Tourist tax in Spain: your guide to costs and payment

Spain is a top destination for travellers, whether you’re heading to the vibrant cities or the Balearic beaches. While you’re planning your budget, there’s one local expense that often causes confusion: the tourist tax.

The rules for tax in Spain for tourists aren't the same everywhere — they’re set regionally. That means the costs, exemptions, and payment methods can differ between Barcelona and Mallorca. This comprehensive, up-to-date guide lets you know exactly who pays, how much it costs, and the simplest way to handle the payment when you arrive.

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Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

The information provided is accurate as of 18 November 2025.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser.

The Spanish tourist tax explained: what it is and why you pay

The tourist tax is a small, per-person, per-night fee that local and regional governments charge customers staying in tourist-regulated accommodation. Don’t expect it to be included in your initial booking price unless the booking agent or hotel tells you it is.

The main purpose of the tax is to manage the environmental and infrastructural costs involved with having a large number of visitors. The money is used to support sustainable tourism and public services that are affected by mass tourism.

Which Spanish regions currently charge a tourist tax?

The idea of a nationwide tourist tax is still a political debate in Spain, but currently, only a few areas enforce it. You should always check the rules for your specific destination, but the main regions are:

• Catalonia: this region, which includes the vibrant city of Barcelona, applies a fee that combines the regional tax with a municipal surcharge.
• Balearic Islands: this group includes the popular islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Here, the tax is often called the Sustainable Tourism Tax or ecotax.
• Other municipalities: while not regional, smaller local areas such as the town of Mogán in Gran Canaria and the cities of Toledo and Santiago de Compostela have recently introduced local visitor fees.

The purpose of the ecotax or green tax

The tax is applied to help reduce the impact of visitors and the money is invested back into the region. These investments can cover:

• Environmental protection: funding projects to protect beaches, mountain ranges, and other natural resources
• Infrastructure improvement: enhancing public transport, waste management, and water services
• Sustainable promotion: campaigns to encourage responsible travel and promote lower-impact, off-peak tourism

Tourist tax in Catalonia: rates and municipal surcharges

You might now be asking yourself: how much is tourist tax in Spain? The answer is that it varies. Catalonia is the most confusing region due to the combination of regional tax and local fees, especially in Barcelona. The rates are based on your accommodation type and apply per person, per night, capped at the first 7 consecutive nights of your stay. Children under 16 are exempt.

Barcelona city rates

Customers staying in Barcelona must pay both the regional Catalan tax and the local Barcelona surcharge, leading to higher overall costs than other regions.

Barcelona City (total per person per night, as of May 2025):

Other rates in Catalonia

Outside Barcelona (e.g. Girona, Tarragona, and Costa Brava), you're only liable for the regional tax, which is cheaper.

Catalonia (outside Barcelona):

Tourist tax in the Balearic Islands: seasonal rates and discounts

The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, Formentera) charge the Sustainable Tourism Tax, which is subject to distinct high and low season rates. This is one of the key factors to consider when budgeting for your trip, especially if you're travelling during peak summer months.

The tax is applied per person aged 16 and over.

Duration and seasonal discounts

The tourist tax in the Balearics has 2 important discounts to be aware of:

• Low season reduction: rates are significantly reduced (by 75% in some cases) during the low season (1 November–30 April)
• Long stay discount: a 50% discount on the rate is applied from night 9 onwards, provided you stay at the same accommodation

Who's exempt from the Spanish tourist tax?

You may wonder if you have to pay the tourist tax in Spain, which often comes down to specific age and travel circumstances. The rule is that all visitors 16 and over must pay the tax if they stay in tourist accommodation within the charging areas. If you don’t pay the tax, you could be fined or refused entry to your accommodation.

Age and duration exemptions

The main exemptions apply to:

• Children under 16: most regions, including Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, don’t charge children aged 15 or under.
• Stays over cap: you're only charged for the first 7–9 consecutive nights at a single property. If you stay longer, the extra nights aren't taxed.
• Health and subsidised travel: guests travelling for documented health reasons (e.g. for medical treatment) and those on certain government-subsidised tourism programmes are usually exempt.

Will new regions implement a tourist tax in Spain (e.g. Malaga or Madrid)?

While the Canary Islands tourist tax is currently only enforced in Mogán, and Madrid remains tax-free, the situation is constantly evolving:

• Malaga: though a popular destination, Malaga currently has no tourist accommodation tax. However, local politicians are still talking about introducing it. This may lead to a fee in the future.
• Valencia/Benidorm: the Valencia region (including Benidorm and Valencia City) officially scrapped its planned tourist tax in 2024. While local authorities may introduce it later, these areas are tourist tax-free for now.
• Madrid: the capital city has repeatedly discussed a potential tax but hasn't implemented one and doesn't have immediate confirmed plans to do so.

Always check your destination city's website before you travel to see if the most up-to-date local rules.

How to pay the tourist tax in Spain: cash, card, and logistics

The tax is always paid directly to your accommodation provider‌ — whether that's a hotel, hostel, or a private apartment host. It's their legal duty to collect the fee and pass it on to the relevant tax authority.

Can you pay the Spanish tourist tax in cash or by card?

In major hotels and larger establishments, you'll almost certainly be able to pay the tax using a card (Visa or Mastercard). However, if you're staying in a smaller, independent rental or apartment, you must be ready to pay in euros in cash.

• Cash preference: many smaller hosts prefer cash to avoid processing fees on small amounts, as the entire fee goes to the government.
• Timing: the payment is usually requested at check-in, or added to your final bill at check-out. If you're staying in a private rental, the host may request the payment as soon as you arrive.

Tips for managing last-minute payments

Since cash payment is often unavoidable for the tourist tax and other small local purchases (like street vendors or small tapas bars), we recommend taking a balanced approach to your spending:

1. Be prepared: always carry a small buffer of euros to cover mandatory cash payments like the tax
2. Verify upfront: ask your accommodation host when booking if the tourist tax is included in your prepaid rate, or if it must be paid locally, and if cash is needed
3. Spend smart: use a card that offers competitive exchange rates for both large payments and cash withdrawals

Budgeting and spending abroad with Revolut

Navigating local payments like the tourist tax, especially when cash is needed, is where having a smart travel money solution is essential. We offer clarity and competitive exchange rates, helping you stay on budget.

Why paying in local currency matters

When you use your Revolut card in Spain, you may sometimes be asked if you want to pay in euros or pounds. This is known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC), and the choice you make will affect your budget.

Always choose to pay in euros (€).

Selecting pounds means the local merchant or their payment processor sets the exchange rate for the conversion — and this rate is often poor. By choosing to pay in euros, you allow us to handle the currency conversion at our competitive exchange rate, helping you save money on every transaction, from the tourist tax in Spain to your final souvenir purchase.

Exchange and transfer fees, fair usage limits, and T&Cs apply.

Cash vs card: the UK traveller's spending strategy

The best strategy for UK travellers in Spain is a mix of both payment methods, managed easily through one account:

• Use the Revolut travel money card: for all large expenses (hotels, major shops, main restaurants) and for easy, instant payments without the hassle of converting cash.
• Withdraw local cash: take out the amount you need for small purchases, market stalls, and cash-only vendors using your Revolut card at an ATM. We show you the cost upfront, and you benefit from a competitive exchange rate and fee-free withdrawal up to your plan limit.

We provide clarity, showing you the conversion rate upfront in-app before you make your payment. You can easily check the live conversion rate between GBP and EUR instantly in-app.

18+. No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits. T&Cs apply. Third parties may charge ATM fees.

Travel safety and protecting your money

If your card is lost or stolen while you're exploring a busy Catalan square or Balearic beach, you can instantly freeze or unfreeze it in-app. This gives you immediate control over your money, adding extra security wherever you travel.

We also simplify large transfers, such as paying a damage deposit for a holiday villa before you leave the UK. We offer a safe and convenient way of sending money abroad for pre-trip expenses, ensuring your money transfer arrives quickly and securely.

Start managing your holiday budget today

We want to make sure your preparation for your Spanish trip is seamless. Signing up for Revolut and getting set up with your travel card is quick and easy:

1. Download the app: find the app on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up: follow the simple steps to create your account in minutes.
3. Order your card: once your account is verified, order your physical Revolut card (delivery fees apply). You can start using a virtual card immediately for online bookings.
4. Add money: easily add money from your existing UK account or debit card.
5. Exchange currency: tap on Exchange and convert the necessary amount of GBP into EUR for your trip, or simply let the card do the conversion when you spend.