Why is Spain angry with tourists?

Spain is facing backlash from residents, particularly in popular spots like the Canary Islands, Barcelona, and Mallorca, due to "overtourism" causing unsustainable strain on local infrastructure, rising housing costs, and a loss of local culture. Residents are protesting against high rent, public service congestion, and environmental damage, demanding a shift from a quantity-focused model to a more sustainable, high-quality tourism approach.

Why is Spain protesting against tourists?

Protestors said that the large number of visitors were the cause of price increases for goods across the city, as well as putting pressure on public services, and complained that wealth generated by tourism was not distributed and thus a cause of increased social inequality.

Are tourists no longer welcome in Spain?

Is Spain banning tourists? No, not quite – but certain new rules and restrictions might impact your next trip to the country.

What do Spanish think of British tourists?

“We call the British 'guiris' [an affectionate Spanish word for foreigners, comes from guirigay meaning festive chaos]. They're people who are out of place, disorientated, who come here looking for sunshine, food and the fiestas in Spain, who has no sense of the ridiculous,” says Luis.

Is it safe for tourists in Spain right now?

The Spanish government maintains a public alert system on terrorism and communicates threat level changes online and through local media. The current threat level for Spain is level 4 (“high”) on a scale of 5.

“Tourists go home”: Inside the angry protests on Spain’s holiday islands | On the Ground

Is Spain safe for British tourists?

Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire. Do not carry all your valuables in one place.

Why don't Spaniards want tourists?

Specific cities in Spain have been transformed by their local governments to please tourists, even implementing local laws that negatively impact locals. One example is that locals cannot afford buying or renting flats anymore, cause all of them are being used by airbnb and similars just for visitors.

Are Brits still welcome in Spain?

Visa requirements. You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Spain, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Why is Spain allowing so many immigrants?

The Spanish government wants to regularise more than one million migrants within three years. For Madrid, this is one of the keys to future prosperity, in a context of demographic decline. By 2027, more than one million undocumented immigrants could be granted legal status in Spain.

Where to go in Spain to avoid tourists?

El Hierro: Spain's least-visited island

El Hierro is one of the Canary Islands but sees a fraction of the visitors of Tenerife. While overtourism on Spain's popular holiday destinations such as Mallorca, Ibiza and Tenerife has dominated headlines, that doesn't mean you should avoid island life altogether.

What are the new rules for tourists in Spain?

Spain's new rules for tourists focus on enhanced security and data collection, requiring non-EU visitors to carry proof of accommodation (like a hotel booking or "carta de invitación" for home stays) and potentially face fines, with hotels and rental companies mandated to collect more detailed personal data. Future EU-wide systems like the Entry/Exit System (EES) (fingerprints/photos, Oct 2025) and ETIAS visa-waiver (late 2026) will further streamline border checks and security, while some regions impose local bans on alcohol sales and party boats to curb disruptive tourism. 

Are people in Spain friendly to tourists?

Spain is, in general, quite friendly. You'll have to make finer distinctions, as you can see, if you want to choose the friendliest place to go.

Why is Spain on high alert?

Terrorism. There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Spanish Government's national anti-terror alert level is currently at level four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.

Why are so many Brits leaving Spain?

The UK's departure from the EU has brought about many challenges for British citizens living in Spain. The new residency rules, uncertainty around healthcare, tightening financial situations, and job market difficulties are just a few of the problems they face.

Where are Brits going instead of Spain?

Naturally, British holidaymakers are not exclusively visiting North Africa. While the full data for last year's outbound tourism has yet to be released, information from 2023 shows holidaymakers heading to perennial favourites like Greece, Italy and the US.

What Spanish town is paying Brits to move there?

The Spanish town paying Brits (and others) to move is Ponga, located in Asturias, offering around £2,600 (€3,000) for relocation and an extra £2,600 for each baby born there, provided you commit to living there for at least five years, as part of schemes to combat rural depopulation, alongside other regions like Extremadura offering grants for remote workers. 

Why is Spain so mad at tourists?

Housing isn't the only concern for locals who are angry about mass tourism. They say the huge influx of visitors is also putting enormous pressure on infrastructure such as health, transport, waste and water systems. Protests have been held about damage to the natural environment too.

What is the 2 year rule in Spain?

The new regulation defines and broadens five forms of arraigo: Social arraigo – requires a minimum of 2 years' stay in Spain and a job offer or proof of financial means. Labour arraigo – for those who have worked at least 6 months and resided in Spain for 2 years.

Should I not travel to Spain right now?

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning and target: Tourist locations. Transportation centers like airports and train stations.

What is the 3 year ban in Spain?

Regulations on short-term rentals in Spain

Malaga: In January 2025, Malaga implemented a three-year freeze on new short-term rental registrations in 43 districts where such rentals constitute more than 8% of residential properties. This measure aims to improve housing availability for residents.

What is the Beckham loophole in Spain?

The "Beckham Loophole" (or Beckham Law) in Spain is a special tax regime for skilled foreign workers, named after David Beckham, allowing them to pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish income (up to €600k) for six years, treating them as non-residents to avoid higher progressive rates and generally exempting foreign income, with recent updates expanding eligibility to remote workers and entrepreneurs. This "loophole" allows expats to significantly reduce their tax burden by paying non-resident rates on Spanish income, while foreign earnings remain untaxed in Spain, a major advantage over standard resident taxation. 

Has anyone been fined for overstaying in Spain?

The possible consequences for staying in Spain or the Schengen Area for more than 90/180 days include: Fines – Depending on the country and how long you've overstayed, you could be made to pay a fine of anything from 500€ to 10,000€. This penalty may be combined with an entry ban.