Costa Brava Holidays 2026: Tourist Tax for Holiday Homes and Vacation Rentals

Anyone planning a holiday on the Costa Brava will soon come across the question of the tourist tax in Catalonia. This tax applies to overnight stays in hotels, holiday apartments, holiday villas, holiday homes, hostels, and campsites, and is charged per person and per night. Unlike Barcelona, tourist tax rates in Costa Brava resorts such as Blanes, Lloret de Mar, L’Escala, L’Estartit, Empuriabrava, Roses, Llançà, Llafranc, and Calella de Palafrugell remain moderate and affordable.

Tourist Tax on the Costa Brava

Since April 2026, updated regulations for the Catalan tourist tax (IEET) have been in effect. The amount depends on the type and category of accommodation. Holiday homes and apartments are also subject to the tax, although they generally fall within the lower to mid-range category. Typical rates on the Costa Brava range between €0.75 and €2.50 per person per night, depending on the accommodation standard, category, and season.

Rates for Holiday Homes and Apartments

• Holiday homes and apartments: €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16 and over.

This means that tourist tax costs for holiday homes and apartments on the Costa Brava are significantly lower than in Barcelona, where hotel taxes range between approximately €3 and €15 per night depending on the accommodation category.

Tourist Tax in Barcelona

Barcelona applies significantly higher tourist tax rates, especially for hotels. From 2026 onwards, the following rates apply:

• 1–2 star hotels: approximately €3 per person/night
• 3 star hotels: approximately €4 per person/night
• 4–5 star hotels: approximately €10–15 per person/night
• Holiday apartments: approximately €2–3 per person/night depending on location and season

The higher rates mainly apply in central districts and may also include additional municipal surcharges.

Why Is the Tourist Tax Charged?

Revenue from the tourist tax is used to support sustainable tourism projects as well as housing and social programmes throughout Catalonia. For visitors, this means making a small contribution towards preserving the region and supporting local infrastructure.

Holiday Homes and Apartments on the Costa Brava

Holiday homes and apartments are among the most popular ways to experience the Costa Brava. They offer privacy, space for families or groups, and are often located in peaceful areas close to the beach. For property owners and rental agencies, the tourist tax must be correctly collected and remitted per guest and per night. For holidaymakers, the tax remains easy to understand and considerably lower than in Barcelona.

Popular Destinations on the Costa Brava

• Blanes: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• Lloret de Mar: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• L’Escala: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• L’Estartit: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• Empuriabrava: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• Roses: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• Llançà: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• Llafranc: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.
• Calella de Palafrugell: Holiday apartments & holiday homes: tourist tax approximately €1.75 per person/night for guests aged 16+.

Conclusion

For travellers booking holiday homes or apartments on the Costa Brava, the tourist tax is a small and transparent additional cost. Rates vary depending on the location, accommodation category, and season, but remain significantly lower than in Barcelona. Visitors staying in the Catalan capital should expect considerably higher hotel tax rates. At the same time, the tourist tax supports sustainable tourism and local projects, helping to make your holiday both enjoyable and responsible.