Accommodation Scams in San Sebastian, Spain
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in San Sebastian — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
10
Total in San Sebastian
How it works
San Sebastián's severe accommodation shortage during Semana Grande (mid-August) and the film festival (September) has created a market for fraudulent holiday apartment listings. Scammers post attractive apartments near La Concha beach or the Parte Vieja on social media or copycat listing sites, collect a deposit or full payment, then disappear or claim the property is "unavailable" on arrival. Legitimate rental supply is genuinely scarce, which makes urgent booking pressure feel believable.
See all scams in San Sebastian
10 total warnings across all categories