Spain's beaches and bars are set to be packed this summer as British holidaymakers rush to book 'safe' short-haul destinations. New data from lastminute.com reveals that bookings to Ibiza have doubled for the May half-term compared to last year, with the island emerging as a top choice for families seeking reliable sunshine and short flight times.
Ibiza Sees Surge in Bookings
Ibiza, already a popular destination with around three million annual visitors including 800,000 Brits, has seen a 100% increase in bookings year-on-year for the May half-term. The island's proximity to the UK—just a two-and-a-half-hour flight—combined with sunny weather in May and growing uncertainty around destinations like Cyprus and Turkey, are driving this surge.
Family-Friendly Appeal
While Ibiza is known as a party island, it also offers family-friendly attractions. Beaches with shallow coves are ideal for children, and activities include boat trips, gentle hikes, and waterparks such as Sirenis Aquagames Ibiza and Slingshot Ibiza, which feature rides for all ages.
Anti-Tourism Sentiment
However, the influx of British tourists could fuel anti-tourism sentiment. In 2024, Ibiza was among Spanish destinations where mass protests called for government action against overtourism in the Balearics and Canaries.
Other Hotspots
Ibiza isn't alone in seeing a booking boom. Tenerife has experienced a 48% surge, Malta 51%, Costa Blanca 33%, Majorca 28%, and the Algarve in Portugal 21% year-on-year. These destinations offer reliable sunshine, short flight times, and value packages, according to lastminute.com's Zoe Fidler.
Fidler said: "British families are prioritising easy, sun-soaked escapes for the May half term break, with classic Mediterranean beach holidays in the sun leading the way."
