Imagine a summer in Spain: sunny beaches, lively streets and… a crowd of protesters holding signs against the consequences of over-tourism. From Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca, the atmosphere is heating up, but not just because of the sun. Between the promise of a warm welcome and the residents’ frustration over saturation, the question looms: are tourists still welcome on the other side of the Pyrenees? Behind the postcard smiles, a tug-of-war is setting in between the desire to attract visitors and the wish to preserve local daily life.
The Spanish cities, globally celebrated for their hospitality and dynamism, are now facing a delicate question: how far can we open our arms to visitors without disrupting the lives of residents? Following large demonstrations against “over-tourism,” the debate is intensifying. So, are tourists still welcome in the Iberian Peninsula, or will the alarm signals raised by the population tip the balance? Between the explosion in the number of visitors, urban transformations, and the evident wish to prioritize a qualitative offer, Spain is searching for a new balance. Let’s dive into the backstage of this growing tension, at the heart of the country’s most beautiful cities.
Processions in the streets: exasperation against over-tourism
The raised placards resonate like shocking slogans: “One more tourist, one less neighbor”, “Tourism is killing our city”… In Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, San Sebastián, and in the Balearic or Canary archipelagos, processions have gathered thousands of residents tired of the consequences of record attendance. This phenomenon is not isolated: in Italy, Portugal, the same atmosphere, the same anger. The fear of a “general frustration” is no longer a secret, as Spain welcomed nearly 26 million visitors just at the beginning of 2025. This popular movement is gaining momentum, mixing peaceful demands with more aggressive acts, like the famous water pistols in Barcelona or other evocative graffiti.
From slogans to actions: cities seek a decrease in tourism
If tourism boosts the Spanish economy, it also disrupts daily life: housing converted into vacation rentals, skyrocketing rents, traditional stores replaced by mass-produced souvenirs… In Barcelona, faced with increasing anger, the city hall has taken radical measures. Starting in 2028, no Airbnb licenses will be renewed. At the same time, other cities are tightening their regulations: in Ibiza, vehicle circulation for tourists is already restricted during peak season (see more details). The image of the blissful tourist swaying between the Sagrada Familia and the Ramblas no longer enjoys unanimous support. For some, “it’s almost better if they don’t come”: a blunt statement from the spokesperson of the assembly for tourism de-growth, reflecting the unease.
The flip side: economic growth and social issues
But can one turn their back on one of the main sources of national wealth? In tourist cities like Barcelona and Malaga, tensions are rising: the sector weighs heavily in the balance, generating thousands of jobs and a significant tax revenue. A paradox illustrated by the remarks of Juan Pablo González Cruz, of the Tenerife hoteliers’ association: “If the infrastructures are saturated, it is up to public authorities to react, not to irrationally limit the influx.” Tourism represents 37% of the Canary Islands’ GDP, where beaches attract middle classes from all over Europe — a clientele that many professionals do not want to lose. Economic arguments are all the more pressing as the region is marked by unemployment and poverty, as also highlighted by the rebound tourism trend observed elsewhere in Europe.
Quality over quantity: towards a new model of tourism?
In the face of saturation, Spain is drawing inspiration from trends in sustainable tourism and premium local experiences. Barcelona, for instance, has implemented a tourist tax and has frozen the construction of new hotels in the city center. The ambition: to reduce the impact while maintaining a profitable and more respectful tourism. The watchword? Attract visitors for congresses, seminars, or prestigious cultural events, those who would prefer a five-star hotel over a crowded hostel. A compromise that responds to the issues highlighted by sustainable tourism, while betting on upgrading the offerings.
Residents between pride and annoyance
While some Spaniards still enjoy playing guides for a day or showing their best smile at a café terrace, others frankly admit their feeling of dispossession. Demonstration in Malaga, where neighborhood associations mock the “Spanish quality tourism”: alcohol shelves disappear faster than local products, and “typical” restaurants serve quiches and English-style brunch like global fast-food. For many, the soul of cities is fading — while the model of peaceful cohabitation seems increasingly compromised. The fight against this frustration involves imposing quotas, as with the famous ravine of Masca in Tenerife, whose annual quota has shrunk after the introduction of a paid entry.
Towards a future coexistence: welcome, yes — invade, no!
This boiling debate is not unique to Spain: island or coastal destinations are rethinking their models to protect their territory and the authenticity that makes them strong. Platforms are also rethinking their offerings, like Veezit in the Indian Ocean, while tourist flows are evolving across Europe. In France, similar questions are emerging, particularly regarding international clientele (learn more here). For Spain, welcoming visitors remains a point of pride — but the banner of “Bienvenidos” proudly waved yesterday can no longer be a blank check for everyone, all the time, everywhere: now, it’s about going slower, but better.
