As summer approaches, it's time to book holiday accommodation if you haven't already. However, knowing where to find vacation rentals is tricky when you want to break away from the main accommodation giants.
Platforms like Airbnb, alongside its biggest competitors, Booking.com and Vrbo, have long been leaders in the vacation rental market, with a wide range of properties available across Spain. However, a new wave of booking platforms is emerging for vacation rentals, with some emphasising ethical values and community-driven stays. These options include owner-run accommodations, independent B&Bs, and rentals that are primary homes.
Some of these alternatives offer a more authentic experience, emphasising local charm, competitive pricing, and sustainability. This offers a more personal touch, instead of relying on larger rental platforms that may not provide it, while also supporting local communities and encouraging environmental responsibility
Top holiday booking platforms
Fairbnb
Fairbnb.coop, originating in Venice, operates on a cooperative model focused on ethical tourism and sustainability. It features accommodations owned and lived in by locals, with 50% of the commission from each booking going to community projects. This platform is ideal for those looking to support local initiatives while enjoying their Italian holiday.
Homestay
The main idea of this platform is to create a sense of community by emphasising personal connections and exchanges. Staying in a host's home provides a genuine, local experience that allows you to engage with the culture in a more meaningful way. This approach is ideal for those who want to get stuck into the local way of life.
Rentalia
Rentalia is an offshoot of idealista and offers a wide range of vacation rentals across the country. Rentalia sets itself apart by eliminating intermediaries, enabling owners to directly manage bookings and communicate with guests. This approach can lead to greater flexibility and control for hosts, as well as a better experience for guests.
EcoBnb
EcoBnb focuses on sustainability by listing primarily small hotels and self-catering properties in rural locations. These properties must submit data across 10 sustainability criteria, ensuring an eco-friendly stay. Although not yet widespread across Spain, EcoBnb has a significant presence in Andalusia.
Plum Guide
The Plum Guide is renowned for its selectivity, featuring only a small fraction of the properties evaluated on its platform. This rigorous vetting process ensures that each home meets high standards of quality and luxury. With expert-vetted homes, the platform provides a curated selection of properties.
Spanish Paradors
Spanish Paradors were established by the government as a way to use hotel income to help maintain historic buildings and support economically challenged areas. Staying at a Parador provides a unique chance to experience Spain's unique history while enjoying luxurious accommodations in beautiful locations.
Escapada Rural
Escapada Rural is a Spanish platform specialising in rural accommodations, offering a wide variety of rustic stays in the countryside. This platform allows you to discover lesser-known areas of Spain while supporting local communities and enjoying authentic experiences.
Coolstays
Coolstays specialises in offering unique accommodations like converted barns, off-grid cabins, and historical buildings. These distinctive places to stay are less likely to impact local housing availability, providing an ethical choice for travellers looking for something different.
Long-term rentals in Spain
If your holiday in Spain has left you wanting more, you might be considering an extended stay to truly soak up the local experience. Idealista offers a variety of rental options, ranging from short-term to mid- and long-term stays. The platform allows you to filter properties for short-term and transitional rentals, so you're not required to dive into a long-term commitment right away.
Long-term rentals are ideal for those keen to immerse themselves in Spanish living without immediately purchasing property. They provide a chance to explore different neighbourhoods, understand local cultures, and assess whether a permanent move aligns with your lifestyle. For digital nomads, these rentals offer stability with amenities like high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces, ensuring a comfortable and enriching stay.
