Tourism in Barcelona: a shocking truth about the lack of places and battles for sunbeds
Why in the capital of Catalonia there are not enough hotels, and tourists fight for sun loungers
Barcelona is the dream of millions of travelers. But in recent years, the situation with the placement of tourists has become critical. Since 2017, the number of places in hotels has increased in total 6.1%and in 2023 new numbers generally stopped appearing. At the same time, demand is growing, but there are no places. And this is only the beginning.
While hotels are filled in a minute, and tourists arrange Battle for sunbedsthe authorities are trying to solve the problem. But will their measures have enough? And what awaits vacationers in the coming years?
Where else can you stop: alternatives to hotels
While the Barcelona authorities are dealing with Lack of placestourists are looking for exits:
- Apartments for tourists — added 1,800 seats, but their regulation is still weak
- Hostels — expanded by 765 seats, but this does not solve the problem
- Hotels of 4-5 stars — They grow in Eixample and Ciutat Vella, but there are only 425 of them
But even these options do not save. In 2023, in Benidorm, tourists occupied all the sunbeds per minute. A couple of the British came to the pool at 8:30, and at 8:31 there was no longer a single free space. This is not an isolated case — such incidents occur more and more often.
What to do to tourists: tips from local
If you are planning a trip to Barcelona, here are some tips:
“Come in advance and book everything you can, including sunbeds. Some hotels have already introduced a system for pre -ordering of minuses the day before use ” — Jose, hotel manager in Barcelona
- Book the hotel in 3-6 months — Especially in the season
- Look for alternatives — Apartments, hostels, Airbnb
- Come early — If you want to take a sunbed
Will it be better? Expert forecasts
So far, the Barcelona authorities are in no hurry with the decision. In 2023, new places in hotels did not appear, and demand only grows. Experts warn: the situation may worsen.
“Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe, but the infrastructure does not have time to grow tourism. If new restrictions are not introduced or new hotels are built, the problem will only aggravate ” — Marta, tourist market analyst
What do you think? Share in the comments!
How do you feel about the situation with tourism in Barcelona? Are you ready for such conditions? Or will you prefer another city?
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FAQ: answers to frequent questions
1. Why in Barcelona there are not enough places in the hotels?
Due to harsh restrictions on the construction and growth of demand. In 2023, there were no new places.
2. How do tourists occupy sunbeds?
They come in advance and leave things on them, and sometimes even fight for places.
3. What alternatives to hotels are there in Barcelona?
Airbnb apartments, hostels, but they may not be enough either.
4. When is it better to book a hotel in Barcelona?
3-6 months before the trip, especially in the season.
5. Will the situation improve?
Not yet. The authorities are in no hurry with decisions, and demand is growing.
6. How to avoid battle for sunbeds?
Come early or book places in advance.
7. Which areas of Barcelona are better for tourists?
EIXAMPLE and CIUTAT VELLA, there are more hotels.
8. Is it possible to rent apartments in Barcelona?
Yes, but their regulation is still weak.
9. What is the most popular type of placement in Barcelona?
Hotels, but they are not enough, so tourists are looking for alternatives.
10. What to do if you did not find a hotel in Barcelona?
Try other cities of Spain or alternative accommodation options.
