Barcelona

As of May 2026, Barcelona, Badalona, Hospitalet de Llobregat have 7,580 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 29% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Barcelona generates €67K per year. High-performing properties earn €125K/year, while low-performing properties earn €20K/year. The massive delta between top and bottom earners highlights a market where revenue is heavily concentrated, suggesting that successful units effectively capture limited inventory while others struggle to gain traction.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Barcelona. Average annual revenue is €67K with 54% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to €125K/year. The 29% decline in supply against rising revenues points to a constrained market where the remaining active listings benefit from reduced competition and higher pricing leverage.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Barcelona is 54%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of €274, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of €123 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Barcelona, with annual revenue of €108K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Barcelona market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Barcelona area. Barcelona: Strict. Tourist license (HUTB) required, new licenses frozen since 2014, existing licenses expire 2028. Heavy enforcement with €90,000+ fines, regular inspections, platform cooperation mandatory. Badalona: Strict. Tourist license mandatory, moratorium on new licenses since 2014, only renewals allowed. Active enforcement with substantial fines, inspections common. Hospitalet de Llobregat: Strict. Tourist license required, new licenses suspended indefinitely. Active enforcement, regular inspections, significant penalties for violations. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Barcelona Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced with strong demand conditions. Supply has declined 29% year-over-year, while RevPAR has increased 22%. This indicates healthy demand growth outpacing supply. Such conditions suggest that the market is currently favoring existing inventory, as the contraction in listings forces guests into a smaller pool of available options.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak spring season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 60% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Barcelona listings include: Air Conditioning (96%), Kitchen (95%), Washing Machine (90%), Tv (89%), Heating (72%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Air Conditioning, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 23% more (€73K/year vs €60K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Barcelona over the last 12 months: May: €3K, June: €4K, July: €3K, August: €3K, September: €4K, October: €4K, November: €3K, December: €3K, January: €3K, February: €4K, March: €5K, April: €6K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Barcelona is €274, up 22% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average €194/night, 2-bedroom properties average €268/night, 3-bedroom properties average €315/night, 4+ bedroom properties average €493/night. Rates peak in April and are lowest in November.

Guests in Barcelona book an average of 39 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 35 days, 2-bedroom: 40 days, 3-bedroom: 41 days, 4+ bedroom: 45 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Barcelona Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 29%, revenue per listing increased 22%, occupancy rose 1%, average nightly rates increased 22%, and lead time decreased 21%. The shift toward shorter lead times combined with rising rates indicates a surge in last-minute demand that is currently outstripping available supply.

In Barcelona, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 17% higher occupancy than weekdays.