Spain Cracks Down on Airbnb as Overtourism Fuels Housing Crisis

66,000 Listings Targeted in Major Short-Term Rental Purge

Spain has ordered Airbnb to remove nearly 66,000 properties that breach tourism housing regulations. Authorities say these listings lack proper licenses or contain misleading information.

Madrid court has already demanded the immediate removal of almost 5,000 listings. The rest—around 60,000—are under ongoing judicial review.

Summer of Protest: Locals Push Back

On May 18, thousands rallied across the Canary Islands against the impact of mass tourism. Protesters say short-term rentals are driving up rents and displacing locals.

More demonstrations are planned, including a large one in Majorca on June 15.

Government Acts as Housing Concerns Rise

Social Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy called the court ruling “a clear victory for housing rights.” He emphasised that no company, “however big,” is above the law.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pledged to curb Airbnb’s expansion.

Some Cities Take Bold Steps

Barcelona plans to eliminate its 10,000 tourist apartments by 2028.

Other regions, like Ibiza and the Canary Islands, are working with Airbnb to improve compliance.

Airbnb Pushes Back

Airbnb said it will appeal the rulings and insists it’s not to blame. It argues the real issue is Spain’s limited housing supply, not short-term rentals. The platform also claims it helps local families offset rising living costs.

The Bigger Picture

Spain welcomed 94 million foreign tourists in 2024—a 13% jump from 2023. Locals say infrastructure and housing can’t keep up with the tourist surge.

Influencer promotions have worsened the problem, especially in hotspots like Caló des Moro. Spain has now ended paid collaborations that promote overtouristed areas.

What Comes Next

With the tourist season approaching, pressure continues to build. Spain’s legal actions and grassroots protests signal a shift in tourism policy.

Locals are demanding balance—between visitors and the right to live affordably.