Málaga Airbnb Market Analysis 2026: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Andalusia, Spain
Is Airbnb profitable in Málaga in 2026? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Málaga, Andalusia, Spain to uncover income potential. This 2026 STR market report for Málaga, based on AirROI data from February 2025 to January 2026, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 8,177 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Málaga, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Málaga Airbnb data is crucial. Navigating the high regulation landscape is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.
Key Málaga Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Málaga (2026)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Málaga is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Málaga is typically August, while January often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Málaga across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,494+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,725 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,399 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,244, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Málaga
Málaga Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2026)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Málaga STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Augustsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while January experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Málaga:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 90%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 79% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 60%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 32% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Málaga
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Málaga (2026)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Málaga involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Málaga typically peaks in August and dips lowest during February. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $288+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $200 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $143 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $104 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Málaga
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Málaga (2026)
Peak Season (August, July, September)
- Revenue averages $3,934 per month
- Occupancy rates average 62.9%
- Daily rates average $200
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2,817 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 56.2%
- Daily rates hold near $171
Low Season (January, February, November)
- Revenue drops to average $1,981 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 46.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $157
Seasonality Insights for Málaga
- The Airbnb seasonality in Málaga shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Málaga's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,471, occupancy reaching a high of 65.7%, and ADRs peaking at $210.
- Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,653, occupancy could drop to 34.8%, and ADRs may adjust down to $150.
- Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Málaga.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
- Regularly analyze your own performance against these Málaga seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Málaga (2026)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Málaga? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | The historic center of Málaga is rich with culture and history, attracting many tourists who want to explore landmarks, museums, and local cuisine. | Picasso Museum, Catedral de Málaga, Alcazaba of Málaga, Teatro Romano, Plaza de la Merced |
| Malagueta | A traditional beach neighborhood close to the city center, popular with both locals and visitors for its beach, promenade, and nightlife. | Malagueta Beach, Paseo Marítimo, Centro Pompidou Málaga, Calle San Juan de Letrán |
| Soho | A vibrant district known as the artsy neighborhood of Málaga, with street art, galleries, and trendy restaurants, appealing to a creative crowd. | Street Art, Museo Carmen Thyssen, Mercado de Las Flores |
| El Palo | A charming fishing village known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches. It's perfect for guests seeking a more authentic and local experience. | El Palo Beach, Chiringuitos (beach bars), Parque de la Paloma, Cueva del Gato |
| Teatinos | A modern neighborhood popular with students and families, offering a mix of residential and leisure spaces, making it ideal for long-term rentals from university students. | University of Málaga, Parque del Cine, Centro Comercial Los Patios |
| Pedregalejo | A picturesque coastal neighborhood known for its local seafood and beachside ambiance, attracting families and leisure tourists. | Pedregalejo Beach, Fish Restaurants, Chiringuito La Moraga |
| Ronda | Although a bit further from the city, Ronda is a beautiful town worth visiting for its stunning views and historical attractions, popular for a weekend getaway. | Puente Nuevo, Plaza de Toros, Palacio de Mondragón |
| Málaga Oeste | An area that includes neighborhoods like Campanillas, popular for those seeking a more residential and tranquil experience, yet close enough to Málaga city. | Los Alamos Beach, Nearby mountains and hiking trails |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Málaga (2026)
Yes, Málaga, Andalusia, Spain enforces high STR regulations. Obtaining a license and ensuring compliance is almost certainly required according to current 2026 STR laws. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Málaga to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 86% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Málaga (2026)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Málagabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Cubo's Gibralfaro House Center
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Views of Malaga Bay from a unique villa
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Luxury (heated) pool villa at Malaga's best beach!
Entire Place • 10 bedrooms
Cubo's Gibralfaro Townhouse
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Villa with sea views in the heart of Malaga
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Regionalist Villa, early 20th century 1919
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Málaga (2026)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Málaga based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living4Malaga | 111 | $7,381,237 | 6282 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Rems | 142 | $6,943,725 | 12077 | 4.78/5.0 |
| ILoftmalaga | 215 | $6,048,484 | 5374 | 4.54/5.0 |
| Antonio. | 63 | $4,096,745 | 9094 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Rocio | 50 | $3,402,189 | 2447 | 4.77/5.0 |
| Andrea | 50 | $2,995,059 | 7216 | 4.79/5.0 |
| Ele Apartments | 101 | $2,542,649 | 1721 | 4.62/5.0 |
| David | 42 | $2,440,790 | 5514 | 4.75/5.0 |
| La Recepción | 64 | $2,101,889 | 3540 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Caleta Homes | 70 | $1,997,503 | 837 | 4.63/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Málaga.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Málaga STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Málaga. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsMálaga Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2026): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Málaga
- The Málaga Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 89% of the 8,177 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Málaga, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (88.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique (combined 2.0%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Málaga Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Málaga
- The dominant room capacity in Málaga is 1 bedroom listings, making up 39.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 66.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Málaga, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
Málaga Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Málaga
- The most common guest capacity trend in Málaga vacation rentals is listings accommodating 4 guests (34.3%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely small families or groups.
- Properties designed for 4 guests and 2 guests dominate the Málaga STR market, accounting for 55.1% of listings.
- 17.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Málaga.
- On average, properties in Málaga are equipped to host 3.7 guests.
Málaga Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Málaga
- The most common availability pattern in Málaga falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 33.2% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 59.9% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Málaga (27.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 41.2% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Málaga Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
905 listings
11.1% of total
2 Nights
1196 listings
14.6% of total
3 Nights
469 listings
5.7% of total
4-6 Nights
793 listings
9.7% of total
7-29 Nights
331 listings
4% of total
30+ Nights
4480 listings
54.8% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Málaga is 30+ Nights, adopted by 54.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (54.8%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Málaga, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 54.8% of Málaga hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 11.1% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 54.8% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Málaga.
Málaga Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 60 Days
74 listings
0.9% of total
Limited
160 listings
2% of total
Refundable
11 listings
0.1% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
157 listings
1.9% of total
Non-refundable
6 listings
0.1% of total
Flexible
1048 listings
12.8% of total
Moderate
2837 listings
34.8% of total
Firm
2605 listings
31.9% of total
Strict
1261 listings
15.5% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Málaga
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Málaga is Moderate, used by 34.8% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (47.6%) and stricter (47.4%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 34.8% market standard in Málaga.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Málaga.
Málaga STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2026)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Málaga
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Málaga is 56 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during September (average 71 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in February (average 43 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (59 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Winter (50 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (56 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Málaga.
- For September stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 71 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 59 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Málaga averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Málaga (2026)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Málaga
- Essential amenities in Málaga that guests expect include: Wifi. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, TV, Air conditioning are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Málaga: Wifi.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or TV to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Málaga to stay competitive.
Málaga Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Málaga
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Málaga consists of predominantly international visitors (90%), with top international origins including Spain, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Spanish.
- Domestic travelers account for 10.0% of guests.
- Key international markets include United Kingdom (21.1%) and Spain (10%).
- Top languages spoken are English (40.1%) followed by Spanish (15.6%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from Spain.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison
How does the Málaga Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cártama | 48 | $4,137 | $378.39 | 45% |
| Alhaurín de la Torre | 210 | $3,716 | $325.91 | 46% |
| Alhaurín el Grande | 271 | $3,613 | $310.22 | 46% |
| Casarabonela | 24 | $3,495 | $286.94 | 39% |
| Benahav ís | 518 | $2,914 | $430.92 | 39% |
| Marbella | 5,279 | $2,756 | $342.36 | 42% |
| El Paraíso | 13 | $2,679 | $369.93 | 45% |
| Villanueva del Rosario | 12 | $2,590 | $310.50 | 35% |
| Gójar | 14 | $2,483 | $231.10 | 33% |
| Coín | 119 | $2,388 | $303.70 | 41% |