Airbnb to Remove Illegal Listings in the Canary Islands Amid Spanish Crackdown

Spain’s beloved Canary Islands are known for their year-round sunshine, golden beaches, and vibrant culture. However, behind the palm trees and surfboards lies a growing tension stemming from the popularity of short-term holiday rentals, particularly those hosted on platforms like Airbnb. Amid mounting pressure from local governments and citizens, Airbnb is now taking significant steps to address the issue by removing illegal listings throughout the archipelago.

Why Are Short-Term Rentals Under Scrutiny in Spain?

As the tourism boom continues across Europe, destinations like the Canary Islands have seen a surge in Airbnb-style short-term rentals. While this growth has offered increased income opportunities for property owners, it has also led to a housing crisis for locals, pricing out residents and distorting the traditional rental market. In response, Spanish authorities are enforcing strict regulations to ensure holiday rentals operate legally, with proper licensing and adherence to local housing laws.

According to local officials, only around 30% of Airbnb listings in some parts of the Canary Islands are registered properly. That leaves a staggering 70% potentially operating illegally—without proper permits, violating zoning regulations, or offering units in residential buildings not zoned for tourism.

Airbnb Partners with Local Authorities

Under this growing scrutiny, Airbnb is now revising its framework to support compliance with local laws. In an agreement with the Canary Islands government, Airbnb has pledged to display license numbers and block unregistered listings. The platform also committed to removing listings that do not conform to new transparency requirements.

According to Express.co.uk, hosts will be required to input their holiday rental license numbers directly into the platform. Failure to comply will result in listings being removed or access being restricted. This step is part of a broader governmental initiative aimed at regulating the tourism industry more effectively and tackling housing inequality.

The use of digital platforms for short-term renting has changed the travel landscape, but it has also cultivated tensions in many European cities. Spain is not alone—other destinations like Amsterdam and Paris are enforcing stricter controls too.

Impact on Hosts and Travellers

These new regulations represent a significant shift for both Airbnb hosts and travellers. For property owners and Airbnb managers, it’s a crucial reminder to stay up-to-date with legal obligations. That includes obtaining the appropriate licenses, ensuring tax compliance and maintaining safety standards in holiday lets.

Travellers may also notice the changes as fewer listings become available, especially in heavily regulated tourist hotspots. However, the listings that do remain are likely to offer a more reliable and legally compliant renting experience. For those seeking to book an Airbnb for a holiday, these regulatory changes contribute to increased trust and safety when choosing accommodation.

The Bigger Picture: Sustainable Tourism

The Canary Islands’ crackdown is part of a broader effort across Spain to wrest control back from unregulated tourism. In Tenerife and Gran Canaria particularly, locals have taken to the streets in protest against mass tourism and rising living costs. The Spanish government is now prioritising residents’ quality of life and sustainable tourism.

Spain’s legislative changes align with initiatives by the European Commission, which aims to create a more transparent short-term rental market across the Eurozone. These include requirements for digital platforms like Airbnb to share data with authorities and enforce compliance among their hosts.

What UK Hosts Can Learn from Spain’s Actions

For UK-based Airbnb property managers, particularly in urban centres like London and Bath, Spain’s developments are a timely case study. The prevalence of unregulated listings isn’t limited to Spain—many UK cities are also struggling with similar issues around housing availability and tourism pressures. It’s more important than ever to maintain strong operational standards and stay aware of local policy trends.

Our guide on the 90-day Airbnb rule explains how UK hosts can navigate local restrictions more efficiently. If you’re managing properties across multiple cities, understanding these regional differences can protect your business and ongoing profitability.

In London for instance, platforms are already required to cap short-term lets to 90 days a year. Similar limitations may soon become the norm across more UK cities, given rising calls for affordable housing.

Navigating the Future of Airbnb Hosting

As Airbnb adapts to evolving regulations worldwide, the focus is shifting from quantity to quality. For property owners and hosts, that means creating higher-standard experiences while ensuring all hosting practices are sustainable. As discussed in our article on how to manage Airbnb properties, maintaining up-to-date licensing, quality service, and compliance with health and safety standards can be the difference between long-term success and legal setbacks.

For travellers, these reforms will continue to elevate the vacation rental industry, making it safer and more reliable. And for cities like those across the Canary Islands, such change is not just about tourism—it’s about preserving community and livability for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb’s decision to remove illegal listings in the Canary Islands demonstrates a significant shift towards responsible tourism and urban planning. For hosts and property managers, the time to adopt a proactive approach to regulation is now. If you manage or plan to invest in short-term rentals—whether in Spain, the UK, or elsewhere—be sure you’re not only offering a great guest experience but also contributing to a sustainable future for local communities.

To discover more about professional hosting strategies, check out our insights on Airbnb management in Bristol and how dedicated management can improve compliance and profitability.