Spain's New Three-Year 'Tourist Ban' - And What It Means For Visitors

Spain has introduced new measures to tackle the issue of overtourism and its impact on locals - including a 'tourist ban' in some of the country's most popular destinations.

There have been protests across the region about the number of tourists (Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)

Spain is taking measures to combat overtourism, with new restrictions being introduced in some of its most frequented destinations. Malaga, the capital of Costa del Sol and a beloved sunny retreat for UK holidaymakers, is among the cities implementing these changes.

The city has recently experienced an increase in anti-tourism protests, mirroring a wider trend across the country. In response, popular vacation spots are introducing new rules to mitigate the effects of overtourism.

Malaga has now rolled out its own restrictions, imposing a limit on holiday rentals. This follows similar measures implemented in Alicante and Madrid last year, with other tourist hotspots like Barcelona and Seville expected to do the same as local residents claiming that the surge in tourism is driving up housing prices and making it unaffordable for them, reports Cork Beo.

So, what does this mean for tourists planning their summer holidays in Spain? There are some changes but what will it mean for prospective holidaymakers?

What does it mean for tourists?

Malaga has prohibited the registration of holiday rentals across 43 districts. While this move has been widely dubbed a "tourist ban", it's actually aimed at those looking to rent out properties rather than those seeking to rent.

The initiative by the Malaga City Council and Costa del Sol is designed to immediately halt the growing number of rental properties appearing in the city's most densely populated districts, particularly where rental properties constitute more than 8% of residential blocks in a specific district. The ban in Malaga city is likely to be extended beyond its initial three-year duration.

Can tourists still book Airbnbs and hotels in Spain?

Tourists can continue to book Airbnbs, hotels, and other accommodations throughout Malaga and all 43 of its affected districts. This includes the already registered 13,000 holiday rentals in Malaga city.

Your preferred holiday resort or Airbnb in Malaga is probably safe. However, tourist flats registered since February 22 that lack independent access and resources separate from the residential part of buildings will have their licences revoked.

Is there anything else to be aware of in Spain this year?

Unrelated to the suspension of rental property registrations, tourists should anticipate providing more detailed personal information. This can include bank card details, family relationships, and home addresses when registering a car for hire or hotel stay.

This measure was implemented late last year amidst widespread criticism. It was introduced by Spain's interior ministry as an effort to assist police in tracking criminals operating in Spain.

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The 12 Most Romantic Resorts In The Mediterranean

There’s something undeniably sexy about the Mediterranean: The sea breezes, the storied history, the beautiful architecture, the friendly people, the delicious cuisine, and — without a doubt — the sweeping views, of both city and sea, certainly don’t hurt either. We’ve made our way along the winding coast, from Spain’s Costa del Sol to the Greek island of Mykonos, and have found that the Mediterranean can certainly set the scene for romance — as can many of its luxury hotels. Here are a dozen beautiful, romantic properties in the Mediterranean that are perfect for a sexy escape.

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center, Mykonos

Myconian Ambassador Hotel & Thalasso Spa Center is a luxury hotel (it’s part of the Relais & Chateaux chain) with 70 rooms overlooking Platis Gialos. Guests seem to love the hotel’s little extras, such as juice at check-in and ice pops by the pool. Guest rooms are chic, white, and airy, and offer ocean views. The hotel has an infinity-edge outdoor pool, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean, Greek, and Mykonos dishes. The indoor spa offers guests a free, daily thalassotherapy session, and the hotel has a fitness center with several weight and cardio machines. Free shuttle service to the airport is available. It’s a short walk to the beautiful Platis Gialos Beach, and Mykonos Town is a 12-minute drive from the hotel.

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Mare Hotel Savona, Italian Riviera

With its beach-heavy, modern design, Mare Hotel Savona provides a tropical escape on the Mediterranean. Savona is a bit industrial, but the hotel provides a nice spot for a beach vacation and is also a good base for exploring other tourist destinations on the Italian Riviera, such as Bergeggi and Finale Ligure. The on-site restaurants are popular (though a bit pricey), which means snagging a table without a reservation can be somewhat difficult. Rooms on the south side have much better views and are quieter.

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Claris Hotel, Barcelona

A former palace, the luxurious 124-room Hotel Claris is conveniently located within walking distance to Plaza Catalunya and Paseo de Gracia. The gorgeous rooms are quiet and creative with Egyptian-inspired art objects and marble bathrooms; there are several room types including chic duplex suites. The extensive array of features includes a rooftop pool, solarium, gym, and sauna. One highlight is the glass-enclosed cocktail bar and restaurant with striking city views. There is an on-site museum and interesting works of art in every hotel corner, but there is no tea or coffee in the rooms.

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Royal Continental Hotel, Naples

The 397-room, four-star Royal Continental Hotel bills itself as a “boutique” property, but in actuality it is the largest convention center in Naples. Located in a quiet pedestrian area by the Bay of Naples, the Royal Continental has a wide variety of facilities for business travelers, including a full theater and exhibition hall, but tourists and couples will also appreciate the location, away from Naples’ inner-city crush and surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

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Electra Palace Hotel Athens

Electra Palace Hotel Athens is a beautiful luxury property with 150 rooms in the neighborhood of Plaka. The grounds and facilities are gorgeous, featuring an outdoor garden with manicured lawns and a pavilion where guests can enjoy the free breakfast. The rooftop restaurant, pool, and surrounding deck offer stunning views of the Acropolis. The hotel has a spa with a large indoor pool and hot tub as well as a fitness center. Rooms offer classic decor with crown molding, wooden floors, and area rugs. Guests looking for more modern accommodations may want to check out the less expensive New Hotel Athens, which is nearby.

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Masseria & Spa LuciaGiovanni, Lecce

This old farmhouse has been transformed into an intimate Moroccan-themed hotel located in the southern Italian region of Salento. The beautiful, natural-looking pool and spa make LuciaGiovanni an exotic escape that’s unmatched — unless you hop a plane to Morocco. The 28 rooms have stunning details such as wood-beam ceilings and wrought iron four-poster bed frames. The property is vast and green and provides a relaxing oasis, but is only a short drive to the old part of the city.

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Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa, Mykonos

Petasos Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property built in the traditional Cycladic architecture style that prevails on Mykonos. It has many of the same features as its competitors (large spa, swimming pool, beach access, restaurants, and fitness center). Unlike competitors, however, the hotel doesn’t own any of the beach facilities, so expect to pay extra for a chair and umbrella on the sand. Still, those looking for more activity may prefer this location — the nearby beaches are among the island’s most popular, and there are a number of restaurants and shops nearby (most competing properties tend to be more secluded). Be aware that the views shown on the hotel’s website are mainly from private suites, and might not be available from many rooms. Mykonos Town is about two miles from the hotel, and a bus stops directly outside of the front doors.

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Precise Resort El Rompido, Costa de la Luz

The 196-room Precise Resort El Rompido is a luxury golf resort near the fishing village of El Rompido. The hotel is in a gorgeous, palm tree and tropical plant-filled setting, with many peaceful spots to sit, sun, swim, or, of course, golf. The 36-hole golf course, driving range, and golf school are the resort’s centerpiece, so much so that the front desk features large arty photographs of golf balls. Rooms upscale, contemporary decor in neutral colors.

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Mercer Hotel Barcelona

One of Barcelona‘s top-rated hotels, the 28-room Mercer Barcelona offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a larger property. Add in its location — tucked away on a charming, cobblestone street in the city’s Gothic Quarter, and within walking distance to many top attractions — and the Mercer can be a win-win for travelers. Leisure travelers are the main customers here, but business travelers will likely appreciate its “business corner,” with its library and computer, and small private areas for events and meetings. The hotel also offers several cocktail and dining options, including the Le Bouchon tapas bar and Jean Luc Figueras’ Mercer Restaurant JLF, a rooftop lounge and small pool, a hanging garden, and some of the most comfortable beds around.

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Hotel Excelsior, Naples

Built in 1908 and considered one of the classic hotels of Naples, the Hotel Excelsior is adorned with crystal chandeliers, antiques, and Italian marble floors in its sumptuous public spaces. A stay here is like stepping back in time to Belle Epoque-era Italy. Set in a prime position at the southern tip of Naples, the Excelsior overlooks the Castel dell’Ovo castle, Gulf of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius. The 121 rooms are elegant and understated, and some come with superb views of the water (though dated touches, like patterned bedspreads, are present). The prime gathering spot is the rooftop terrace restaurant, with fine Mediterranean cuisine and panoramic views.

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Hotel Balcon de Europa, Costa del Sol

The Hotel Balcon de Europa is one of many four-pearl luxury hotel choices on the Málaga coast, but what sets this 108-room property apart is its prime location on the beach in the center of tourist-friendly Nerja. There’s definitely an adult vibe here thanks to the rooftop swimming pool, spa facilities, and a romantic restaurant with views of the beach through floor-to-ceiling windows.

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Classical King George Palace, Athens

The historic Classical King George Palace is one of the most luxurious and exclusive properties in Athens. Everything about this hotel is chic — from the aviator-clad doormen to the gourmet restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis. The Palace boasts every amenity one would expect from a luxury hotel — but as a boutique, some are on a smaller scale: There is a small indoor pool, an intimate spa, three glamorous meeting rooms, and a tiny fitness center. The 102 rooms are elegant, with hardwood floors, antique furniture, rich, silky curtains, and plush bedding. The dated tube TVs in some rooms seem a bit out of place. For those who can afford it, the Royal Penthouse Suite is truly decadent, with two bedrooms, a massive terrace, and an infinity pool with unobstructed views of the Acropolis.

Contributed by Jane Reynolds 

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Delta Air Lines To Offer JFK-Malaga Spain Nonstop Service In 2014

Flight to operate from June, offering nearly 2,000 weekly seats to and from United States

Delta Air Lines has confirmed that its seasonal nonstop flight between Malaga Costa del Sol Airport and New York, JFK will recommence, effective June 6, 2014.  The flight will initially operate four times weekly in June increasing to five times weekly in July in conjunction with Delta’s joint venture partner Air France KLM.

Delta’s flight from Malaga features 15 seats in BusinessElite, with passengers enjoying a five course meal with wines chosen by Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.

Customers flying in Economy Comfort, Delta’s premium economy service, benefit from up to four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard international Economy class seats, as well as priority boarding.

Passengers flying into New York-JFK will benefit from Delta’s new JFK Terminal 4, part of a $1.4 billion project to create a state-of-the-art international gateway.    

Other product initiatives being rolled out across Delta’s international fleet include the expansion of Wi-Fi service by the end of 2015.  The introduction of Wi-Fi on Delta operated flights between Spain and the U.S. will enable customers to get online throughout their journey. 

Delta’s seasonal nonstop service between Malaga and New York, JFK will operate as follows:

Flight	Departs	Arrives	Days of week
DL0214	New York (JFK)8:40pm	Malaga (AGP) 10:20am (+1 day)	June: Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun July:  Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
DL0215	Malaga (AGP) 11:50am	New York (JFK) 2:07pm	June: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat July: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat

*Revised schedule times and other relevant information will be reflected on delta.com from Dec. 21 onwards

For more information please visit www.delta.com

MALAGA

Located in Andalusia, Malaga is one of Spain's foremost holiday destinations thanks to its mild weather, its beaches and its outstanding offer of golf courses. In addition to its historical and architectural marvels (from a Roman amphitheater to a Moorish fortress), art enthusiasts flock to Malaga to enjoy the Picasso Museum, a magnificent collection of Malaga’s most prominent son.

Every August Malaga celebrates its traditional fair (Feria de Malaga). During the Fair, the streets of the city center are adorned with paper lanterns and floral displays. Booths are set up, there are performances for children and adults, music and dance, and decked out horses and carriages attempting to make their way through it all. The sound of flamenco is everywhere, along with less traditional music.

Venturing out of Malaga City along the Costa del Sol (Sun Coast) is a must. Visitors will enjoy the incomparable beauty of towns like Ronda and Mijas, and the luxurious lifestyle of Marbella, to name a few.

Malaga is conveniently connected via high-speed train with Cordoba (50 min), Seville (2 hours) and Madrid (2.5 hours.)

For more information please visit www.spain.info/en_US/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/grandes-ciudades/malaga.html