Tourist tax in Spain
When you go on vacation to Spain, you have to expect to pay a tourist tax. Such fees have to do with too much tourist traffic – Spain is very popular, which drives the national economy, but also generates numerous problems. Not everywhere in Spain has to pay such a tax, but more destinations already have it in their plans.
Where do you have to pay the tourist tax in Spain?
The tourist tax was the first to be introduced by Barcelona, as visitors to that city have had to pay the extra fee since 2012. The tourist tax operates throughout the Catalonia region, with fees outside of Barcelona being quite a bit lower, although increases are planned in the near future. In 2016, the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera opted for the tourist tax. The general rule is that the higher the standard of the hotel, the higher the fee. The tax, by the way, is levied not only on hotel stays, but also on campers, hostels, guesthouses, apartments rented through Airbnb. Tourist cruise participants also have to pay the tax. Post-season fees are quite a bit lower.
In late 2023 and early 2024, the tourist fee is expected to be introduced in the Valencia region, which also includes such popular tourist destinations as Alicante and Benidorm. The introduction of a new tourist tax is being considered in Madrid, southern Andalusia, northern Galicia, and San Sebastian.
How much is the tourist tax in Spain?
The high tourist season in Spain is between May 1 and October 31. The low season is from November 1 to April 30. A 50 percent reduction applies to stays longer than nine days – lower rates are charged from the tenth day onward. The tourist tax does not apply to children under the age of 16.
Tourist tax per day of stay is (amount in high season / low season):
Balearic Islands:
– camping 1 euro / 0.25 euro
– cruises 2 euros / 0.50 euros
– hotels up to 3 stars 2 euros / 0.75 euros
– four-star hotels 3 euros / 1 euro
– five-star hotels 4 euros / 1 euro
Barcelona (one rate all year round):
– hostels, camping, low-standard accommodations €3.75
– cruise passengers 5.75 euros (longer stay 4.75 euros)
– apartments and houses for tourists (e.g. Airbnb) 5 euros
– four-star hotels 5.5 euros
– five-star hotels 6.25 euros
Catalonia (one rate all year round):
– hostels, camping, low-standard accommodations 0.60 euros
– cruise passengers 3 euros (longer stay 2 euros)
– apartments and houses for tourists (e.g., Airbnb) 1 euro
– four-star hotels 1.20 euros
– five-star hotels 3 euros
Valencia (one rate all year round):
– low-standard accommodations 0.50 euros
– five-star hotels 2 euros
Children under the age of 16 are exempt.
