Spanish tourism has outdone itself once again. According to figures released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), between January and May 2026 Spain welcomed 36.8 million international tourists, 5% more than in the same period last year and the best figure ever recorded for those five months. Spending kept pace: 50.257 billion euros, up 7.8% and also an all-time high. Behind these headlines lie several very concrete takeaways for anyone who owns — or is thinking of buying — a property on the Costa del Sol.
The record numbers at a glance
- 36.8 million international tourists between January and May 2026 (+5%), with the 100-million annual milestone on the horizon.
- 50.257 billion euros in accumulated spending (+7.8%), an all-time record for the period.
- In May alone: 10.3 million visitors and 13.553 billion euros in spending (+10.9%).
- Average spend per tourist: 1,321 euros, with a daily average of 214 euros.
- The United Kingdom remains the leading source market: 2.2 million visitors in May (+6.1%).
The figure investors should watch: holiday rentals up 26%
Within market accommodation, which grew 7.4% year-on-year in May, not every segment is advancing at the same speed. Hotels rose 5% and still account for roughly two thirds of total accommodation spending. But tourist rental housing surged 26% — five times faster. Rising hotel prices are pushing a growing share of travellers towards privately owned flats and houses, which also explains the sharp rise in non-market accommodation, such as staying with family or friends, up 23.2%.
For the owner, the picture is clear: demand for short- and medium-stay rentals is growing strongly and steadily. Furthermore, the most common length of stay among tourists — four to seven nights, with 5.4 million travellers and an increase of 14.1% — fits perfectly with the holiday rental format that works best in areas such as Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas or Torremolinos.
Andalusia on the destination podium
Catalonia led tourist arrivals in May with 21.1% of the total, followed by the Balearic Islands (20.6%) and Andalusia (15.9%). That our region remains among the country's top three destinations year after year is no coincidence: the Costa del Sol combines air connectivity, climate and a leisure offering that sustains demand well beyond the summer. And with the UK as the leading source market, the visitor profile largely mirrors that of the foreign buyer who later decides to purchase a second home here.
What all this means if you invest on the Costa del Sol
A tourism market at all-time highs underpins the two pillars of residential investment on the coast: rental yield and asset liquidity. More visitors with higher average spending support holiday-rental rates, while a steady flow of foreigners who first discover the area as tourists feeds purchase demand over the medium term. At the same time, it pays to be selective: tourist-rental regulation varies by municipality, and not every area captures this demand equally. Location, licence and property type matter more than ever to the final result.
Conclusion
The INE data confirms that Spain is heading for an unprecedented tourism year and that holiday rentals are the fastest-growing accommodation segment. For anyone considering a purchase in Málaga or on the Costa del Sol with an eye on rental returns, the tailwind is clear; the key is choosing the right asset. At EVS Property Group we know the local market house by house: if you'd like to explore which areas and property types currently offer the best balance of yield and legal certainty, we'll be glad to help.
What next? The most useful thing after reading is to look at the real market: browse properties by city or tell us on WhatsApp what you are looking for — area, budget, timing — and we will prepare a tailored selection, with no obligation.
You may also find useful: sell your property invest on the Costa del Sol free valuation monthly price report
