Spain has officially emerged as a major player in the global cryptocurrency infrastructure landscape, now ranking third worldwide in the number of crypto ATMs—edging out El Salvador and solidifying its position as a European leader in digital asset accessibility.
With 215 operational cryptocurrency ATMs as of late 2022, Spain surpasses El Salvador’s 212 machines, according to data from CoinATM Radar. This milestone places Spain behind only the United States and Canada in total crypto ATM installations, representing 0.6% of all such kiosks worldwide.
Beyond national rankings, Spain dominates the European market, contributing 14.65% of the continent's total crypto ATM deployments—the highest share among European nations. It is followed by Switzerland (144 ATMs), Poland (142), and Romania (135), all of which are also expanding their digital currency access points.
Rapid Expansion Across Southern Europe
Spain’s rise hasn’t happened overnight. In 2022 alone, the country added 43 new crypto ATMs, signaling strong momentum in adoption and infrastructure development. Industry projections at the time indicated plans to install over 100 additional units by year-end, potentially bringing the national total close to 300 machines.
This growth reflects broader regional interest in decentralized finance and peer-to-peer digital transactions, particularly in tourist-heavy areas where demand for alternative payment methods is rising.
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Major electronics retailers like MediaMarkt, in partnership with fintech firm Convity, are leading deployment efforts across multiple countries—including Spain, Germany, Austria, and Greece. These collaborations blend traditional retail footprints with emerging financial technology, making crypto more accessible to everyday consumers.
Global Trends: A Slow Recovery After Downturn
While Spain enjoys steady growth, the global picture tells a different story. Since September 2022, the worldwide installation rate of crypto ATMs has experienced a temporary decline—a trend often linked to the so-called "crypto winter" marked by falling prices, reduced investor sentiment, and tighter regulatory scrutiny.
However, signs point to recovery. Analysis of the past 60 days shows an average of approximately seven new crypto ATMs being installed globally each day. Though modest compared to previous boom periods, this indicates sustained interest and long-term confidence in cryptocurrency adoption.
Greece's Growing Crypto Footprint
Greece ranks sixth globally in crypto ATM density and is witnessing increased usage driven largely by tourism and localized community engagement. BCash, one of the country’s primary Bitcoin ATM operators, reports a surge in both domestic and international users.
Dimitrios Tsangalidis, Managing Director and Co-Founder of BCash, shared insights with Cointelegraph: despite initial assumptions that tourist hotspots would drive most transactions, urban centers remain the core user base.
“Most activity still comes from major cities,” Tsangalidis explained. “But there are notable exceptions.”
One such exception is Crete—specifically Heraklion—where a dedicated and active crypto community thrives.
“There’s a very loyal cryptocurrency crowd on Crete,” Tsangalidis said. “Heraklion hosts one of our ATMs and consistently sees high engagement from local enthusiasts.”
This blend of grassroots adoption and strategic infrastructure placement highlights how regional dynamics shape crypto usage patterns.
Why Crypto ATMs Matter in 2025
Crypto ATMs play a crucial role in democratizing access to digital assets. Unlike online exchanges that require bank accounts, identity verification, or technical know-how, these kiosks allow individuals to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies instantly—often with cash.
For unbanked populations, travelers, or those wary of digital platforms, crypto ATMs offer a low-barrier entry point into the blockchain ecosystem.
Moreover, their physical presence helps normalize cryptocurrency as a legitimate financial tool—not just speculative tech—but real-world money used for payments, remittances, and savings.
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Key Drivers Behind Spain’s Success
Several factors contribute to Spain’s leadership in Europe:
- Tourism & International Traffic: As a top destination for global travelers, Spain benefits from demand for borderless payment options.
- Supportive Business Environment: Partnerships between fintech startups and large retailers accelerate deployment.
- Urban Tech Adoption: Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have vibrant tech scenes that embrace innovation.
- Regulatory Clarity (Relative): While not fully regulated, Spanish authorities have taken a relatively hands-off approach compared to stricter EU neighbors.
These conditions create fertile ground for continued expansion in both quantity and utility of crypto ATMs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many crypto ATMs does Spain currently have?
A: As of late 2022, Spain had 215 active cryptocurrency ATMs, making it the third-highest country globally after the U.S. and Canada.
Q: Does Spain have more crypto ATMs than El Salvador?
A: Yes. Spain surpassed El Salvador, which had 212 machines at the time, despite El Salvador adopting Bitcoin as legal tender.
Q: What are crypto ATMs used for?
A: Most allow users to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin with cash or debit cards. Some also support selling crypto for fiat currency.
Q: Who is installing crypto ATMs in Europe?
A: Companies like Convity are partnering with major retailers such as MediaMarkt to deploy machines across Spain, Germany, Austria, and Greece.
Q: Is the number of global crypto ATMs increasing?
A: After a brief slowdown in late 2022 due to market conditions, installations are recovering at a rate of about seven per day worldwide.
Q: Are crypto ATMs safe to use?
A: Yes, when used responsibly. Users should verify machine legitimacy, understand transaction fees, and follow security best practices like using non-custodial wallets.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Physical Crypto Access
As blockchain technology matures, physical access points like ATMs will continue bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized ecosystems. Spain’s success demonstrates that infrastructure—not just policy—drives real adoption.
Countries investing in user-friendly onboarding tools will lead the next phase of crypto integration. Whether through retail partnerships, urban planning, or tourism-driven demand, nations that make crypto easy to access will reap the benefits of early mover advantage.
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Spain’s climb to third place isn’t just about numbers—it’s a sign of shifting global dynamics in how people interact with money. With continued innovation and strategic expansion, Europe could soon challenge North America’s dominance in crypto infrastructure.
For individuals looking to participate in this shift, now is an ideal time to explore secure, accessible ways to engage with digital currencies—whether through ATMs, mobile apps, or integrated financial platforms.