Holiday rentals to succeed in Spain in Autumn

October 2023

The impact of the health crisis has changed our tourism habits, and this has been reflected in bookings. Let’s see to what extent COVID-19 has modified the landscape and which types of holiday rentals will succeed this autumn.

Let’s dive into the magical autumn season and discover why it has become the perfect setting for holiday rentals in Spain. It stands out as one of the most economical seasons since it is not considered a “peak” season like summer, which means there are more opportunities to find good deals on accommodations and flight tickets. Of course, being an off-peak season, the number of tourists and visitors gradually decreases as summer gives way to autumn.

In autumn, tourist destinations in Spain shed the summer crowds, allowing visitors to explore iconic places with more tranquillity and at more affordable prices. Holiday accommodations, from cosy apartments to charming rural houses, often offer irresistible deals.

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Ideal rural locations for autumn

Rural areas are the most suitable choice to enjoy autumn for several reasons. Firstly, they showcase the maximum beauty with warm and vibrant colours such as red, orange, and yellow, taking over rural landscapes and creating a charming and picturesque ambience.

Forests become spaces that invite you to explore trails and routes amid nature, perfect for photography enthusiasts. According to Rumbo.es, popular rural areas for autumn rentals in Spain include:

• Valle de Arán, Lérida: a corner of the Catalan Pyrenees that offers a mountain environment, ideal for hiking and complete relaxation.
• Tejeda, Canary Islands: captivates guests with its volcanic landscapes and peaceful rural atmosphere.
• Canfranc, Aragonese Pyrenees: a small village that immerses visitors in the history and mountainous beauty of the region.
• Hayedo de Montejo: in the Community of Madrid, this beech forest is one of the few remaining in Spain.
• Vineyards in autumn, La Rioja: a region famous for its wine, and in autumn, the vineyards take on a special charm that invites you to enjoy rural tranquillity.
• Oseja de Sajambre: in the Picos de Europa, this small village offers a mountain refuge amidst stunning landscapes.

Nearby choices of destinations for autumn getaways

Proximity becomes a crucial factor when planning autumn getaways. The choice of nearby destinations is significant in the current context, as it provides travellers with a sense of safety and control. After the pandemic, there has been a greater preference for places close to home, reflected in a significant increase in bookings for destinations located less than 300 km from the usual residence, according to Airbnb.

Advantages of avoiding long journeys

• The possibility of using personal transportation that allows for minimal contact with others.
• Greater control over hygiene and safety during the journey.

Examples of ideal nearby destinations for autumn:

• Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid: located a short distance from the capital, it offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying unspoiled nature.
• Costa Brava, Catalonia: with beautiful beaches, picturesque coastal towns, and a rich cultural offering, the Costa Brava is a perfect destination for autumn getaways.
• Sierra de Cazorla, Jaén: offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the possibility of enjoying the tranquillity of the mountains.

Last minute bookings

This autumn, an increasing trend is last-minute bookings. Despite the pandemic being behind us, travellers remain cautious about possible restrictions. This is compounded by the traditional practice of airlines offering flash deals during this season. Therefore, being prepared for last-minute bookings is essential.

Some considerations to keep in mind are:

• Reducing the lead time for bookings: instead of requesting a 3-day advance notice, you could reduce it to one day.
• Maintaining the property in perfect condition: conducting cleaning immediately after the departure of previous guests, rather than waiting for the arrival of the next ones.
• Making online bookings: this involves accepting credit card payments, keeping the calendar updated, and having your website, as many of these guests book through this medium.

It’s also essential to provide essential items like toilet paper, coffee capsules, and garbage bags for guests. Adapting to this last-minute trend is key to making the most of the autumn season.

Offering shorter stays

During this season, bookings tend to have less advance notice and are usually shorter in duration compared to other times of the year. Travellers seek weekend getaways or take advantage of public holidays for a well-deserved break. Therefore, as a holiday rental host, it’s crucial to adjust the minimum stay duration to meet this demand.

According to a study by Lodgify in late 2022 in the holiday rental sector, bookings with a duration of less than 7 days currently account for 90% of all stays in accommodations in Spain. To succeed in autumn, it’s essential to facilitate this type of booking, as travellers are looking for shorter and more cost-effective experiences.

Affordable accommodation types for the season:

In holiday rental management, it’s essential to know the ideal destinations in Spain to visit in autumn, as they can offer unique opportunities to attract travellers. Here are some of these cities and why they are attractive:

Apartments in tourist cities

• Zamora: rich in Romanesque and modernist heritage. Its squares, churches, and castle are a must-visit, and a walk along the Duero River offers breathtaking views.
• Madrid: a popular choice for travellers from all over Spain, with parks like El Retiro and El Capricho adorned with red and yellow. Gran Vía offers new shows, and restaurants adapt their menus to seasonal products.
• Cuenca: a charming city in Castilla-La Mancha with cobblestone streets, medieval remnants, and a magnificent cathedral. In autumn, the gorges over the Huécar and Júcar rivers turn golden, creating a magical backdrop for riverside walks.
• Seville: guests can explore the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, María Luisa Park, or take a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River under the autumn light.
• Segovia: known for its iconic Roman aqueduct, it’s even more charming in autumn. Additionally, the Alcázar and the cathedral are must-visit places.

Cabins and bungalows for weekend getaways

• Forest in Igantzi: in the North of Navarra, cabins in the Basajaun Basoa forest offer an adventure park.
• Cabins in A Coruña: in the province of A Coruña, Galicia, allow you to enjoy cabins with a fireplace, terrace, and a jacuzzi.
• Pontevedra Cabins: in the Monte Aloia Natural Park, these rural-style cabins offer elevated areas and views, some with a jacuzzi.
• Sierra de Cazorla: located in a stunning natural setting and offers various activities like ziplining, off-road biking, and canoeing.
• Lake in Albacete: located in the Del Río Mundo Natural Park, nearby homes offer lake views and are close to the famous Chorros del Río Mundo. 
• Cabins in Córdoba: in the area, exclusive cabins with a private pool and terrace are surrounded by holm oaks, olive trees, and pine forests.

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