Bookings for September, October, and November indicate that travelers from Germany will constitute 26.95% of the rural tourism market. This figure places the United Kingdom in second place with a 21.14% share, according to recent data from the booking platform Ruralidays.
The Spanish domestic market has seen a considerable decrease, accounting for only 13%. Local holidaymakers appear to be opting for more economical travel alternatives, and visitors from the Netherlands are even expected to outnumber Spaniards in the coming months.
Felix Zea, co-founder of Ruralidays, estimates that approximately one in every four tourists arriving in the province this autumn will be from Germany. This surge in foreign demand coincides with rising prices for rural getaways.
The average stay is currently around five nights, with prices reaching €42.25 per person per day. This represents a 3.87% increase compared to the same period last year. This data concludes a positive season for the sector, with rural occupancy reaching 75% in September, a 10% rise from 2025, according to La Opinión de Málaga.
October bookings have already reached 64%, three points higher than at this time last year. Coastal hotels are also mirroring this boom, following an August with 92.85% occupancy.
The Aehcos hoteliers association calculates that September will close with a provincial average occupancy of 88.58%, and October is expected to exceed 83%. Major Costa del Sol resorts, including Torremolinos and Benalmádena, are predicted to surpass the 90% mark.
The autumn tourist season is further boosted by significant international events across the province. The San Diego Comic-Con Malaga will take place from October 1 to 4, and Mijas will host the Andalucia Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino golf tournament from November 26 to 29.
