Home exchange grows as sustainable tourism alternative in Spain

Home exchange is emerging as a growing alternative to traditional hotels and tourist apartments, driven by a desire for sustainable tourism and economic savings. This model allows travelers to exchange residences, fostering a deeper connection to local communities and reducing the environmental impact of tourism.

In Spain, the practice is gaining significant momentum. HomeExchange, the world's largest platform for this type of exchange, reports having over 47,000 members in the country. Data indicates that nearly 95,000 exchanges have been registered in Spain so far this year, representing 78% of the total exchanges recorded in 2025. In the province of Almería, the trend is also visible with hundreds of recorded exchanges.

Participants describe the experience as more than just a property swap; it is a way to live like a local, supporting neighborhood businesses and engaging in daily community activities rather than following standard tourist circuits.