The tourist tax in Galicia is now a reality for visitors staying overnight in the Galician region. The cities of Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña introduced this new levy in the autumn of 2025: it came into effect in Santiago on October 1, and A Coruña began applying it a few days earlier, in late September. With this measure, Galicia joins other pioneering regions in Spain in charging a tax aimed at strengthening the funding of public services and moving toward a more sustainable tourism model.
The tourist tax in Galicia will affect non-resident visitors, tourists, and pilgrims
What does the new tax involve?
The tourist tax in Galicia applies to overnight stays in accommodations by non-resident visitors. The amount varies depending on the type and category of the establishment, with rates ranging between 1 and 2.5 euros per person per night. For example, in five-star hotels, the surcharge is €2.5, while in guesthouses and tourist hostels it is €1. There is also a maximum limit of 5 nights: from the sixth night onward, the tax no longer applies. This tax must be paid directly by the user to the accommodation.
The levy is regulated as a “surcharge” on the regional tax approved by the Xunta de Galicia, allowing local councils to decide whether to apply it and under what conditions. For now, Santiago and A Coruña are the first Galician cities to implement it, although other towns are expected to consider adopting it later.
Exemptions and how it affects pilgrims
The regulation includes specific exemptions. The following are exempt from payment:
- Minors.
- Visitors staying for health-related reasons.
- Participants in conferences, official sports competitions or social programs.
- People affected by situations of force majeure.
Regarding the Camino de Santiago, a key point is that pilgrims staying in the public hostels run by the Xunta are exempt from the tax. This means that those using the Xacobeo Plan’s network of albergues will not see their bill increased.
However, most pilgrims who stay in private accommodations at the end of their route will have to pay the corresponding surcharge. The total cost is low (€1 in most budget accommodations), and since most pilgrims only stay one or two nights at the end of their Camino, the overall impact is usually minimal.
Pilgrims arriving at the Public Pilgrims’ Hostel in Sarria
Controversy and reactions
The introduction of the tourist tax was not without controversy. Hotel associations in Santiago and A Coruña filed legal appeals seeking to suspend the measure, arguing that it would harm the sector. The courts, however, rejected the suspension, considering that the levy is imposed on visitors, not hoteliers, and that no immediate economic harm to businesses could be demonstrated.
Some travelers initially expressed doubts or complaints, and there was speculation that certain tourists might choose to stay in nearby municipalities without the tax. Local authorities dismissed this idea, stating that “no one stops traveling because of one extra euro per night” and noting that major European capitals apply similar measures without noticeable negative effects on demand.
For their part, the city councils argue that the revenue will allow them to improve key services such as cleaning, urban maintenance, and safety, especially during high-occupancy seasons. In cities like Santiago, which receives more than half a million pilgrims each year, tourist pressure has become a structural challenge. The tax is therefore seen as a tool to balance hospitality and sustainability.
Galicia in the international context
With this initiative, Galicia aligns with the global trend of applying tourist taxes to regulate visitor flows and generate income for destination conservation. More than 19 European countries already have similar taxes in cities like Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, or Berlin. In Spain, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands have been applying such taxes for years, while other regions have either studied or dismissed the idea.
In Galicia, in addition to Santiago and A Coruña, Vigo has already begun the process to implement the tax in the future. Other cities facing high tourist pressure may follow the same path in the coming years.
Reception at the Olveiroa hostel
Conclusion: What does it mean for pilgrims?
For pilgrims, the immediate impact is modest and depends on the type of accommodation chosen:
- It only affects Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña, for now.
- No cost if staying in public hostels run by the Xunta.
- Between €1 and €2.5 per night if opting for private accommodations at the end of the route.
Beyond the cost, the measure opens a new chapter in Galicia’s tourism management, aiming to balance its global appeal with the preservation of local life. Time will tell how its implementation evolves in the coming months and whether other Jacobean cities will follow suit.
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