remains attractive to those looking for the sun and beaches, among others. Tarragona, Alicante and Barcelona led these escapes.

More than 39,000 Biscayanstravelled to Alicante and more than 25,000to the Catalan capital. The Guipúzcoawere not left behind, almost 20,000 passengers chose Alicante as their destination, and so many others Barcelona. The number of Navarros is lower, 15,935 people went tothe heart of the White Coast and 16,193to the Condal City.

Thecapital of the Spanish State is one of the preferred destinations of about 6% of Basque tourists , as it is a connection to other destinations probably more exotic abroad.

More than 124,000 people left Bizkaia on their way to Madrid, Gipuzkoa took 77,000 passengers and Navarra and Álava, 60,000 and 43,000respectively.

And abroad?

In the summer of last year, almost four out of ten travelers packed their bags to go somewhere more exotic; half of them had some European destination.

Of all, France was the most chosen, and also the closest; by a wide margin it heads the international classification, with more than 475,000 Basque tourists . Germany (140,000 visitors) and the Netherlands (95,000) complete the podium of their favorite destinations outside the Spanish State, followed by Portugal (76,000 tourists).

The Mediterranean also continues to attract, with almost 53,000 Basque travellers in Italy , while the United Kingdom and Belgium, among others, received more than 130,000 visits.

Beyond the continent, the United States stood out as the main destination, with 57,000 tourists; it is a much larger number than Mexico, Japan, and Morocco. Although more discreet, Australia, China, and Colombia also entered the map of the most adventurous, for when it comes to travelling, Basque travellers cannot be intimidated, whatever their distance.

Will these tourist destinations be repeated this year?

Last summer's photo shows a clear trend : tourists from the South take precedence over proximity, comfort and places they know . Cantabria, La Rioja, Burgos and Tarragona remain at the top of the ranking, and overall the numbers increase (or are very stable), which shows that it is difficult to break with tourist loyalty.

However, the current situation is changing. International tourism is in the process of recovery and the inflation of the economy is continuing, the prices of accommodation are continuing to rise, the concern for sustainability is growing. All these agents can changethe holiday map by 2025. Will Basque tourists choose the same beaches, towns and capitals? Will the weight of international destinations increase?