After a record 2024, with almost 5,5 million Italian tourists in Spain (+12% compared to the previous year), 2025 looks even more promising, especially thanks to the growing interest coming from South Italy.
Thanks to an increasingly extensive air connectivity, the increase in available seats and the opening of new routes between Italy and Spain, the South confirms itself as a market with unexplored potential for tourist flows towards Spanish destinations.
In particular, Naples is experiencing a boom in direct connections to numerous Spanish cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Alicante, Seville, Ibiza, Menorca, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca and Malaga.
"Naples and the Campania region - said Gonzalo Ceballos, Tourism Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in Italy - are positioned as a priority market in Italy, thanks to the already consolidated air routes that support this positive growth in arrivals. In addition, the promotion of new destinations, less known to Italian travellers, is encouraging a more conscious tourism and in line with our objectives of environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability".
Opportunities of 2025: Gastronomy, Wine and Sports
2025 promises to be a year full of opportunities for Spain, with events and awards that will strengthen its tourist appeal. Alicante, named Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, celebrates its rich culinary tradition and the strategic role of food in local tourism.
Catalonia, on the other hand, has been designated World Region of Gastronomy 2025, the first European region to receive this title, thanks to its unique culinary heritage and international influence.
Not just gastronomy: Cariñena, in the province of Zaragoza, has been proclaimed European City of Wine, an award that promotes wine tourism and wine culture at an international level. Finally, Segovia, in the region of Castile and León, has been elected European City of Sports, an additional attraction for lovers of outdoor activities.
The Costa Blanca: a jewel waiting to be discovered
Easily accessible from Italy, and especially from Naples, the Costa Blanca, located south of the Valencia region, is one of the most sought-after destinations thanks to its mild climate (average annual temperature of 18°C) and its over 200 kilometers of coastline, which include some of the best beaches in Spain. No less than 69 beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of their waters and the services offered.
The Costa Blanca's tourist offer ranges from cultural tourism, with five UNESCO World Heritage sites and the castle route, to food and wine, without forgetting proposals dedicated to families. EasyJet has recently expanded connections between Naples and Alicante, making 30.000 seats available with two weekly flights, both in the winter and summer seasons.
Towards a more sustainable and conscious tourism
Spain is increasingly committed to responsible tourism, in line with the objectives of environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability. The promotion of lesser-known destinations, combined with growing air connectivity, is encouraging a change in trend, with travellers increasingly attentive to the quality and impact of their tourism.
With these premises, 2025 looks set to be a year of further growth, with Southern Italy and Naples at the forefront of charting the course towards a new record season for Spanish tourism.
Article published on March 14, 2025 - 13pm
