What is the Spain ‘Tourism Ban’? The Areas Affected and What You Need to Know, Canada Reviews

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations for good reason: it’s packed with fabulous city breaks, world-class beaches and enough food and culture to make any trip a memorable one. But its popularity comes at a price – in destinations like Barcelona and the Canary Islands, unregulated mass tourism is pushing up rental prices and generally making life a lot more difficult for locals.

And now, authorities are finally doing something about it. Is Spain banning tourists? No, not quite – but certain new rules and restrictions might impact your next trip to the country. Here’s what’s going on.

What is the Spain ‘tourism ban’?

Spain isn’t banning tourists entirely, but following anti-tourism protests in places like Barcelona and Tenerife, authorities have begun to introduce bans and restrictions that will, hopefully, make life easier for residents. The biggest change for travellers will be the availability of accommodation, as some of the most in-demand areas across the country are clamping down on the number of holiday lets. 

These restrictions come after new rules were introduced in places like Malaga and Majorca last year that aim to put a stop to disrespectful tourist behaviour. Seville also introduced rules to prohibit ‘obscene’ behaviour in 2023.

Which areas are affected?

This week, a new cap on holiday lets was introduced in 43 districts across Malaga, meaning no new licenses will be granted for tourist apartments in the city’s most crowded areas. The ban will be in place for three years and is expected to be extended. 

Alicante also introduced a two-year ban on new holiday lets that came into effect in January. During the ban, holiday homes that do not comply with regulations (it’s thought that a whopping 3,292 homes are unlicensed) will be shut down.

Last summer, Madrid implemented a ban on new licenses for holiday lets, set to last until 2025. These restrictions have since extended to completely ban tourist apartments from all residential buildings in the historic centre.

In October, Seville pledged to restrict new licenses for holiday rentals, meaning that across the city’s 108 neighbourhoods, no more than 10 percent of properties can be tourist apartments.

Barcelona, Spain’s most popular destination for international tourists, announced a total ban on holiday apartments – of which there are currently around 10,000 – by 2029. 

A five-year ban on new holiday rentals could be implemented in the Canary Islands if a new bill is passed by parliament.

San Sebastian announced plans to ban new hotels and holiday apartments in 2023. 

What Spain’s new tourism measures mean for travellers

If you have a trip booked to Spain, don’t worry. The country is packed with stellar hotels and underrated cities ready to welcome you with open arms. And if you want to use your tourism for good, here’s our guide on how to be a better tourist in Europe’s most popular cities, written by local editors.

Did you see that the best monument in Spain has been named – and it’s not La Sagrada Familia?

Plus: These are Europe’s best cities right now, according to . 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.