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The Canary Islands have become one of Europe's most attractive destinations for short-term rental investors, thanks to year-round sunshine and steady tourist flow.
In this guide, we cover current housing prices, regulations, and realistic Airbnb profitability in the Canary Islands for 2026.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data and regulatory changes.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Canary Islands.
Insights
- The Canary Islands maintain 65% to 72% annual Airbnb occupancy, notably higher than most Mediterranean destinations because winter sun tourism fills months when other European markets go quiet.
- Under Ley 6/2025, each Canary Islands short-term rental now requires both regional registration through island councils and a national Spanish registration number.
- Villas with pools in Costa Adeje and Maspalomas can generate 3,500 to 5,000 euros monthly in high season, but operating costs often run 1,400 to 3,500 euros per month.
- There are approximately 50,000 to 55,000 active Airbnb listings across the Canary Islands, making it one of Spain's most competitive short-term rental markets.
- The price gap between premium resort zones and inland areas can be 2x or more, with Costa Adeje averaging 150 to 200 euros per night while inland towns sit closer to 60 to 80 euros.
- Top-performing hosts achieve 10 to 20 percentage points higher occupancy than average, largely through professional photography, fast Wi-Fi, and dynamic pricing tools.
- Carnival season in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas creates strong booking compression, with nightly rates jumping 30% to 50% above normal levels.
- The budget studio and one-bedroom segment is most crowded, while family-ready two to three bedroom units with terraces and pet-friendly policies remain underserved.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Canary Islands in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is allowed in the Canary Islands, but now requires formal registration and compliance with planning rules rather than simple "list and go."
The main legal framework is Ley 6/2025, approved by the Canary Islands Parliament in November 2025 and effective after publication in the Official Canary Islands Gazette (BOC) in December 2025.
The most important condition is obtaining urban planning compatibility in your municipality and submitting a "declaración responsable" to the island council before starting rental activity.
Hosts must also ensure their building statutes allow tourist use, since Spain's Horizontal Property Law (Ley 49/1960) gives condo communities power to restrict short-term rentals regardless of tourism rules.
Operating illegally can result in fines and forced closure, with penalty amounts depending on violation severity under regional enforcement guidelines.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Spain.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Spain.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Canary Islands as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the Canary Islands do not impose minimum-stay requirements or universal maximum nights-per-year caps, with restrictions focused on zoning and registration instead.
These rules apply uniformly regardless of property type or host residency status across all islands.
Since there's no formal night-cap tracking, hosts primarily maintain records for tax purposes and ensure their regional and national registrations remain valid.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Canary Islands right now?
The Canary Islands do not require you to live in the property you rent out, meaning there's no primary residence requirement in Ley 6/2025.
Secondary home and investment property owners can legally operate short-term rentals, provided they meet all planning, building, and registration requirements.
The same conditions apply to non-primary residences: urban planning compatibility, community approval where applicable, and formal registration through island council and national registry.
Rules between primary and secondary residences are essentially identical, making the region more investor-friendly than cities like Barcelona or Amsterdam.
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Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Canary Islands right now?
Yes, you can operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in the Canary Islands, as there's no explicit "one-host limit" in the regional framework.
There's no maximum number of properties one person can list, though municipalities may implement capacity controls through urban planning.
Each property must independently satisfy all requirements: separate planning compatibility, building approval where applicable, and individual registration for every unit.
Authorities control activity at the property level through planning and registration rather than limiting properties per host.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Canary Islands as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you need formal registration before operating, including a "declaración responsable" to your island council and a national registration number for short-stay listings.
The process involves submitting your declaration to the cabildo, which then inscribes your property in the Registro General Turístico, typically taking several weeks.
Required documents include proof of ownership or authorization, evidence of planning compatibility, community approval if applicable, and standard identification.
Budget for administrative fees, any required technical certifications, and potentially professional assistance with paperwork.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Canary Islands as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are neighborhood bans and restricted zones, with Ley 6/2025 tying STR permission to urban planning and identifying land categories where tourist use shouldn't be enabled.
Restricted areas include protected natural spaces and Natura 2000 zones, protected rural land categories, social housing areas, and zones requiring strong "residential reserve" percentages.
These restrictions balance tourism growth with environmental protection and housing availability, as the islands face significant pressure from limited land and high tourist demand.
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How much can an Airbnb earn in Canary Islands in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for Airbnb in the Canary Islands is approximately 100 to 125 euros (105 to 130 USD), while median sits at 85 to 105 euros (90 to 110 USD) because smaller units pull the middle down.
The typical price range covering 80% of listings falls between 60 and 180 euros (65 to 190 USD), with budget studios at bottom and villas above.
The biggest pricing factor is location relative to beach and resort infrastructure, with ocean views, pool access, and walkable beach proximity commanding significantly higher rates.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Canary Islands.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices vary 2x or more between premium areas like Meloneras (150 to 220 euros / 160 to 230 USD) and residential zones like inland La Laguna (60 to 90 euros / 65 to 95 USD).
Highest-priced neighborhoods include Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas in Tenerife (120 to 200 euros), Meloneras and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria (130 to 220 euros), and Puerto del Carmen in Lanzarote (100 to 170 euros).
Lowest-priced areas include inland La Laguna, non-tourist Gran Canaria interior towns, and remote Fuerteventura municipalities (55 to 90 euros), though these still attract guests seeking authentic experiences or budget stays.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical Airbnb occupancy in the Canary Islands is approximately 65% to 72%, notably strong compared to most European destinations.
Realistic occupancy ranges from 55% for poorly optimized listings to 80%+ for top performers in prime resort areas.
Canary Islands rates outperform mainland Spain and most Mediterranean competitors because "winter sun" tourists arrive when other beach destinations go dormant.
The biggest occupancy factor is strong visual appeal (professional photos, good design) combined with dynamic pricing responsive to seasonal demand.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in the Canary Islands is approximately 2,200 to 2,400 euros (2,300 to 2,500 USD), from typical ADR of 110 euros at 68% occupancy.
The realistic range covering 80% of listings falls between 1,700 and 3,800 euros (1,800 to 4,000 USD), with secondary-location studios at bottom and well-positioned villas at top.
Top performers, particularly villas with pools in Costa Adeje or Maspalomas, can achieve 4,500 to 6,000 euros (4,700 to 6,300 USD) monthly in peak winter season. A villa at 200 euros per night with 80% occupancy generates roughly 4,800 euros monthly.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Canary Islands.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, high season (December through March) brings 2,600 to 5,000 euros (2,700 to 5,250 USD) monthly, while low season yields 1,400 to 2,200 euros (1,500 to 2,300 USD) for the same property.
High season runs December through March plus Easter, driven by Northern Europeans escaping winter, while low season falls in May, June, September, and October, though even "low" season outperforms purely summer destinations.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, monthly expenses range from 650 to 1,600 euros (680 to 1,680 USD) for apartments/townhouses, and 1,400 to 3,500 euros (1,470 to 3,680 USD) for villas with pools.
The largest expense is property management if outsourced (15% to 25% of revenue, roughly 350 to 600 euros monthly), or cleaning/turnover costs if self-managed.
Hosts should expect 40% to 55% of gross revenue going to operating expenses, covering cleaning, utilities, internet, consumables, maintenance, community fees, insurance, platform fees, and management.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Canary Islands.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit ranges from 700 to 2,200 euros (735 to 2,310 USD), with profit per available night between 23 and 73 euros (24 to 77 USD).
Most listings fall within 700 euros (basic secondary-area studio) to 2,200 euros or more (well-managed prime villa).
Hosts typically achieve 45% to 60% net profit margins, relatively healthy compared to urban markets with higher costs and lower occupancy.
Break-even occupancy sits around 35% to 45%, meaning most properly priced properties cover fixed costs and generate profit even during slower periods.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Canary Islands, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Spain versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Canary Islands as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Canary Islands as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 50,000 to 55,000 active Airbnb listings across the Canary Islands, making it one of Spain's most densely supplied STR markets.
Supply has grown 5% to 10% annually in recent years, with long-term trends pointing toward continued growth tempered by stricter planning controls under Ley 6/2025.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Canary Islands as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, most saturated neighborhoods are Costa Adeje, Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos (Tenerife); Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Las Canteras (Gran Canaria); Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca (Lanzarote); and Corralejo (Fuerteventura).
These areas saturated because they combine established tourist infrastructure with large apartment stocks originally built for package tourism that shifted to individual STR listings.
Relatively undersaturated opportunities exist in Puerto de la Cruz (older resort with renewal potential), inland towns near natural attractions, emerging La Palma areas, and neighborhoods slightly removed from main resort strips.
What local events spike demand in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, main demand-spiking events are Carnival (Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas), Semana Santa (Easter), Ironman Lanzarote, and Transvulcania ultramarathon (La Palma).
During these events, bookings typically increase 30% to 60% with nightly rates jumping 30% to 50% as accommodation becomes scarce.
Hosts should adjust pricing 2 to 3 months before major events like Carnival (usually February/March), as savvy travelers book well in advance.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing hosts achieve 80% to 90% occupancy, 10 to 20 percentage points higher than typical listings.
Average hosts see 65% to 70% occupancy, meaning top performers book roughly 20% to 30% more nights annually, often at higher rates too.
New hosts typically take 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer levels, depending on review accumulation, listing optimization, and competitive pricing learning.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Canary Islands.
What amenities do nearly all competitors offer in Canary Islands right now?
Nearly all competitive listings offer fast Wi-Fi (essential for remote workers), self check-in, washing machine, outdoor space (balcony/terrace), and air conditioning or fans.
Pool access is extremely common since many apartments sit in resort complexes with shared pools, making it expected rather than differentiating in coastal areas.
Successful hosts increasingly offer work-friendly setups (dedicated desk, strong internet) to capture the growing "workation" segment seeking extended winter stays.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Canary Islands right now?
The most crowded price range is 60 to 100 euros (65 to 105 USD), dominated by budget-to-midrange studios and one-bedrooms in resort zones.
"White space" exists in the 120 to 180 euro range (125 to 190 USD) for quality family-ready two to three bedrooms, and in the 200+ euro premium tier for differentiated villas.
Successful characteristics for underserved segments include family-friendly features (high chairs, cribs, parking), dedicated workspaces, pet-friendly policies, and accessibility features (step-free access, walk-in showers).
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Canary Islands right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Canary Islands as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom and two-bedroom properties get most bookings, with two-bedrooms offering the best balance of broad appeal and manageable costs.
Booking breakdown: studios capture 15% to 20%, one-bedrooms take 30% to 35%, two-bedrooms lead with 35% to 40%, and three-bedroom-plus accounts for 10% to 15%.
Two-bedrooms perform best because they accommodate dominant guest profiles (traveling couples, small families, remote workers needing workspace) while avoiding the oversaturated studio segment.
What property type performs best in Canary Islands in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments and condos in legal, high-demand coastal zones perform best for consistent occupancy, while villas outperform on revenue but carry higher costs.
Occupancy by type: apartments average 68% to 75%, townhouses 65% to 72%, detached houses 60% to 70%, and villas 55% to 68% (wider range due to location/amenity dependence).
Apartments lead on occupancy because lower nightly rates appeal to price-sensitive travelers, established resort complex locations offer convenience, and maintenance is simpler than larger properties.
What location traits boost bookings in Canary Islands right now?
Key booking-boosting traits include beach/boardwalk walkability (or short drive with guaranteed parking), quality outdoor space (sunny terrace/balcony), and ocean/sunset views that photograph well.
Microclimate matters more here than most destinations, with south-facing Tenerife and Gran Canaria properties enjoying more consistent sunshine that guests actively seek.
Easy airport transfers (under 30 minutes), proximity to restaurants and supermarkets, and reliable parking all contribute meaningfully to booking conversion.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Canary Islands, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| BOC - Ley 6/2025 | Official publication where Canary Islands laws become legally effective. | We used it as the primary legal text for what's allowed and restricted. We interpreted only what the law says about zoning, approvals, and registration. |
| Gobierno de Canarias News | Regional government's official announcement channel for legislation. | We used it to confirm timing and legislative intent. We treated it as context rather than substitute for BOC text. |
| BOE - Ley 49/1960 | Spain's official state gazette with authoritative national law texts. | We used it to explain building community restrictions. We showed what condos can block even when tourism rules allow STRs. |
| BOE - Real Decreto 1312/2024 | Official text of Spain's national STR registration regime. | We used it to explain national registration requirements. We framed platform display and verification obligations. |
| MIVAU Press Note | Primary government communication summarizing registry rollout. | We used it to confirm implementation dates. We treated it as plain-language check against technical BOE text. |
| MIVAU Legal Framework | Ministry's curated page with binding legal instruments. | We used it to cross-check applicable EU and Spain regulations. We verified scope and linked to authoritative sources. |
| ISTAC Tourism Statistics | Canary Islands' official statistics institute with rigorous methods. | We used it to triangulate seasonality and demand patterns. We sanity-checked STR seasonality against official data. |
| ISTAC Statistical Visualizer | Official interface to granular tourism accommodation data. | We used it for municipality-level demand signals. We justified which areas have structurally higher tourism. |
| ISTAC Housing Valuation | Official statistical release on Canary Islands property values. | We used it to anchor property price assumptions. We cross-checked against private indexes for investment costs. |
| INE Tourist Dwellings | Spain's national statistics institute with documented methodology. | We used it to estimate STR market size. We cross-validated private listing counts against official benchmarks. |
| INE Extra-Hotel Survey | Official monthly release providing hard demand signals. | We used it to triangulate tourism nights and occupancy trends. We checked STR data against broader patterns. |
| Dataestur VUT | Spain's public tourism data portal aggregating official sources. | We used it as secondary pathway to official data. We confirmed definitions and avoided single-source dependency. |
| PriceLabs Market Data | Widely used STR analytics provider with transparent metrics. | We used it for ADR, occupancy, and listing count estimates. We cross-checked numbers against official sources directionally. |
| AirDNA | Leading global STR data provider used by investors and researchers. | We used it as second benchmark for performance patterns. We validated PriceLabs estimates fell within realistic bands. |
| Idealista Price Reports | Spain's largest property portal with consistent price indexes. | We used it as market price cross-check. We triangulated investment cost assumptions against multiple sources. |
| Tinsa Price Tracker | Major Spanish valuation firm with long-running price series. | We used it as independent price cross-check. We kept investment cost assumptions conservative. |
| Banco de España Annual Report | Spain's central bank with top-tier, low-bias housing analysis. | We used it for macro backdrop on regulatory tightening. We framed forward uncertainty from housing pressures. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Spain. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.