Vacation home rentals have grown significantly in Spain's coastal regions

In recent years, vacation rentals in private homes have experienced remarkable growth throughout Spain, and especially in coastal areas. The combination of a privileged climate, the recovery of tourism after the pandemic and the search for more personalized experiences by travelers have driven this boom. According to the latest tourism and housing reports, the Mediterranean coast and the islands top the ranking of growth in tourist accommodation.

The boom in tourist rentals on the Spanish coast

The popularity of holiday homes has been on the rise, in many cases displacing traditional accommodations such as hotels or aparthotels. Platforms such as Airbnb, Booking or Plusholidays have greatly facilitated the process for both owners and tourists, democratizing access to the vacation rental market.

A recent study by Exceltur and data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) reveal that, during 2024, the supply of homes for tourist use in coastal regions grew by 12.8% over the previous year, with the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands being the most prominent.

Why is vacation rental growing in coastal areas?

The growth of tourist rentals on the Spanish coast is due to several factors:

• High international tourist demand, especially from visitors from Northern Europe, the United Kingdom and France.
• Superior profitability compared to long-term rentals.
• Favorable seasonality, with occupancies close to 90% in the summer months.
• Flexibility for the owner, who can use the property out of season.
• Changing traveler habits, seeking greater privacy, comfort and local experiences.

Leading vacation rental regions

Spain has an extensive coastline, but some areas stand out especially for the density of registered tourist homes and the demand they generate:

🏖️ Valencian Community

Towns such as Denia, Calpe or Jávea have seen a significant increase in the number of properties for tourist use. Their mild climate, excellent gastronomy and connection with international airports make them especially attractive.

🌅 Andalusia

The Costa del Sol, with epicenters such as Marbella, Estepona and Nerja, continues to be a magnet for European tourists. The profitability here has led many owners to convert their properties into holiday accommodation.

🏝️ Balearic and Canary Islands

Both archipelagos are experiencing a situation of tourist saturation, which has even led to political debates on the need to limit the number of tourist homes available.

🏄 Catalonia

The Costa Brava and the Tarragona area also show a continuous growth, although with stricter regulation by the city councils.

Impact on the local economy and the real estate market

The tourist rental boom has had clear economic repercussions:

• Boosting seasonal employment and sectors such as cleaning, maintenance and catering.
• Increase in housing prices in areas where tourist use is prioritized over residential use.
• Higher tax collection in municipalities that have adequately regulated vacation rentals.

However, tensions are also observed in cities where tourism pressure reduces the availability of long-term rentals.

Trends for the future of vacation rentals

The Spanish coastal vacation rental market will continue to evolve, with some key trends:

• Increased regulation by municipalities, especially in stressed areas.
• Professionalization of the sector, with companies that manage multiple properties offering hotel standards.
• Extended seasonal tourism, with an increase in rentals during spring and fall, especially among digital nomads and European retirees.
• Integration of technologies to automate check-ins, reservation management and customer service.

Conclusion

Vacation rentals in private homes are here to stay, and their growth in Spain's coastal regions confirms it. For owners, it represents an opportunity for profitability; for travelers, a way of experiencing Spain with greater authenticity. The important thing now is to find a balance between the development of the sector and the residential sustainability of the most touristic areas.

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