Easter boosts ferry travel: Spanish travelers embrace flexible itineraries and multi-route destinations

According to Ferryscanner, 48% of April 2025 bookings were concentrated over Easter. Multi-route trips are consolidating around 2- and 3-leg itineraries, especially in destinations such as the Balearic Islands and the Greek islands. The data shows that flexibility and convenience remain key factors in choosing ferry travel.

Easter is once again one of the peak periods for travel, and travelers’ habits confirm it: according to Ferryscanner data, last year this period accounted for almost half of all April ferry bookings, with daily demand soaring 60% compared to the rest of the month.

The data also reflects a clear trend in Spaniards’ getaways throughout the year: travelers are increasingly prioritizing flexibility in their trips, opting for alternatives that allow them to set their own pace and have the freedom to move around and adapt their itinerary. In this context, traveling with a vehicle remains a key factor in choosing the ferry as a mode of transportation; in 2025, 66% of domestic trips included a vehicle, 81% of which were cars—a decision driven by the convenience it offers travelers in combining mobility and exploration in a single getaway.

“We’re seeing that travelers are increasingly seeking the freedom to plan their own getaways: the ferry fits into this trend because it allows them to customize and adjust their itinerary, making the journey itself part of the plan,” says Alexia Kotsi, CMO of Ferryscanner.

Island hopping, or linking destinations: the new travel trend

Added to this quest for flexibility is a growing trend: island hopping—or traveling to multiple destinations on a single trip—driven by multi-leg booking options.

Data from Ferryscanner shows that booking these types of itineraries is becoming one of the most attractive options for travelers.

This type of trip is already a common feature of many European travelers’ bookings throughout the year. Most of the most frequently booked itineraries are concentrated in the Cyclades archipelago (Greece), with Santorini as the main hub; itineraries such as Santorini–Heraklion, Naxos–Santorini, and Paros–Santorini are among the most popular. Most of these itineraries include two legs, although a significant percentage connect three islands in a single trip.

Among Spanish travelers, itineraries in Croatia and the Ionian Islands are also popular, although the most common combinations continue to be concentrated in the Cyclades—especially Naxos, Santorini, and Mykonos—generally in 2- to 3-leg itineraries.

Within Spain, the most popular routes are concentrated in the Balearic Islands, with connections such as Ibiza–Formentera, Barcelona–Palma, and Valencia–Ibiza among the busiest. This archipelago has also established itself as a key hub for multi-island trips, thanks to its ferry network, which makes it easy to combine visits to several islands in a single getaway.

“Our platform allows travelers to create customized itineraries and flexibly combine multiple islands,” explains the Ferryscanner spokesperson. “This makes it easier to plan more efficient trips, optimizing travel times and connections based on each passenger’s needs, and turns trip planning into an integral part of the travel experience.”

The Balearic Islands, an Easter classic: ideas for combining destinations

For travelers seeking flexibility and tailor-made experiences, the Balearic Islands are the perfect setting for planning multi-route getaways over Easter. The islands make it easy to combine different destinations in a single trip, enjoying the tradition and culture of Mallorca, the livelier atmosphere of Ibiza or the tranquility of Menorca. The ease of moving between ports turns every crossing into part of the trip, offering the chance to explore several islands at your own pace and create getaways tailored to any plan or preference.

For anyone planning an Easter getaway and looking for island-by-island inspiration, Ferryscanner has put together the best recommendations and route combinations across Spain for the perfect trip.

About Ferryscanner

Founded in Athens in 2018, Ferryscanner is a digital ferry booking platform designed to help travelers discover new routes, compare available options, and purchase tickets online in just a few clicks.

Thanks to an advanced search engine and partnerships with more than 350 ferry companies, Ferryscanner allows users to compare and purchase tickets online for more than 6,000 routes and 900 destinations in Europe and around the world, both through the website and the app (iOS and Android), available in 25 languages.

Ferryscanner offers customer service 7 days a week, payments in 48 currencies, and additional services such as booking multiple routes, digital ticket management, options for traveling with pets, and a loyalty program.

The company also supports marine conservation projects, collaborating with organizations such as Enaleia to remove plastic from the Mediterranean Sea.

Every year, more than a million travelers choose Ferryscanner to plan their ferry trips easily, safely, and conveniently.