Spain tightens short‑term rental and beach rules for summer tourists

Spain has introduced a series of new measures aimed at regulating tourism this summer. Owners who rent out properties through platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com must now register each accommodation in a national system, and the platforms are required to verify the registration status. The move is intended to curb illegal holiday rentals and ease pressure on the housing market.

In Catalonia, the tourist tax has been raised, meaning visitors to Barcelona and other areas will pay higher per‑night charges depending on the type of lodging. Municipalities along the coast have also adopted their own beach ordinances, including bans on smoking, vaping, open alcohol containers, glassware and loudspeakers, with fines imposed for violations.

Authorities advise travellers to book only through officially registered accommodations, to check local beach rules, and to stay hydrated during heatwaves, as temperatures can exceed 35 °C inland.