Want the best view of Seville’s famous Semana Santa processions? It’ll cost you and not just a little.
Balcony rentals across the city are skyrocketing, with prices now reaching up to €6,000 for the week and even €9,000 in premium spots along the official route, some complete with catering.
With just days to go before Holy Week, online platforms are flooded with listings offering ‘exclusive’ views of the processions.
Sellers promise unbeatable sights of iconic brotherhoods like La Esperanza de Triana or La Estrella, all from the comfort of a private balcony.
But those views come at a steep price. In central streets like Calle Alemanes, a single day can cost around €1,100, while shared balconies can still set you back €750 per person. Even outside the city centre, prices range from €80 to €300.
The most in-demand days are Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and the famous Madruga night.
On those dates, prices are often charged per person rather than per balcony, typically ranging between €200 and €400 and even higher depending on the procession.
In some cases, devotees are paying as much as €600 just to watch a single procession pass by.
Behind the listings is a growing business. Some landlords manage multiple balconies, while others hire people to market them.
Even hotels are getting in on the action, renting out external balconies to cash in on the demand.
But authorities are warning that not everything is as simple as it seems.
Sevilla’s College of Property Administrators has reminded owners that renting out balconies is still an economic activity and must comply with legal and tax rules.
Income must be declared, and failure to do so could lead to fines of up to 150% of the undeclared amount.
There may also be VAT obligations depending on how the rental is structured, especially when balconies are let separately from the rest of the property.
They also stress that community rules must be respected, urging property owners to ensure everything is done legally.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
