- Group holidays have grown by almost 20% and family holidays by around 10%1. Shared holidays are establishing themselves as one of the great summer traditions, and ‘playcations’ (getaways focused on sport and nature) are becoming the new holiday norm.
- Group travel (up by over 17%) and family holidays (around 10%) are setting the pace: travelling whilst sharing costs and experiences has become the new summer norm.
- Rural tourism accounts for 30% of summer bookings2. The search for nature and authenticity is driving this figure. Furthermore, the total solar eclipse on 12 August is fuelling interest in destinations in Aragon, Castile-La Mancha and the Valencian Community.
- Coastal towns, led by the Valencian Community, are dominating the Spanish summer. Jávea, Dénia and Altea top the search rankings, and the north (A Coruña and Tapia de Casariego) is breaking into the favourites3.
- International bookings are up by 20%, outpacing the 14% growth in domestic tourism4 — Spaniards are travelling abroad more than ever, driven by the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and the appeal of European beach destinations.
The summer of 2026 brings a Spanish traveller with contrasting goals: to cross borders, but stay close to home, and reconnect with nature; to lie on the beach and enjoy time with the family. International bookings are growing faster than domestic ones5—20% compared to 14%—a trend driven by the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and a renewed appetite for European beach destinations. At the same time, those staying in Spain are making more discerning choices: groups sharing a rural cottage in Aragón, families discovering surfing in Tapia de Casariego, travellers planning their summer around a solar eclipse. Price matters, but the experience of the trip matters even more.
“Spaniards want to spend time with their families and they want to do so in contact with nature. Three in ten bookings are for rural destinations. Added to this is a growing appetite for exploring European destinations. Airbnb wants to be the platform that makes any kind of trip possible, from a family getaway in the countryside to supporting La Roja at the World Cup,” explains Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, Managing Director for Spain and Portugal at Airbnb Marketing Services SL.
1. Based on searches carried out in Spain in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches carried out in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
2. Proportion of rural bookings and year-on-year change, analysing the summers of 2024 and 2025 in Spain retrospectively.
3. Based on searches carried out in Spain in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches carried out in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
4. Based on searches conducted in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches conducted in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
5. Based on searches conducted in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches conducted in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
National trends: the coast, sport, rural settings and the solar eclipse
The Valencian Community leads the way this summer, but the north is gaining ground
This year, the Mediterranean coast once again reaffirms its appeal among Spaniards. Platja de l’Arenal (Jávea) tops the ranking of most-searched destinations6, followed by Dénia, Altea and Cullera: four destinations with coves of crystal-clear water, historic centres, locally sourced cuisine and accommodation with space for the whole family.
The north also has its place. Galicia and Asturias attract those who prefer the Atlantic. Tapia de Casariego, a fishing village that has retained its seafaring soul, has become a surfing mecca.
Top 10 most searched-for domestic destinations7:
- Platja de l’Arenal – Jávea (Valencian Community)
- Dénia (Valencian Community)
- Altea (Valencia)
- A Coruña (Galicia)
- Tapia de Casariego (Asturias)
- Las Negras (Andalusia)
- Cullera (Valencia)
- Calpe (Valencia)
- Playas de Vera (Andalusia)
- Blanes (Catalonia)
6. Based on searches carried out in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches carried out in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
7. Based on searches carried out in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches carried out in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
“Playcations”: when sport is both the plan and the destination
Sun and beach tourism is sharing the limelight with “playcations”: getaways where outdoor sporting activities are the focus of the trip. Surfing, golf, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking define this new holiday model.
Travellers are increasingly seeking accommodation near lakes, rivers or natural aquatic environments.
Among the most notable water sports destinations8 are:
- Viveiro (Galicia), with its coastal routes such as the Area promenade and the riverine surroundings of the River Landro.
- Valdoviño (Galicia), where the highlights include A Frouxeira beach and the trails around the lake and the protected lagoon.
- Illa de Arousa (Galicia), ideal for exploring the Carreirón Natural Park or cycling around the island with views of the estuary.
- Deltebre (Catalonia), in the heart of the Ebro Delta, offering activities such as kayaking on the River Ebro, birdwatching at the mouth of the river, or walks through the rice fields.
- San Javier (Murcia), situated in the Mar Menor area, where water sports, paddle surfing and kayaking on its calm waters are commonplace.
For those who prefer something more intense and love the rough sea, surfing sets the pace for a coastal summer. The9 destinations that stand out as places where waves, local atmosphere and authenticity go hand in hand are:
- Comillas (Cantabria)
- Baiona (Galicia)
- Telde (Canary Islands)
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands)
Although more of a premium activity, another sport that attracts interest when planning a trip is golf. Notable destinations10 near golf courses and accommodation just minutes from the greens include:
- Pedreguer (Valencia)
- Santander (Cantabria)
- Puigcerdà (Catalonia)
- Tías (Canary Islands)
Although sports such as surfing and golf are gaining more and more followers, classics such as hiking, trail running and mountain biking continue to rank among the most popular sporting activities in Spain11, according to data from the hiking and outdoor sports app, AllTrails.
8. Based on the proportion of listings available as at 1 January 2026 near rivers/lakes, considering only cities with at least 100 listings.
9. Based on the proportion of listings available as at 1 January 2026 near surfing spots, considering only cities with at least 100 listings.
10. Based on the proportion of listings available as of 1 January 2026 near golf courses, considering only cities with at least 100 listings.
11. Based on activities recorded by AllTrails members in 2024 and 2025.
Rural tourism accounts for almost one in three summer bookings
Almost three in ten summer bookings made by Spaniards on Airbnb are for rural destinations12
Mountain villages, river valleys, coastal hamlets far from mass tourism: the countryside is cementing its place in the face of overcrowding at major destinations and is becoming the natural choice for those who prioritise authenticity and space. The figure is even more significant when one considers that rural tourism is, by nature, group tourism: rural accommodation attracts groups 49% larger than urban accommodation, making it a more affordable option for families and friends.
Among the popular rural destinations (under $250 per night), regions such as Aragon and Galicia stand out13
- Aínsa-Sobrarbe (Aragon)
- Panticosa (Aragon)
- Villanúa (Aragon)
- Cangas do Morrazo (Galicia)
- Malpica de Bergantiños (Galicia)
The total solar eclipse on 12 August: when tourism looks to the skies
This summer, Spain will be the setting for a natural phenomenon that never occurs twice in the same place: the total solar eclipse on 12 August. Data from Airbnb reveals that demand for accommodation in non-urban destinations within the path of totality has tripled (+210%)14, particularly in small towns with clear skies and low light pollution. Travellers from France, the UK and the US15 account for more than half of international searches for this route. The Spanish regions seeing the biggest growth in searches16 are Aragon (+450%), Castile-La Mancha (+420%), the Valencian Community (+250%), Navarre (+230%) and Cantabria (+140%).
12.- Proportion of rural bookings and year-on-year trends, looking back at the summers of 2024 and 2025 in Spain.
13.- Trending rural destinations for under $250.
14.- Year-on-year growth in bookings in non-urban or low-density areas for stays between 10 and 16 August 2026. Airbnb internal data as at 31 December 2025.
15.- Countries of origin of guests with the highest number of searches for accommodation on Airbnb for stays throughout the entire trip. Searches conducted up to the fourth quarter of 2025 for check-ins between 10 August 2026 and 10 August 2026.
16.- Comparison between searches made in the fourth quarter of 2025 for stays between 10 and 16 August 2026 and searches made in the fourth quarter of 2024 for stays between 10 and 16 August 2025.
The profile of the eclipse traveller is revealing: they are travellers who plan well in advance, travel in groups and seek an experience worth sharing; 74% of searches are from families, groups of three or more people17 and millennials18, and the average age of those who have already made a booking is 41.
Bookings in non-urban destinations along the eclipse path have tripled (+210%)19, with travellers from France, the United Kingdom and the United States20 accounting for more than half of international accommodation searches for this route. The regions accounting for much of the increase in accommodation searches during the eclipse21 are Aragon, with a rise of over 450% in searches; Castile-La Mancha, with an increase of almost 420%; the Valencian Community, with an increase of over 250%; Navarre, with an increase of almost 230%; and Cantabria, with an increase of over 140%. Furthermore, the eclipse is attracting families in particular (74% of searches are from families or groups of three or more people22) and millennials23.
International trends: beaches and football, the main drivers
Spaniards are crossing more borders this summer
If anything defines the Spanish summer of 2026 compared to previous years, it is the growth in international travel. Bookings outside Spain are up by 20%, outpacing the growth in domestic tourism (14%)24. Europe remains the top destination: Chessy (a town near a famous theme park), Portimão and Bratislava top the search rankings—while Milos (Greece), Kotor (Montenegro) and Vila Nova de Milfontes (Portugal) feature among the top ten most searched destinations25.
- Chessy (Île-de-France)
- Portimão (Portugal)
- Bratislava (Bratislava)
- Vila Nova de Milfontes (Portugal)
- Warsaw (Poland)
- Kotor (Montenegro)
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Milos (Greece)
- Stockholm (Sweden)
- Krakow (Poland)
17.- Percentage of solo travellers, couples, families and groups of more than three people who searched on Airbnb for accommodation located along the path where the total solar eclipse will be visible in its entirety. Searches carried out in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 10 August 2026 and 10 August 2026.
18.- Average age of guests who searched on Airbnb for accommodation located along the path where the total solar eclipse will be visible in its entirety (41 years). Searches carried out in the fourth quarter of 2025 for stays between 10 and 16 August 2026.
19.- Year-on-year growth in bookings in non-urban or low-density areas for stays between 10 and 16 August 2026. Airbnb internal data as at 31 December 2025.
20.- Countries of origin of guests with the highest number of searches for accommodation on Airbnb for stays throughout the entire period. Searches conducted up to the fourth quarter of 2025 for check-ins between 10 August 2026 and 10 August 2026.
21.- Comparison between searches made in the fourth quarter of 2025 for stays between 10 and 16 August 2026 and searches made in the fourth quarter of 2024 for stays between 10 and 16 August 2025.
22.- Percentage of solo travellers, couples, families and groups of more than three people who searched on Airbnb for accommodation located along the path where the total solar eclipse will be visible in its entirety. Searches carried out in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 10 August 2026 and 10 August 2026.
23.- Average age of guests who searched on Airbnb for accommodation located along the path where the total solar eclipse will be visible in its entirety (41 years). Searches conducted in the fourth quarter of 2025 for stays between 10 and 16 August 2026.
24.- Based on searches made in the first quarter of 2026 for stays between 21 June and 22 September 2026, compared with searches made in the first quarter of 2025 for stays between 22 June and 23 September 2025.
25.- Based on searches/bookings in the first quarter of 2025 for the period from 22 June 2025 to 23 September 2025, compared with searches/bookings in the first quarter of 2026 for the period from 21 June 2026 to 22 September 2026.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup™: the major international draw
But there is one factor that sets this season apart: the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Spaniards are among the top three markets for last-minute bookings26 to the host cities. Miami, Mexico City and Philadelphia are seeing the greatest growth in demand. Airbnb, the tournament’s official partner for accommodation and experiences, describes the World Cup as the biggest event in the platform’s history, surpassing the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with an 80% increase in accommodation searches in the tournament host cities27.
26. According to Airbnb’s internal data as at 1 May 2026.
27. According to Airbnb’s internal data as at 1 May 2026.
About Airbnb
Airbnb was founded in 2007, when two of its founders hosted three guests in their San Francisco flat. It has grown significantly since then and now has over 4 million hosts who have shared their homes with more than 1 billion travellers in almost every country in the world. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that allow travellers to get to know other communities in a more authentic way.
Source: ROMAN Reputation Matters