Marbella

As of May 2026, Marbella, Málaga, Estepona, Mijas have 14,110 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 7% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Marbella generates €28K per year. High-performing properties earn €77K/year, while low-performing properties earn €12K/year. The significant delta between top and bottom performers suggests that asset positioning and specific operational execution are primary drivers of financial outcomes, rather than broad market trends.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Marbella. Average annual revenue is €28K with 39% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to €77K/year. A 39% occupancy rate alongside declining revenue suggests that market saturation is creating a competitive environment where only top-tier inventory maintains consistent utilization.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Marbella is 39%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of €220, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of €46 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Marbella, with annual revenue of €65K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Marbella market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Marbella area. Marbella: Moderate. Registration with Junta de Andalucía required, tourist license mandatory. Enforcement increasing but many unlicensed rentals still operate. Málaga: Strict. Tourist license required, banned in most apartment buildings since 2020. Active enforcement with fines, many hosts shut down. Estepona: Moderate. Tourist license mandatory, registration required. Moderate enforcement, unlicensed rentals common. Mijas: Moderate. Tourist license and registration required. Growing enforcement but compliance gaps remain. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Marbella Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 7% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 23%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The simultaneous contraction in both supply and revenue reflects a market recalibrating toward lower overall demand volume.

Launch around May, 2-3 months before peak summer season (August peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 14% 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 Marbella listings include: Washing Machine (96%), Kitchen (96%), Air Conditioning (95%), Tv (86%), Pool (68%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Hot Tub, Pool, with Bbq properties earning approximately 74% more (€66K/year vs €38K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Marbella over the last 12 months: May: €1K, June: €2K, July: €2K, August: €3K, September: €2K, October: €1K, November: €817, December: €952, January: €610, February: €639, March: €1K, April: €2K. 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 Marbella is €220, up 18% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average €124/night, 2-bedroom properties average €166/night, 3-bedroom properties average €248/night, 4+ bedroom properties average €695/night. Rates peak in August and are lowest in February.

Guests in Marbella book an average of 36 days in advance, down 28% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 38 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 Marbella Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 7%, revenue per listing decreased 23%, occupancy fell 5%, average nightly rates increased 18%, and lead time decreased 28%. These indicators reveal a shift toward shorter booking windows and pricing pressure, signaling a more reactive and cautious consumer base.

In Marbella, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 8% higher occupancy than weekdays.