Family-friendly Airbnb spots in Spain rank Denia among the top 10 choices for families seeking vacation rentals.
In a shift from traditional tourist hotspots, families are increasingly choosing rural, coastal, and mountain destinations in Spain for their family-friendly vacations. This trend, highlighted by Airbnb trends and tourism data, is driven by a combination of affordability, authenticity, and the desire to avoid overcrowded urban areas.
The allure of these destinations lies in the peace, authenticity, and space they offer. Small villages, countryside B&Bs, and mountain retreats provide unique experiences such as farm stays, vineyard tours, and wellness retreats, fostering deeper, more personalized travel experiences.
One key reason for this shift is the overcrowding and high costs in popular coastal cities like Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and Costa Brava. Rising prices for accommodation and services due to booming foreign tourism are pushing families away from these areas.
To counterbalance overtourism in coastal and urban centers, the Spanish government is actively promoting rural, cultural, and mountain tourism destinations in regions such as Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Extremadura, and Navarra.
Mountain destinations like the Sierra de Gredos offer natural coolness and comfortable climates even during summer, providing a welcome escape from extreme city heat. This appeal, combined with the desire for relaxation and natural beauty, is driving families towards these destinations.
The trend towards "slow travel," wellness, nature tourism, and cultural immersion also aligns better with what rural and mountain areas can offer compared to the fast-paced, crowded, and commercial environment of cities.
Almost 70% of family listings in Spain include a garden, backyard, or outdoor area, making these destinations ideal for families seeking a more relaxed and spacious environment. Additionally, 88% of family listings have at least two bedrooms, 99% include a washing machine, and 71% offer free parking.
Airbnb argues that short-term rental restrictions in major cities have made urban holidays increasingly inaccessible for families. Consequently, 61% of families worry their children might disturb other guests when staying in cities, and 45% cite a lack of family-suitable accommodation as a reason for turning away from city breaks.
A new survey by Verian reveals that 71% of families are concerned about the high cost of urban stays, and 58% of family listings in Spain offer highchairs, addressing the needs of families with young children.
Between 2019 and 2024, family bookings through Airbnb in Spain rose by nearly 60%. In 2024, nearly 60% of Airbnb overnight stays across the EU took place outside cities. Rural destinations saw the sharpest increase, with family stays in non-urban areas growing by 177% since 2019.
Airbnb states that more families are choosing to travel around Spain using its platform, particularly in rural, coastal, and mountain areas. Denia has been ranked among the top ten family-friendly destinations in Spain by Airbnb, alongside La Oliva, Toledo, Santanyi, L'Alcudia, Santa Pola, Nijar, Monachil, Felanitx, and Alcala de Xivert.
More than 85% of Airbnb listings in Spain are classified as family-suitable, and 32% of family listings provide board games, adding to the appeal of these destinations for families. Despite these advantages, 56% of families feel cities are less welcoming towards children.
In conclusion, families prefer these destinations over cities due to the combination of less crowding, better affordability, authentic local experiences, and natural environments that support relaxation and wellness, all increasingly recognized and promoted within Spain's evolving tourism landscape.
As families seek tranquility and authenticity, home-and-garden destinations in Spain are gaining popularity, with 70% of family listings offering a garden or outdoor area. Among these alternatives, mountain retreats like Sierra de Gredos, with their natural beauty and cool climates, provide an escape from urban heat. Interestingly, lifestyle destinations, such as rural villages and countryside B&Bs, offer unique experiences like farm stays, vineyard tours, and wellness retreats, aligning with the trend towards slow travel, nature tourism, and cultural immersion.
