Spain has been named as the favourite holiday spot for British travellers aged 55 and over, according to new research.
The study found that older UK holidaymakers made a whopping 6.2 million trips to Spain in 2024, spending £5.27million along the way.
That makes Spain the clear winner for both visitor numbers and economic impact among this age group.
Short, affordable flights, year-round sun in some areas, and a relaxed pace of life that suits longer getaways all play a part in the appeal. Walkable towns and solid public transport also make getting around a breeze for older couples.
Short, affordable flights, plenty of sunshine, and a relaxed pace of life all appeal to holidaymakers
| GETTYMost popular destinations for over-55s
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Portugal
- Greece
- Republic of Ireland
- Turkey
- United States
- Germany
- Netherlands
France came in second place, welcoming nearly 2.6 million visits from the over-55s who spent just under £2million during their trips. Many older travellers love that France can be reached by car, ferry, or Eurostar, making it a no-fly option that feels far less stressful.
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Italy took third spot with 1.17 million visits and £1.23million in spending, with short flight times from the UK making it one of the easiest Mediterranean choices.
Portugal attracted 1.13 million visitors who spent £9.42million, with the Algarve region proving particularly popular for its gentle coastal walks and golf resorts.
Greece rounded out the top five with over a million visits. Travellers spent £1.05 million exploring Greece's warm temperatures and coastal scenery, perfect for restful breaks.
The Republic of Ireland claimed sixth place with 954,000 visits and £4.44million in spending, thanks to its proximity and frequent flight and ferry connections.
Turkey drew 908,000 older visitors who spent £8.26million, with all-inclusive hotels catering brilliantly to accessibility needs. The United States attracted 905,000 visits despite requiring long-haul flights, with easy English navigation proving a big draw.
France came in second place, welcoming nearly 2.6 million visits from the over-55s
| PEXELSGermany welcomed 647,000 visitors spending £4.68million, while the Netherlands rounded out the top ten with 487,000 visits and £3.07million spent.
James Rodgers, head of dating at Senior Lovers - who conducted the research - said: "Older travellers and older couples often prioritise destinations that offer reliable infrastructure, which makes these countries especially appealing. Many of the top-ranked countries provide strong accessibility from the UK through frequent direct flights and short travel times.
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