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The Costa Blanca has once again proved to be a hit with British holidaymakers, with new figures showing the area was one of the most popular destinations for UK families during the May school holidays.

 

According to ABTA, the UK's leading travel association, demand for short-haul breaks remained strong during the half-term getaway, with Spain continuing to dominate many travellers' wish lists.

 

The Costa Blanca was singled out as one of the country's most sought-after destinations, alongside firm favourites Mallorca and Tenerife, as families looked to make the most of the break before the summer holiday season begins.

 

This year's school holiday travel was concentrated into a particularly busy weekend, as many schools across the UK finished classes on the Friday before the break started.

 

ABTA said May had turned into a busy month for travel despite ongoing economic pressures and uncertainty around global events. The organisation found that many families were still prioritising holidays abroad, particularly to destinations offering sunshine, beaches and relatively short flight times.

 

Spain featured prominently on travellers' radar, alongside other popular Mediterranean countries including Portugal, Italy, Greece and Croatia.

 

The association noted that many holidaymakers are increasingly looking for package deals that combine flights and accommodation in a single booking, giving them greater certainty over costs at a time when household budgets remain under pressure.

 

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said families were continuing to place a high value on travel despite wider economic challenges.

 

“Despite economic and geopolitical challenges, people still want to travel,” he explained.

 

Tanzer added that many travellers are looking for a balance between value for money and peace of mind when booking their holidays.

 

The continued popularity of the Costa Blanca comes as little surprise. The coastal Alicante area has long been one of the UK's favourite overseas destinations thanks to its reliable weather, beaches, restaurants and well-established tourist infrastructure.

 

British visitors remain the largest international tourism market for the Costa Blanca, not only filling hotels but also supporting holiday rentals and second-home communities throughout the region.