One of Europe's most popular travel destinations, Spain, has just made headlines by banning over 65,000 Airbnb listings. If you're planning a trip and hoping to enjoy the sun-soaked beaches of Costa del Sol, the vibrant streets of Barcelona, or the charming countryside of Andalusia, you may be wondering: Where can I stay now?
This recent move has sent shockwaves through the travel and tourism industry. But don’t worry—Spain is still very much open for visitors. Whether you're looking to rent a vacation house in Spain, planning a long-term relocation, or just exploring Airbnb alternatives in Spain, you can learn everything now including how to rent property in Spain legally and where to find legal vacation rentals in Spain today.
Why Did Spain Ban 65,000 Airbnb Listings?
The Spain Airbnb ban is the result of growing pressure from local governments, residents, and housing advocates concerned about rising rents, overcrowding in city centers, and unregulated tourist accommodations. Many properties listed on Airbnb and similar platforms operated without proper licenses or failed to comply with zoning and tax regulations.
To address these issues, Spain has introduced new rules for renting property in Spain, focusing particularly on short-term rental laws. The goal? To ensure tourism remains sustainable, local residents aren’t priced out of their neighborhoods, and that all rentals meet health, safety, and legal standards. If you are a property owner in Spain and want to secure your property, you can read our blog post titled ‘‘How to Secure Your Property in Spain's 2025 Rental Law?’’.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
While it may sound alarming that 65,000 listings were removed, this doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Spain’s incredible hospitality. It simply means you’ll need to be more mindful when booking accommodations. The Airbnb restrictions mainly target unlicensed short-term rentals, especially in high-density tourist cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca.
If you're planning a vacation, it’s still entirely possible to rent a vacation house in Spain—you just need to ensure it's a legally licensed rental property.
Can I Still Use Airbnb in Spain?
Yes, you can still use Airbnb Spain, but with caution. Licensed and legal properties remain available on the platform. However, you'll want to double-check the listing to make sure it complies with Spain short-term rental laws. Listings should include a registration or license number, which indicates it meets local rental regulations.
In light of the Spain Airbnb ban, some hosts are migrating to other platforms that specialize in legal, verified vacation rentals. Others are pivoting to mid-term or long-term leases, which are often exempt from the stricter regulations.
Airbnb Alternatives in Spain
Fortunately, there are several trustworthy Airbnb alternatives in Spain that offer a wide range of holiday rental properties in Spain—many of which are legally compliant and fully licensed. Here are a few to consider:
1. Booking.com
Booking.com has an extensive selection of short-term and vacation rentals throughout Spain, including apartments, villas, and holiday homes. They work with many licensed hosts and include property license details where applicable.
2. VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
VRBO is a well-established platform offering family-friendly vacation homes. Many listings are legally registered and professionally managed, particularly in beach towns and rural areas.
3. HomeAway (now part of VRBO)
This platform is favored by travelers looking for more space and privacy, like villas or countryside retreats. Many listings meet Spain rental rules and are ideal for longer stays.
4. Spotahome and Homelike
Both platforms focus on long-term property rental in Spain, usually for stays of one month or more. They're ideal for digital nomads, students, or travelers seeking mid-term rental alternatives.
5. Local Agencies and Spanish Property Rental Websites
If you’re seeking a more traditional rental or want to work directly with a Spanish agency, websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Pisos.com offer listings for both short and long time rent in Spain. Be sure to filter by "vacation rental" or "temporal" and verify license numbers.
Long-Term and Mid-Term Rentals in Spain
Spain property rental for foreigners is becoming increasingly popular due to the country's warm climate and vibrant culture. Whether you're looking for a holiday home or a long-term stay, finding a suitable rental property in Spain is easier than ever with various online platforms and local agencies offering tailored services for international tenants.
Thanks to regulatory changes, mid-term and long-term rentals (typically over 2 months) are not subject to the same level of scrutiny as short-term vacation rentals. As a result, many property owners are transitioning to offering leases of 3 to 6 months or longer. This shift benefits not only locals seeking housing stability but also travelers who plan to stay for extended periods.
If you're considering relocating, working remotely, or spending the winter in Spain, you’ll find a healthy market for long-term property rental in Spain. This type of housing is easier to find, more affordable than hotels, and legal under current laws.
Spanish Regions Most Affected by the Ban
Not all of Spain is impacted equally by the Spain Airbnb ban. Major cities and popular tourist destinations have seen the largest crackdowns, including:
- Barcelona: Over 10,000 listings removed; city authorities are known for enforcing strict zoning laws and rental licensing.
- Madrid: Tourist apartments in the city center are heavily regulated, with thousands of listings affected.
- Palma de Mallorca: Short-term rentals in apartment buildings have been banned unless specific requirements are met.
- Valencia and San Sebastián: Increasing inspections and enforcement of short-term rental laws.
In contrast, rural areas and smaller towns remain more flexible and welcoming for Spanish property rental, especially for those seeking tranquil getaways or extended stays.
How to Legally Rent in Spain
If you’re wondering how to rent property in Spain the right way, here are a few tips to ensure you stay on the right side of the law:
- Check the License: Look for listings that include a registration or license number. This is often required to legally operate as a vacation rental.
- Use Verified Platforms: Stick to reputable booking platforms that enforce licensing and verification, such as VRBO or Booking.com.
- Work with Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents in Spain are familiar with the latest spain rental rules and can help you find a legal property.
- Understand the Rental Type: Know whether the property is licensed for short-term (less than 30 days), mid-term, or long-term stays. Each category has different legal implications.
- Contracts and Deposits: Especially for longer stays, expect to sign a rental contract and pay a refundable deposit. This is standard for renting property in Spain.
The removal of 65,000 Airbnb listings may seem like a major shake-up, but it’s really an opportunity to promote better, fairer tourism in Spain. Visitors can still find amazing places to stay—it just takes a little more planning and awareness of the Spanish short-term rental laws.
Whether you're planning a week in the Canary Islands, a month in Granada, or a year exploring Catalonia, you'll still be able to legally rent in Spain and experience its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes.
From Spanish property rental websites to emerging short-term rental alternatives in Spain, the market is evolving—but Spain’s charm remains timeless.
In Summary:
- Yes, you can still find legal vacation rentals in Spain.
- Avoid unlicensed Airbnb listings by checking for a valid license number.
- Consider Airbnb alternatives in Spain like VRBO, Booking.com, or Spotahome.
- If staying for longer, look into long-term property rental in Spain or mid-term stays, which are more stable and legally secure.
- Always read up on the new rules for renting property in Spain before booking.
Spain’s rental market may be changing, but your dream vacation doesn’t have to. Plan smart, book legal, and get ready to enjoy all that this incredible country has to offer.
EUR
