Canary Islands Locals Protest Tourism Boom

Charlie Spain 16 May 2025 | | 0

Residents of Spain’s Canary Islands are once again taking to the streets to protest against overtourism, as visitor numbers hit new records in 2025.

On Sunday, 18 May, demonstrations will be held across all seven main islands — El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura — starting at 11 AM. Protests are also planned in Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia from 12 PM, with solidarity demonstrations expected in Berlin, Germany.

The movement, led by the campaign group Canarias Tiene un Límite (“The Canary Islands Have a Limit”), is reigniting public opposition to mass tourism, which locals say is straining the islands’ housing, infrastructure, and environment.

The protests are a response to what locals describe as an unsustainable tourism-driven economy. Organisers are calling for:

A halt to hotel expansion and the cancellation of a proposed motor circuit in Tenerife
A moratorium on new tourist developments
Stronger protections for local access to housing and healthcare
An ecological tourist tax to support sustainability
Measures to reduce marine pollution
Legislation to support environmental restoration

Campaigners argue that the Canary Islands’ limited land and resources are being pushed to their breaking point by unchecked growth and increasing tourist numbers.

Tourist Numbers Reach New Highs Despite Unrest

According to data from the Canary Islands National Statistics Institute (INE), more than 1.55 million foreign tourists visited the islands in March 2025 — a 0.9% increase compared to the same month last year.

In the first quarter of 2025 alone, international arrivals rose to 4.36 million, up 2.1% year-on-year.

These record figures come despite ongoing protests and recent walkouts. Over Easter, around 80,000 hospitality workers across four islands participated in strikes demanding better pay and working conditions.

How Will This Impact Travellers?

If you're planning a trip to the Canary Islands, here’s what you should be aware of:

Disruptions Possible: Protests on 18 May may lead to road closures, transport delays, or interruptions in tourist areas, especially near major towns and coastal hotspots.
Growing Local Tensions: Tourists may encounter signs, banners, or demonstrations expressing anti-tourism sentiment. While generally peaceful, it’s advisable to be respectful and informed about local concerns.
Potential for Service Interruptions: Further strikes or protest-related disruptions in hospitality services (hotels, restaurants, etc.) could affect the quality of your stay.
Eco-Taxes on the Horizon: Authorities may introduce an environmental tourist tax or other measures that could increase travel costs in the near future.

Travellers are encouraged to stay updated on local news, check with accommodation providers, and avoid protest areas where possible.

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