Published on
August 11, 2025 |
Travellers these days are looking for quieter, more genuine experiences in Spain and are leaving crowded cities and busy beaches behind. Instead, they are heading for small villages and rural towns. The countryside, with its beautiful hills, deep-rooted traditions, and easy-going lifestyle, offers what many feel is a more meaningful and eco-friendly way to travel. More and more visitors are noticing how a slower journey can reveal hidden stories, seasonal flavours, and a stronger sense of community, and they are choosing these regions for that reason. This new type of travel is changing not just the route visitors take, but also the way rural economies are growing.
A recent report from Analistas Financieros Internacionales (Afi) shows that last year 13 million people booked stays in rural lodgings. Altogether they spent an estimated €5.56 billion. Of that amount, €3.2 billion went straight to local businesses—family-run restaurants, open-air shops, and lively village markets—providing a much-needed lift to areas that have long dealt with shrinking populations. The success of rural tourism is also shown in the numbers, with a 4% jump in jobs in the hospitality and retail sectors, proving that more guests can mean a stronger and more hopeful future for local villages.
The Rise of Rural Tourism and Short-Term Rentals
Short-term rental websites like Airbnb have played a big part in the growth of rural tourism. Visitors can book stays in one-of-a-kind local homes, from cozy log cabins to picturesque farmsteads. This type of lodging gives them a chance to dive headfirst into rural life, something a standard hotel can’t quite replicate. The experience feels more personal, and guests leave with a stronger connection to local culture.
Beyond unique stays, these rental platforms have made once-remote villages and hamlets much more open to travelers. Many of these places sit miles from major train lines or airports, yet short-term rental ads put them on the map. Visitors can now book a night in a sleepy corner of the countryside that larger tour operators might miss. This change brings in a new wave of travelers eager to trade city noise for the sounds of crickets, eager to soak in small-town festivals, and excited to hike trails that feel like secrets.
Economic Impact on Rural Spain
Rural tourism is proving a game-changer for Spain’s declining small towns. For decades, many of these places lost young people to big cities, leaving behind an older population and few jobs. Now, thanks to short-term holiday rentals and a growing interest in countryside getaways, these areas are experiencing a slow but hopeful comeback. New jobs and extra income are replacing decline, room by room and meal by meal.
Last year, rural Spain welcomed €3.2 billion in spending by visitors. But that number isn’t just about places to sleep; it’s about tapas in a small bar, a guided hike led by a local, a handmade ceramic jug, and tickets for a village folklore night. This steady flow of cash supports everything from the oldest bakery in the square to the newest craft brewery, helping to keep traditions alive that might otherwise have disappeared.
Job creation is the other side of the coin. Hotels, rental properties, shops, and cafes are hiring more people, giving locals a reason to stay and enticing newcomers to move. The result is a tourism model that feels different—one that cares for the land and the people who have called it home for generations.
Enhancing Spain’s Tourism Offerings
Rural tourism is now shaping Spain’s travel scene in exciting ways. While the country is famous for its lively cities and sunny beaches, the countryside is quietly winning over visitors. People come for hiking, local culture, and the chance to connect with nature at a slower pace.
The variety is impressive. You can trek the Pyrenees, sip regional wine in La Rioja, or wander through villages where age-old crafts, folk music, and colorful festivals still thrive. Spain’s tourism boards are now adding these hidden treasures to their brochures, inviting travelers to explore regions that often stay off the radar.
The Spanish government is on board, too. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism is pouring energy into rural tourism. The team is upgrading roads, boosting internet in remote villages, and ensuring that every traveler, including those with mobility needs, can enjoy these areas. The goal is simple: draw more visitors and spread tourism’s economic boost to every corner of the country.
Sustainable Tourism and the Future of Rural Travel
More travelers today are choosing rural getaways, and this trend is matched by a worldwide move toward sustainable tourism. As people pay closer attention to their environmental footprint, they are turning to smaller, quieter destinations that showcase nature and local culture. Rural regions, with their slower pace and focus on the outdoors, are ideal for the eco-minded explorer.
For Spain’s rural tourism to keep expanding without harming the places people love to visit, both the government and local tour operators must commit to responsible travel. This means backing family-owned shops and farms, minimizing the ecological footprint of activities, and teaching guests to honor local customs and traditions.
The outlook for rural tourism in Spain is bright. Demand for short-term rentals is expected to keep climbing, and rural towns are already reaping the economic rewards. The challenge is to grow this sector while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage that makes each area unique. Balance is key, so that communities can thrive without losing the very charm that draws travelers to their doorstep.
Conclusion
Rural tourism in Spain is on the rise, thanks in part to short-term rental platforms, and it is changing the country’s tourism scene. Towns and villages that once saw few visitors are now gaining new chances for growth and jobs. More and more travelers are looking for authentic and eco-friendly experiences, and rural Spain is answering that call. This growing interest, along with government support for responsible tourism, means the countryside is likely to hold a bigger and bigger place in Spain’s tourism future.
