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Date Published: 28/08/2025

Murcia ranks as the second most popular place for rural tourism in Spain this summer

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The Region reached 71% occupancy for the months of June, July and August

Murcia ranks as the second most popular place for rural tourism in Spain this summer

Rural tourism has closed a strong summer season across Spain, with Murcia standing out as one of the top destinations. According to industry figures, the Region of Murcia recorded 71% occupancy between June and August, placing it second only to Catalonia, which led with 72%. Madrid followed with 70%.

This performance is notable given the challenges the sector faced, including heatwaves and wildfires that disrupted some rural areas. Even so, most rural accommodations nationwide managed to keep at least six out of ten beds occupied during peak months.

Data from the Escapadarural platform shows national rural tourism occupancy at 60% for the summer months, with September expected to settle around 50%. The platform highlights that rural tourism extends beyond summer thanks to its variety of experiences year-round, from landscapes to gastronomy.

By region, Andalucía, Catalonia, Castilla y León, Asturias, and Castilla-La Mancha were among the most visited. Popular provinces included Asturias, Girona, Cantabria, Barcelona, Huesca and Ávila, showing a mix of traditional mountain retreats and nature escapes.

Booking.com also reported a growing interest in alternative stays such as rural houses, with searches rising 10% compared to last summer.

Sector associations confirm the strong results. Asetur, the Spanish Association of Rural Tourism, reported an 87% occupancy average in its calculations for the summer and estimates around 70% for September, largely driven by foreign visitors. Its president, Pedro Carreño, urged travellers to continue visiting fire-affected areas to support their recovery.

Meanwhile, Autural, another professional association, estimated national summer occupancy at 70% and around 60% in early September. Its president, Francisco Parra, noted that fires had put off visitors in some otherwise fully booked destinations.

Despite the difficulties, rural tourism has shown resilience and remains one of the most attractive options for families and domestic travellers alike.

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-274P+H8 Guatazales, Agrolavia, 30180 Bullas, Murcia

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Guatazales wine tourism, rural accommodation and natural products in Murcia

Based in Bullas, northern Murcia, Guatazales is a company that offers a variety of natural products and rural experiences in the beautiful Murcia countryside.

They have a ‘casa rural’ country house for holiday accommodation with space to sleep up to 16 people, a secluded villa with breathtaking mountain views where you can enjoy the cooling breeze and views from the salt water pool.

🐝🍯 A visit to #Guatazales rural house in Murcia, a relaxing getaway with beekeeping, country walks and even a swimming pool! pic.twitter.com/wPuqgPdqnV
— Spanish News Today (@MurciaToday) November 4, 2025

They also offer wine tastings, horse riding, beekeeping, wine tourism, events and other experiences.

Guatazales also has an online store that sells organic, natural products such as premium olive oil, raw honeys and honey wine that have won awards for sustainability and which can be delivered straight to your home.

Guatazales takes a responsible and forward-thinking approach to beekeeping, with sustainability at the heart of everything it does. This commitment has been officially recognised through its certification under the respected Four Returns framework, which highlights efforts that generate positive outcomes not only for the environment, but also for the community and local economy.