Spain Orders Airbnb to Remove 65,000 Listings: Here’s What Travellers Should Know

Spain’s iconic cities, like the sun-drenched shores of Barcelona to the lively plazas of Madrid have long been Airbnb favourites. But that could soon change.

On 20 May 2025, the Spanish government ordered Airbnb to take down nearly 65,000 listings from its platform. The reason? Many of them violated national housing laws. This includes missing license numbers, providing misleading info, or hiding whether they were managed by individuals or companies. The move marks Spain’s biggest crackdown yet on short-term tourist rentals.

Also read: New Travel Rules for Spain: What You Need to Know

What’s behind this sudden sweep?

Spain, like many countries in Europe, is facing a serious housing crunch. Locals across cities and islands have taken to the streets, protesting how skyrocketing rents (fuelled in part by tourist demand)  are making homes unaffordable. In some areas, families have been priced out by investors flipping flats into Airbnbs.

This isn’t an isolated decision. Barcelona is planning to phase out all short-term rental licenses by 2028, becoming the first European city to do so. Property owners will either have to convert units into long-term rentals with capped prices or sell them.

What does this mean for travellers?

If you’re planning a Spain trip, especially to Barcelona, Madrid, or coastal hotspots like the Balearic Islands, expect fewer Airbnb options in the coming months, and possibly higher prices for the ones that remain.

Here’s what you might notice:

1. You’ll need to book earlier than usual, especially during peak season.
2. You might want to look beyond Airbnb for housing options. Try looking for boutique hotels, hostels, or regulated homestays.
3. Some listings could disappear or be delisted abruptly, especially those missing the right licenses.

And if you’re a fan of “living like a local” in a city apartment? Unfortunately, that’s likely to get harder over time so it’s worth keeping an open mind when browsing housing options! 

Also read: New High-Speed Trains Make Travelling Across Spain Much Easier

What’s next?

Airbnb isn’t backing down just yet. They’re appealing the decision, saying Spain’s housing issues stem from low supply, not tourism and that banning short-term rentals only hurts families who depend on hosting for income. But the Spanish courts have already upheld the government’s order.

At the same time, Spain is ramping up efforts to build affordable and social housing, and even proposing steep taxes on foreign buyers to cool the real estate market. If you’re planning a trip later this year or beyond, expect the short-term rental landscape to keep shifting, and don’t be surprised if more cities follow suit. 

But it’s okay, we go where life takes us!