Spanish Tourism on the Rise in the Costa del Sol

Recent reports show that more Spanish tourists chose to holiday on the Costa del Sol this summer. According to the EuroWeekly News, destinations such as Marbella and Estepona experienced a remarkable surge in visitor numbers.

In fact, Estepona saw a 70% increase in domestic tourism this July compared to the same month in 2018. This upward trend highlights growing national interest in Spain’s sunny southern coast.

Significant Growth Across the Region

The rise wasn’t limited to one area. The EuroWeekly News also reported increases in other popular resorts along the coast:

• • In 2024, the Costa del Sol welcomed 14.47 million visitors, a 3.17 % increase over 2023. 

  • Those tourists spent €21.2 billion, which was a 10.9 % increase. 

  • Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport saw 12.4 million transits in 2024, up 11.7 % over 2023. 

  • But also note: in the months up to May 2025, overnight stays in all types of accommodation dropped by 4 % compared to the same period the previous year.

Moreover, Marbella recorded its best July in 13 years, while Estepona enjoyed its busiest month on record for hotel stays, according to Sur in English.

Boost for Holiday Rentals

While these figures focus on hotel stays, the same trend is visible in the holiday rental market.

At HomeCare Property Management, we’ve seen a sharp rise in bookings from Spanish tourists. This growth provides a valuable opportunity for property owners who want to earn income from their Costa del Sol homes.

Interestingly, the expected Brexit effect has not materialised. Bookings from the UK remain stable compared with previous years. As a result, property owners are benefiting from a wider and more diverse client base than ever before.

Economic Growth Driving Tourism

The increase in Spanish tourism reflects the country’s improving economy over the past five years. According to El País, unemployment in Spain fell during the second quarter, boosting consumer confidence and travel spending.

Meanwhile, significant investment in the hospitality sector across the Costa del Sol continues to generate new jobs and attract both tourists and businesses. This combination of economic strength and regional development is creating a sustained rise in visitor numbers.

What This Means for Property Owners

These trends are excellent news for property owners looking to generate rental income.

The Costa del Sol’s holiday rental market already generates around $1.4 billion annually. According to Statista.com, it is expected to grow by 4.2% per year, reaching $1.69 billion by 2023.

At HomeCare on the Web, we’ve seen steady demand for both short-term holiday rentals and long-term lets. The high season is also extending, with more off-peak bookings than ever before.

Partner with HomeCare on the Web

To meet rising demand, we are actively looking for new properties to rent and manage. Our expert team can take care of everything, from marketing and maintenance to guest support, allowing you to earn income stress-free.

👉 Contact us today to discuss how we can help you rent your property on the Costa del Sol.