EU Short-Term Rental Nights Increased During Q2 2026
Tourists spent 258.8 million nights in EU short-term rentals between April and June 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Europe
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Data from the second quarter of 2026 shows that tourists spent 258.8 million nights in European Union short-term rental accommodations. This figure represents a 5.3 percent increase in guest nights compared to the same period in 2025.
Why it matters
The rise in guest nights reflects ongoing growth in the popularity of short-term rental platforms across the European Union. This sustained upward trend indicates shifts in how international and regional travelers are choosing to secure lodging.
Tourism data indicates that total guest nights in the European Union rose by 5.3 percent year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026. This follows a broader upward trend, showing a 23.9 percent increase compared to the second quarter of 2024.
The players
Eurostat
This is the statistical office of the European Union responsible for providing high-quality statistics for the region.
The details
During the first quarter of 2026, Canarias in Spain and Rhône-Alpes in France tied for the most popular regions, each recording 8.8 million nights. Andalucia in Spain followed closely with 8.3 million nights, contributing to a top 10 list dominated by regions in Spain, France, and Italy.
Timeline
Q1 2026: Regional short-term rental nights were recorded.
April-June 2026: National guest nights were recorded in the EU.
Travel Outlook
The steady growth in rental nights follows the trend established by the Eurostat monthly records on short-stay accommodation. These figures confirm that demand remains high, marking a departure from the lower occupancy levels seen in 2024.
Travelers looking to visit popular regions like Canarias or the Rhône-Alpes should anticipate high demand and book well in advance. Budget-conscious tourists may want to consider traveling outside of peak periods to navigate the increased volume of rentals reported across the EU.
The takeaway
The consistent increase in rental nights suggests that short-term housing remains a dominant force in the European travel market. Travelers should factor in these high occupancy rates when coordinating their upcoming European excursions.
Further reading
For more context on regional travel trends, visit the Europe section.
More information
View the comprehensive Eurostat tourism data dataset for full regional breakdowns.
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Is the expansion of short-term rental platforms in your area a positive or negative trend?
