Anti-tourism protests have been gathering momentum across Spain, with activists pledging to escalate their efforts this summer.
The demonstrations, which aim to reduce the number of tourists flooding into popular destinations, are already making their presence felt, and it seems like they’re only getting started.
In one of the most dramatic acts of protest, residents of Ibiza, a well-known party destination, blocked off the Es Vedra viewpoint last month.
This scenic spot, which attracts thousands of visitors each evening, is now inaccessible due to frustration among local landowners who’ve had enough of the overwhelming tourist crowds.
A bold sign now reads: “Private Property. Restricted Access.”
The Situation Escalates in Tenerife
While the blockade in Ibiza was a visible but relatively calm protest, the situation took a much darker turn in Tenerife.
Last week, activists in Costa Adeje went to extreme lengths, setting fire to around 20 rental cars in a shocking display of anger.
Footage of the incident, which shows masked individuals dousing the vehicles in flammable liquid before setting them alight, quickly went viral.
The resort is especially popular among British holidaymakers, making the act even more striking.
The protests are not just aimed at the tourists themselves but also at the wider issues of rent hikes and a rising cost of living.
Locals blame the influx of holidaymakers for driving up property prices and pushing residents out of their homes.
Some activists have even threatened to take their protests to airports in an effort to disrupt travel further.
The Anti-Tourism Movement Grows
The anti-tourism movement is spreading across southern Europe, with activist groups from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France planning a major meeting in Barcelona next month to coordinate their actions.
One of the most influential groups, the Neighbourhood Assembly for Tourist Degrowth, aims to build a stronger network to challenge the effects of mass tourism in southern Europe.
In Spain, the backlash against tourism has been growing for some time.
In January, disturbing graffiti that read “kill a tourist” appeared in Tenerife, a sign of how deep the anger runs.
This slogan was found on a house in the south of the island, and while it shocked many, it also highlighted the escalating tensions between locals and tourists.
Local Voices Raise Concerns
A local resident who witnessed the graffiti expressed concern about the direction the protests are taking.
They admitted that the pressure of dealing with the constant influx of tourists and new residents is overwhelming, leaving locals struggling to find affordable housing.
“Things are getting worse, and people are becoming desperate,” they said.
However, they also pointed out that such violent actions might be pushing the movement too far.
A Summer of Protests and Disruptions
The protests reached a fever pitch last year, with several high-profile demonstrations disrupting holiday hotspots.
In October, hundreds of activists stormed Tenerife’s Troya Beach, holding placards and chanting slogans like “More tourists, more misery” and “The Canary Islands are not for sale.”
Some tourists were surrounded by protesters as they tried to enjoy their vacation, though the situation did not escalate into violence.
In another protest, six activists went on a hunger strike outside a church in La Laguna, demanding that two major hotel projects be halted.
The protest was a direct response to the growing number of hotels being built on Tenerife’s last untouched beaches, which activists argue are damaging the environment and driving up local property prices.
The Canary Islands: A Hotspot for Anti-Tourism Protests
Tenerife and other Canary Islands have become key battlegrounds for anti-tourism activists.
Groups like ‘Canary Islands on the Brink’ are calling for a halt to new tourist developments and changes to the local tourism model to protect residents and the environment.
Protesters are particularly focused on the impact of large hotel chains and Airbnb-style vacation rentals, which they say are contributing to rising rents and the destruction of local culture.
Mainland Spain Sees its Own Protests
Protests have also spread beyond the Canary Islands. In Palma, Mallorca, activists have been vocal in their opposition to tourism.
In May, a demonstration turned ugly as some locals jeered at foreign tourists sitting at outdoor cafes.
In Menorca, protesters staged a “surprise action” at a popular beach, filling a car park with cars marked as “residents” and creating a message in the sand that read “SOS Menorca” to draw attention to the growing pressure on local resources.
Despite these protests, the tourism industry remains a significant part of Spain’s economy, and the government has yet to make significant changes to address the concerns of activists.
The question remains whether these protests will lead to real change or if they will continue to escalate, affecting both tourists and locals in the process.