Spain’s sun-soaked holiday islands, long a magnet for tourists, are now the epicentre of growing unrest as locals take to the streets with a clear message: ‘Tourists, go home.’
In the Canary and Balearic Islands, including hotspots like Mallorca and Tenerife, residents are protesting against the overwhelming influx of visitors, which they say is driving up living costs, straining infrastructure, and eroding local culture.
Why Are Locals Angry?
The protests, marked by marches and placards reading ‘Tourists Out’, highlight frustrations over skyrocketing rents, overcrowded beaches, and environmental damage. Many islanders argue that mass tourism benefits big businesses while leaving communities struggling.
The Impact of Over-Tourism
With record visitor numbers in recent years, the islands’ resources are stretched thin. Residents report water shortages, traffic gridlock, and a loss of affordable housing as properties are converted into holiday rentals.
What’s Next?
Activists are demanding stricter regulations on short-term rentals and tourist numbers, while some officials call for a ‘sustainable tourism’ model. Will Spain’s government listen—or will the protests escalate further?
