The summer season of 2025 was a real triumph for Andalucía on the European tourism market. The region confidently claimed first place in the number of online short-term apartment bookings among all EU regions. From April to June, Andalucía recorded nearly 13.3 million overnight stays, surpassing not only other Spanish regions but also popular destinations like Croatia and France.
Across Europe as a whole, demand for accommodation via online platforms continues to rise. In summer 2025, travelers booked more than 398 million overnight stays—an increase of 8.7% compared to the previous year. The jump was especially noticeable in July, when bookings rose by 10% compared to the same month in 2024. August and September also showed steady growth at around 8%.
Spanish success
Spain has once again confirmed its status as one of Europe’s top tourist magnets. Six Spanish regions made it into the top twenty for online bookings. Alongside Andalucía, Catalonia, Comunidad Valenciana, the Canary Islands, and several other regions that have long attracted millions of travelers joined the leaders.
Catalonia and Valencia also posted impressive numbers, with 7.37 and 7.08 million overnight stays, respectively. The Canary Islands are not far behind—tourists spent nearly 6 million nights in rented apartments there. This success is attributed not only to the mild climate and variety of cultural offerings, but also to the proactive work of local authorities in developing tourism infrastructure.
European competition
While Spain stands out, other European countries have also made their mark. Croatia’s coastal region Jadranska Hrvatska took second place with 9.6 million overnight stays, while the French region Île de France placed third with 9 million. France and Italy have traditionally been strong, but in 2025 it is Spain that has set a new pace for the entire market.
The top twenty regions include destinations from five countries: Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia. Notably, six of them are in Spain, highlighting a systematic approach to tourism development and an ability to quickly adapt to new trends. However, competition is intensifying and the battle for tourists is reaching a new level.
Platforms and trends
The holiday rental market is increasingly moving online. Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia Group and Tripadvisor have become integral to travel. Since 2020, these services have been sharing their data with European statistical agencies, making it possible to track changes more accurately and identify new trends.
The growth in popularity of online bookings is driven not only by convenience for travelers but also by a greater range of available options. Property owners are increasingly entering the market, offering accommodation to suit every taste and budget. As a result, travelers enjoy more freedom of choice, while regions benefit from additional revenue flowing into their economies.
Challenges and Prospects
However, such rapid growth does not come without challenges. In some cities and regions, measures to regulate short-term rentals are being discussed to prevent market overheating and maintain a balance between the interests of local residents and tourists. Authorities in Andalucía and other popular destinations have already started developing new regulations aimed at ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector.
Nevertheless, Spain continues to impress with its results. The tourism boom of 2025 has become not only a source of pride but also a signal for further change. Issues of regulation, taxation, and renters’ rights are moving to the forefront, and the future of the entire industry will depend on how these matters are addressed.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Andalucía is Spain’s largest autonomous region, known for its historic cities, beaches, and unique culture. This region is traditionally among the most visited in the country and continues to invest actively in tourism development. In recent years, Andalucía has become one of the top choices for travelers who prefer independent trips and booking accommodation via online platforms.
