- The Costa Blanca region hit an unprecedented 1.4 million overnight stays in tourist apartments in July 2025.
- Visitor numbers rose 21% compared to July 2024, with foreign visitors increasing by 32%, outpacing the national average.
- Benidorm is the leading municipality, registering over 370,000 overnight stays, of which more than half are by international tourists.
- Some areas like Dénia and calp saw declines linked to license suspensions affecting tourist accommodation.
- camping sites in the Costa Blanca, especially Benidorm, also saw high occupancy, highlighting the diversity of tourism options.
Costa Blanca leads Spain in Tourist Apartment Occupancy This July
The Costa Blanca region of Spain has once again proven its appeal as a top tourist hotspot, setting a new benchmark in July 2025 with over 1.4 million overnight stays in tourist apartments. According to the latest figures from the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (INE), this marks a historic milestone, showcasing robust growth and confirming the region’s reputation as a leading choice for travelers.
Strong growth Driven by International visitors
When compared to July 2024, occupancy in the Costa Blanca surged by 21%, thanks largely to a 32% increase in foreign visitors. This meaningful upswing is well above the national average, where occupancy by non-residents grew by just 0.4%. Domestic tourists also rose but more modestly, with a 6.5% increase compared to the previous year.
| Visitor Type | Costa Blanca Growth (July 2025 vs 2024) | National Average Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Visitors | +32% | +0.4% |
| Domestic Visitors | +6.5% | +7.7% |
Benidorm Tops as the Most Desired Destination
Within the Costa Blanca, Benidorm remains the crown jewel. This vibrant coastal city recorded more than 370,000 overnight stays in July alone,with foreign tourists accounting for 206,639 of those nights. Its strong brand as a tourist magnet and the confidence it inspires among visitors play a huge role in consolidating the region’s leading position.
Impact of License Suspensions in Dénia and Calp
While the overall picture is positive,some municipalities like Dénia and Calp experienced declines. In Dénia, overnight stays plummeted dramatically from 72,323 to just 12,400 due to recent license suspensions affecting tourist rentals. Similarly, Calp saw a drop in domestic overnight stays from 99,315 to 73,699 over the summer period.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Focus on Quality and Regulation
Silvia Blasco, president of Aptur CV and the National Federation, praised the figures, highlighting their importance for lasting tourism. She stated:
“These statistics affirm Costa Blanca as one of Spain’s preferred tourist destinations. The sector’s adaptation to new regulations, commitment to quality, safety, and community coexistence has resulted in a positive, incident-free July for tourist apartments.”
Blasco underlined the combined effort of homeowners and management companies in professionalizing the sector and maintaining the destination’s appeal despite stricter local laws introduced last year.
Rising Popularity of campings
Beyond apartments, camping sites in the Costa Blanca are thriving. Benidorm, in particular, recorded the highest camping occupancy rate in Spain at 87.51% during July 2025. It also remains the municipality with the most camping establishments (12), although it is not the one with the highest number of pitches (4,412). The camping industry also contributed 309 jobs over the summer.
Why the Costa Blanca Continues to Attract Tourists
- Diverse accommodation offers: From high-rise apartments in Benidorm to family-kind campings and coastal villas.
- International appeal: Attracting a growing number of visitors from multiple countries.
- Regulatory compliance: The sector’s quick adaptation to new rules reinforces trust among tourists and residents.
- Strong tourism branding: Well-known destinations like Benidorm maintain high standards of quality and service.
Conclusion
The Costa Blanca’s record-breaking summer season of 2025 underlines its status as a premier tourism destination in Spain. its ability to balance growth with regulation and diversity in accommodation types ensures it remains a top choice for both domestic and international travelers. As the tourism landscape evolves, the region’s stakeholders continue to demonstrate professionalism and adaptability – key ingredients to sustained success.