Andalucia has launched a new inspection campaign for 2026 aimed at stamping out illegal tourist accommodation, with sharply higher fines and expanded police involvement now in play.
The strategy builds on previous enforcement drives but introduces three major changes this year: the imminent entry into force of Andalusia’s new Sustainable Tourism Law, tougher penalties of up to €600,000, and the deployment of a specialised police unit to support inspections.
The plan is also reinforced by growing cooperation with town halls, which has already led to the removal of more than 12,300 unlicensed tourist properties from the market.
Holiday lets top the priority list
Regional inspectors will once again focus primarily on unregistered tourist rentals, both in cities and rural areas. According to the inspection plan approved for 2026, around one third of all control activity will target properties operating without authorisation.
Officials say inspections will be triggered through systematic online monitoring – including rental platforms and advertising websites – as well as reports submitted through a public tip-off channel.
Properties found to be operating without meeting legal requirements will face administrative sanction proceedings.
Beyond tourist flats, inspectors will also carry out on-site checks at campsites, hotels, rural accommodation, travel agencies and other tourism businesses, with the aim of identifying any form of clandestine activity.
Much tougher penalties from 2026
The stepped-up campaign comes as the new Sustainable Tourism Law moves closer to approval in the Andalusian parliament. Once in force, the legislation will dramatically increase sanctions for illegal tourism activity.
Under the new framework:
- Operating an unlicensed tourist rental could result in fines ranging from €25,000 to €100,000
- Submitting false information in order to obtain authorisation could carry penalties of up to €600,000
By province, Malaga recorded the highest number of cases last year – close to 200 – followed by Granada with 113. Sevilla, despite its tourism pressure, registered just 81 sanctions.
Police support and online surveillance
Although regional inspectors already operate with the legal status of agents of authority, their work is now being reinforced by Grupo Titan, a new unit within the Policia Nacional assigned to support tourism enforcement.
According to the regional government, the unit will focus on:
- Tackling illegal and unregistered tourism activity
- Online surveillance to detect properties advertised without registration
- Identifying offences linked to tourism that threaten consumer safety and sector quality
This police backing is intended to strengthen inspections on the ground and expand digital monitoring, particularly of short-term rental listings.
More cooperation with local councils
The Junta also plans to sign new cooperation agreements with local councils and municipal police forces, extending a model that has already proven effective. Thanks to these partnerships, more than 12,300 illegal tourist homes have been removed from the Andalusian rental market to date.
With fines increasing and inspections intensifying, regional authorities are signalling that 2026 will be a turning point for illegal tourist accommodation in Andalucia.
