As Spain prepares for another record-breaking tourist season, the Ministry of the Interior has announced a major reinforcement of police and security forces across nine of the country’s most visited regions.

The “Operación Verano” (Summer Operation), set to begin on 1 July, will deploy 4,002 additional officers from the Policía Nacional and Guardia Civil to areas with high tourist numbers, with the goal of ensuring public safety and crime prevention during the busy summer months.

The regions covered include Andalucía, Asturias, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, the Valencian Community, Galicia, the Balearic Islands, Madrid, and the Region of Murcia. While the operation will run until 31 August in most areas, it will be extended through 30 September in the Balearic Islands due to the longer tourist season.

Coordinated summer strategy with expanded police presence

This seasonal initiative, overseen by the Secretariat of State for Security, forms part of the Ministry’s broader summer strategy. That strategy was approved by the Council of Ministers on 10 June and includes not only law enforcement measures, but also special traffic safety campaigns led by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), immigration control efforts, and the annual “Operación Paso del Estrecho” (Strait Crossing Operation), which facilitates the transit of North African nationals travelling between Europe and North Africa.

Of the 4,002 additional officers, 1,577 will reinforce the Policía Nacional, bringing their total summer strength in these regions to 24,115. The Guardia Civil will be bolstered by 2,425 agents, increasing their presence to 32,221. These reinforcements include officers from specialised units such as air support (helicopters and drones), canine handlers, underground and mounted units, and newly graduated trainees from national police academies.

Securing key tourist hubs and travel routes

The primary goal of the operation is to enhance safety and reassure both residents and the influx of national and international tourists expected this summer. The latest data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that over 17.1 million international tourists visited the country in the first quarter of 2025, a 5.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Security efforts will be focused on preventing crime, strengthening response capacities, and ensuring visible patrols in high-density areas such as beaches, hotels, airports, train stations, and tourist attractions. The initiative is also aligned with the national Safe Tourism Plan 2024–2027 and supports the current Level 4 anti-terrorism alert, aimed at mitigating risks associated not only with common crime and cybercrime but also with jihadist threats.

An additional focus will be placed on assisting pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago, with mounted units and ten Mobile Offices for Pilgrim Assistance (OMAP) deployed to key locations along the route, depending on foot traffic, recent incidents or local events in order to support pilgrims on their journey.

Traffic safety also plays a central role in the summer strategy. The DGT will launch a series of special traffic operations to manage the increase in road travel during weekends, holidays, and peak travel dates. Campaigns will target issues such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and distractions behind the wheel, especially among vulnerable groups such as motorcyclists and truck drivers.

Border operations and migration control

Meanwhile, the Operación Paso del Estrecho began on 15 June and will run until 15 September. Coordinated between Spain and Morocco, this operation manages the flow of millions of people crossing by ferry between Europe and North Africa. A 5% rise in vehicle crossings and a 4% increase in passenger numbers are forecasted for 2025.

In parallel, Spanish authorities will also step up operations aimed at controlling illegal migration. Working alongside the European agency Frontex, both national police and civil guard units will operate in strategic locations such as the ports of Algeciras, Tarifa, and Ceuta, as well as the coasts of the Canary Islands, the western Mediterranean, and the Alboran Sea.

Together, these coordinated efforts highlight Spain’s comprehensive approach to ensuring a safe, secure, and well-managed summer season for tourists and residents alike.

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