There’s nothing like enjoying a nice relaxing getaway, and as you get older, some time away to just unwind becomes even more important. While the world is full of perfect destinations that offer sunshine, beautiful coastal spots, and tranquil surroundings, there is one particular country that older Brits always seem to rush back to.
The favourite destination of Brits aged 55 and over has been named after a study found that in 2024, more than six million trips to the popular country were made by over-55s, with a huge £5.27 million being spent there. France, Italy or Greece, all being just a few hours away from the UK and offering everything from great weather and pretty landscapes to delicious food to an abundance of activities, would make sense as the country in question.
However, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, research found that Spain is the favourite holiday choice for Brits aged 55 and over, and it likely comes down to several factors, such as the affordability, year-round sunshine in certain regions, and relaxing pace of life that makes Spain work for both a short holiday or a longer getaway.
Not only that, but the variety of walkable towns and good public transport makes it easy and more comfortable for older people to get around on their own or in couples.
Spain also becomes very popular around this time of year, as the UK braves the cold weather. Spain offers mild temperatures for Brits to still enjoy some warmth during the colder periods of the year. According to the leading travel association ABTA, both mainland Spain and the Canary Islands are reporting strong sales for the current season.
The president of the Balearic Islands is also welcoming the idea that the destination’s tourism industry is growing “like never before” during both the mid and low seasons.
Marga Prohens said that the “change in trend” has been brought by the commitment to cultural and sports tourism, which is allowing the “peaks” in tourist numbers to be “shifted from the high season to other months”.
She added: “We are focusing on culture, we want it to be an attraction for those who visit us beyond the summer months. This strategy is working. Containment in the summer, with growth below 1%, and growing like never before in the mid and low season months.
“We want to lead the transformation of tourism throughout Europe, to be a region that is seen as a success story in sustainability and regenerative tourism. We are, perhaps, the first example of an economy that wants to move forward not from recession or crisis but from success, from a model that generates wealth and employment.”
