Spain’s tourism sector continues to defy expectations, posting record-breaking figures in July 2025—particularly in the non-hotel accommodation segment. Despite ongoing government efforts to regulate short-term rentals, tourist flats have emerged as the clear favorite among international visitors. According to the latest data from Spain’s National Institute of Statistics (INE), overnight stays in tourist flats surged by nearly 8% compared to July 2024, surpassing 10 million stays.
This article breaks down the latest trends, regional highlights, and what they mean for property owners, investors, and tourism professionals navigating Spain’s evolving hospitality landscape.
Non-Hotel Accommodation Surges Past 22 Million Stays
In July 2025, Spain recorded over 22 million overnight stays in non-hotel accommodations—a category that includes tourist flats, campsites, rural lodgings, and hostels. This marks a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2024, with tourist flats leading the charge.
- Tourist flats alone accounted for over 10 million stays, up 7.9% year-over-year.
- This is the largest growth among all non-hotel categories.
- The boom coincides with the launch of Spain’s national register for short-term rentals, aimed at tightening regulation.
Despite these regulatory efforts, demand continues to climb—especially among foreign visitors.
Foreign Tourists Drive Demand
The data reveals a clear divide between domestic and international preferences:
- Foreign holidaymakers increased their use of tourist flats by 9.5%.
- Spanish residents decreased their usage by 1.8%.
This trend underscores the growing appeal of flexible, apartment-style accommodations among international travelers, particularly those from the UK, which remains the top source market.
Regional Spotlight: Canary Islands & Balearics Lead
The Canary Islands once again emerged as the preferred destination for tourist flat bookings. Its year-round climate, diverse landscapes, and established infrastructure make it a magnet for foreign visitors seeking longer stays.
Meanwhile, the Balearic Islands dominated the rural tourism segment:
- Over 250,000 overnight stays in rural accommodations, up 4.5% from July 2024.
- Achieved the highest occupancy rate at 65.7%.
- Weekend occupancy reached 45.9%, a 5% annual increase.
These figures highlight the resilience and popularity of Spain’s island regions, even amid environmental challenges like wildfires, which mostly affected August.
Rural Tourism: A Quiet Comeback
Rural tourism accommodations saw a 5.6% increase in overnight stays in July 2025 compared to the previous year. Both domestic and international travelers contributed:
- Residents: +5.5%
- Non-residents: +5.8%
- Bedplace occupancy: 32.5%, up 5.5% YoY
This segment continues to attract travelers seeking nature, tranquility, and authenticity—especially during peak summer months.
Camping Trends: Domestic Decline, Foreign Growth
Camping accommodations showed mixed results:
- Overall overnight stays increased by 0.4%.
- Domestic stays fell by 4.4%, while non-resident stays rose by 7.3%.
This shift suggests that while Spanish residents may be opting for other forms of accommodation, international visitors are embracing the camping experience—possibly driven by affordability and outdoor appeal.
Average Stay Duration Drops
One notable trend is the decline in average stay length in tourist flats:
- Down 4.3% to 5.1 nights per person.
This could reflect a shift toward shorter, more frequent trips, or increased turnover due to high demand. For property owners, this means more bookings—but also more operational intensity.
Government Regulation vs. Market Reality
The surge in tourist flat bookings comes at a time when the Spanish government is actively trying to regulate the sector. July marked the launch of the national register for short-term rentals, aimed at improving transparency and compliance.
Yet, the timing couldn’t be more ironic: the same month saw record growth in the very segment the government seeks to control.
This tension between regulation and market demand raises important questions:
- Will stricter rules dampen growth, or simply shift it to less regulated platforms?
- How can municipalities balance tourism revenue with housing availability for locals?
- What role will foreign investors play in shaping the future of Spain’s rental landscape?
What This Means for Property Owners & Investors
For those involved in Spain’s real estate and tourism sectors, the July 2025 data offers both opportunity and caution:
- Opportunity: Demand for tourist flats is surging, especially among foreign visitors. Strategic investments in high-demand regions like the Canary Islands and Balearics could yield strong returns.
- Caution: Regulatory changes are underway. Staying compliant with local and national laws is essential to avoid fines or restrictions.
- Adaptation: Shorter stays mean higher turnover. Property managers must optimize operations for efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Spain’s tourism sector continues to evolve, with tourist flats at the heart of a dynamic shift in traveler preferences. July 2025 confirms that despite regulatory headwinds, demand remains strong—especially among international visitors seeking flexibility, comfort, and location.
For property owners, investors, and tourism professionals, the message is clear: adapt, comply, and capitalize on the momentum.
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