A sunny bet: why Almería holiday rentals are attracting Spain property investors

Not only is Almería a holiday hotspot and an idyllic place to retire to, recent reports show it’s also a safe haven for investors looking to enter the holiday rental market. In fact, studies show investors can expect greater gains in Almería than in other Spanish cities, including its biggest metropolitan areas, with the potential for strong holiday rental returns attracting buyers.

According to Idealista, Spain’s biggest real-estate platform, property owners in Almería can expect a 6.6 per cent return on their investment. While this is only slightly higher than the national average of 6.5 per cent, it exceeds Madrid’s 4.7 per cent, and Barcelona’s 5.2 per cent – arguably two of Spain’s biggest property markets and most popular destinations.

Affordable property prices make Almería attractive to buyers

Compared to other parts of the country, the costs involved in buying and maintaining a property in Almería are much lower. In March 2026, Idealista named Almería as one of the few Spanish cities where properties are available for under €200,000.

Even with property prices in the region rising to €1,681/m² by May, Almería remains one of the more affordable coastal provinces, offering lower prices without compromising on amenities or stunning beach views. This combination of affordability and long-term growth potential continues to attract both domestic and international buyers looking for value on the Spanish coast.

Holiday rentals remain popular across Almería

As such, many investors choose to buy a property and lease it as a holiday rental.

Across all of Almería there are 7,092 registered tourist accommodations. The greatest concentration is in Mojacar, where one in ten residential properties are seasonal rentals, accommodating 5,123 people. Other coastal municipalities, including Vera, Roquetas de Mar and Níjar, also have significant numbers of tourist lets, reflecting the province’s enduring appeal as a holiday destination.

Holiday rentals offer strong returns for owners

Despite the controversy over holiday rentals affecting the wider property market, the benefits for owners and guests remain clear. For property owners, there is greater earning potential compared with long-term rentals, with rates adjusted to seasonal demand. During the busiest summer months, income from short-term holiday lets can rival, or even exceed, the returns generated by a year-long residential tenancy in some parts of the province.

For guests, meanwhile, holiday rentals offer more independence and flexibility and can often be more affordable than staying in a traditional hotel, particularly for families or larger groups. With Almeria continuing to attract visitors year after year, the province remains one of Spain’s most appealing locations for investors seeking both strong rental returns and long-term capital growth.