Tourist taxes: Which are the highest in Europe?

In Spain, the tax exists in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands; and in Mogán at the municipal level. In many other places, it is about to be implemented or is being debated

June 19 2025 (13:19 WEST)
Updated in June 19 2025 (15:44 WEST)
Amsterdam tiene la tasa turística más elevada del mundo.
Amsterdam tiene la tasa turística más elevada del mundo.

The highest tourist tax in the world is in Amsterdam, where visitors pay 12.5% of the total value of their reservation, which on average is equivalent to 18.45 euros per day, followed by several Greek and Italian destinations.

This is according to a study by the Holidú vacation rental search engine that analyzes the highest taxes on the continent and all those that exist in our country. 

In Greece, there is a daily tourist tax, also known as a "climate resilience tax," in numerous cities such as Athens, Rhodes, Heraklion, and Thessaloniki, and its objective is to support infrastructure and sustainable tourism initiatives in the country.

 The Greek tax is not uniform and varies depending on the type of accommodation and the time of year. The fees are lower during the low season (November to March). The average collection is 8.17 euros per person per night.

Next is Berlin, where visitors pay an average of 7.38 euros per night. In the German capital, a percentage of 7.5% is applied to the net cost of accommodation, and it has been in effect since January 1, 2025.

For its part, Milan has adjusted its tourist taxes for 2025, with a maximum rate of 7 euros per person per night for guests in 4 and 5-star hotels. Its average is 6.44 euros per day. 

In Rome, the tourist tax varies depending on the type of accommodation and its category. From 10 euros for guests staying in 5-star hotels to 4 euros for those in 1-star hotels.

Meanwhile, in Florence, the rate ranges from 8 euros for 5-star hotels to 3.5 euros for 1-star hotels. The average in both Rome and Florence is 6.13 euros per night. 

In Bologna, an average of 5.93 euros is paid, and it is charged not based on the category of accommodation but on the price of the night. For example, it is seven euros for accommodations where the night costs 121 euros or more, while a surcharge of 5.8 euros is applied to a room with a cost between 31 and 70 euros. 
 

The tourist tax in Spain

Catalonia was a pioneer in Spain in applying this tax since 2012. Its capital, Barcelona, adds its own surcharge to the regional tax. 

In Barcelona, the rate ranges between 7.5 euros in luxury establishments and 5 euros in those with three stars or less. It also applies a rate of up to 7 euros for cruises.  

In the Balearic Islands, the ecotax aims to raise funds for environmental sustainability projects and infrastructure improvements. It ranges between 1 and 4 euros depending on the category of accommodation. 

In the Canary Islands, there is also a tourist tax, it is municipal, it is in Mogán, and it is the lowest of all. There, 0.15 euros per person per day is charged regardless of the category. 

Ejemplos de Ecotasas en Islas Lanzarotefuturo.com
Ejemplos de Ecotasas en Islas (www.lanzarotefuturo.com)

 

Tourist taxes about to be implemented or under debate

In the Canary Islands, the regional government is evaluating whether a regional tax is convenient or not, although there is no political consensus. 

The Basque Country is preparing its own tax, and in the Valencian Community, they have already approved an overnight stay tax, although it is under review "due to pressure from the tourism sector," explains Holidú.   

At the municipal level, A Coruña is expected to implement a rate of between 1.5 and 2.5 euros shortly. In Santiago de Compostela, it will range between 1 and 2.5 euros. 

Likewise, the city of Toledo is evaluating whether to charge a fee to visitors who arrive on organized bus tours that do not stay overnight in the city.

 

Most read