Holiday Costs Rise for Easter Week Travel
Only a few days remain before many cities flood with the scent of incense, orange blossoms, and the gasoline fumes of a thousand tourist cars. The drums will rattle in harmony with roaring engines as people chase a well-earned break during a week of vacation and respite.
Families planning an Easter break will have to budget carefully. Experts forecast that these will be among the most expensive holidays in recent years, with fuel prices high and travel costs on the rise as travelers head to popular destinations around Spain.
For many households, the upcoming Easter holidays could pose a significant financial challenge. Economists warn that the price of everything linked to tourism may rise by almost 10 percent compared to 2023. In short, those considering a few days away should brace themselves for tighter belts and tighter wallets.
Gasoline: the Central Challenge
Whether travelers head to Andalusia to witness a processional parade or venture to the Levante for a sun-filled few days, finding a cheap gas station should be a priority. Fuel costs are expected to set new records in the coming weeks. The average price of gasoline has continued its seventh consecutive uptick so far in 2024, though diesel has fallen for the first time since January.
Both fuels show a volatile pattern, signaling that prices could keep climbing as demand remains above available supply. This week, gasoline rose by 0.25 percent to an average of 1.609 euros per liter, the highest since mid‑November. Diesel, on the other hand, dropped by 0.57 percent to about 1.552 euros per liter on most pumps.
If you’re the sort who hunts for the cheapest gas, stay alert. Low-cost stations are already offering gasoline around 1.15 euros per liter in provinces such as Murcia, Córdoba, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, while premium grade SP95 sits below 1.40 euros per liter in places like Seville.
Easter Campaign Outlook
According to traffic authorities, the Easter travel surge in 2023 saw 16 million trips, resulting in 34 fatalities. The most critical travel days are typically from Holy Thursday through Easter Monday, when the number of journeys peaks. Traffic officials urge all drivers to exercise caution to help keep accident figures down this year.