In Donostia / San Sebastián, the growth of tourist flats has generated concern among residents and authorities. Although many are legal, some operate without a license , affecting coexistence and access to housing.
If you suspect irregular accommodation near you or want to book responsibly, this guide will help you spot them easily.
❌ What makes a tourist apartment illegal ?
🔓 No official license
It is not registered in the Basque Government Registry.
📄 No visible registration number
It must appear clearly in all ads.
📞 No minimum requirements
It does not have a 24-hour telephone, insurance or claim forms.
🕵️ Opaque ads
They do not show address, contact or clear photos.
🔍 Check if a home is legal in seconds
The City Council of San Sebastian offers a Official search engine to verify if a tourist apartment is licensed.
👣 How to use it?
- Click on the link
- Enter the address
- Check the legal status of the property
🌐 Click here 👉
Check the Census of Legal Tourist Housing
✅ Ideal for tourists, neighbors and committed citizens.
🗺️ What do the colors and symbols on the map mean?
🏘️ YELLOW dwellings (or rooms)
🔸 In the process of regularization, still No definitive license .
🏠 BLUE Homes (or Rooms)
🔵 Already registered before the new ordinance. Legal .
📊 You can filter by neighborhood, legal status, and housing type on the interactive map.
📌 Zoning: where are tourist flats allowed?
🔴 Zone A (saturated)
Old Town, Puerto → ❌ Added more tourist accommodation is prohibited.
🟠 Zone B (high demand)
Centro, Gros, Egia, Antiguo, Amara-Berri → ✅ Allowed with restrictions.
🔵 Zone C (less saturated)
Rest of the city → ✅ Allowed if the building has 7+ floors and meets standards.
🚨 How to report an illegal flat?
📍 Donostia City Council
File a formal complaint with the available data.
Telephone: 943 48 10 00
👮 Local Police
Report suspicious behavior or nuisance.
Telephone: 943 48 13 00
💻 Citizen platforms
Some communities allow online reporting anonymously.
✅ Tips for renting with peace of mind
🔍 Check the license number In the advertisement
🏢 Use official platforms reserve
🗣️ Read real reviews from other travellers
❗ Why is it important to detect illegal flats?
🔹 They make it difficult to access housing
Illegal flats reduce the supply of conventional rentals because they are intended for students or temporary rentals. In summer, they are transformed into unregulated tourist accommodation, making the market more expensive and leaving residents with few options.
🔹 They harm tourism and the local economy
These flats do not comply with regulations or pay taxes, damaging responsible tourism. In addition, they take life away from the neighborhoods and affect local commerce, as they do not integrate into the community or promote consumption in the area.
📬 Have you detected a suspicious flat?
✍️ Fill out this form to report it:
🏡 Looking for legal and trustworthy hosting?
In SanSe Holidays We offer you 100% legal, comfortable and well-located tourist apartments:
🌊 La Concha | 🏄 Gros | 🌳 Old | 🛍️ Center
➡️ Experience Donostia as if you were at home, with all the guarantees.
