Does Spain have a tourist tax?

Not nationwide. Catalonia (including Barcelona) and the Balearic Islands charge a per-person, per-night tax, raised again in April 2026. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Madrid currently apply no general tourist tax, so it depends entirely on where you're staying.

Will UK travellers need a visa for Spain?

Not a traditional visa, but from late 2026, UK travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation (around €20, valid three years) to enter Spain and the rest of the Schengen Area. It's applied for online before you fly.

Which part of Spain is best for guaranteed winter sun?

The Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and Gran Canaria, stay warm enough for a beach holiday year-round, unlike the Spanish mainland, which is more of a spring-to-autumn destination.

Is the Balearic eco-tax charged per room or per person?

Per person, per night, with rates varying by season and accommodation category. It's usually paid locally rather than included in your booking price.

Is Spain or Turkey better value for an all-inclusive holiday?

Turkey is generally stronger for large-scale all-inclusive resorts. Spain has all-inclusive options too, particularly in the Canaries, but B&B, half-board and self-catering are more typical on the mainland and in the Balearics.

Spain hotel offers and travel guide

Last updated: 2026-06-17

Spain offers a wide range of hotel styles, from beach resorts and family hotels to city stays and adults-focused breaks, and it's often one of the easiest destinations to match to budget, trip length and travel style thanks to short flight times and a huge choice of UK departure airports.

Why choose Spain?

Popular Spain hotel areas

Costa del Sol — reliable family beach hotels with no regional tourist tax
Costa Blanca — a mix of family resorts and quieter coastal towns
Majorca and the Balearics — strong all-inclusive and family options, but subject to the regional eco-tax
Tenerife and the Canaries — a longer flight, but warm enough for a genuine winter break
Barcelona — city breaks, but the highest tourist tax in Spain following April 2026 increases
Madrid — city hotels with no tourist tax currently applied
Ibiza — nightlife and adults-leaning resorts, also subject to the Balearic eco-tax

Who Spain is best for

Family holidays and short breaks
Beach hotels and city breaks combined
Travellers wanting easier flight options and flexible trip lengths
Winter sun specifically in the Canary Islands

What to check before booking

ETIAS — from late 2026, UK travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation (around €20, valid three years) to enter Spain, since it's part of the Schengen Area. It's an online authorisation, not a visa, but worth sorting before you fly rather than at check-in
Tourist tax — only in some regions. Catalonia (including Barcelona) and the Balearic Islands charge a per-person, per-night tax, increased again in April 2026; Barcelona's combined regional and city tax is now among the highest in Europe. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Madrid currently charge no general tourist tax at all — don't assume every Spanish hotel adds one
Board basis — Spain has more self-catering, villa and apartment options than Turkey or the Maldives, alongside hotels, which suits travellers who don't want a fixed board basis
Noise and nightlife level, which varies hugely between resort towns even within the same region
Seasonality — guaranteed winter warmth generally means the Canary Islands rather than the mainland

Featured stays

Beach & city

Spain beach and city hotels

Spain, Spain

Best for Families and flexible breaks

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DealStays verdict

Spain is worth checking if you want flexibility, short flight times and a wide range of hotel styles. It's not always the most exotic option, but it's one of the easiest destinations to match to budget and trip length — just check whether your region charges a tourist tax, and apply for ETIAS in good time once it launches.

Family-friendly hotels worth checking

Frequently asked questions

Does Spain have a tourist tax?: Not nationwide. Catalonia (including Barcelona) and the Balearic Islands charge a per-person, per-night tax, raised again in April 2026. The Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Madrid currently apply no general tourist tax, so it depends entirely on where you're staying.
Will UK travellers need a visa for Spain?: Not a traditional visa, but from late 2026, UK travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation (around €20, valid three years) to enter Spain and the rest of the Schengen Area. It's applied for online before you fly.
Which part of Spain is best for guaranteed winter sun?: The Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife and Gran Canaria, stay warm enough for a beach holiday year-round, unlike the Spanish mainland, which is more of a spring-to-autumn destination.
Is the Balearic eco-tax charged per room or per person?: Per person, per night, with rates varying by season and accommodation category. It's usually paid locally rather than included in your booking price.
Is Spain or Turkey better value for an all-inclusive holiday?: Turkey is generally stronger for large-scale all-inclusive resorts. Spain has all-inclusive options too, particularly in the Canaries, but B&B, half-board and self-catering are more typical on the mainland and in the Balearics.