A new series of demonstrations against over-tourism is planned for 15 June across Spain – in the Canary Islands, Mallorca, Barcelona and other cities such as Ibiza, Valencia and Bilbao.
Last summer, in 2024, disgruntled residents took to the streets of Barcelona, the Canary Islands and Mallorca to protest against overcrowding of tourists during the peak season. Some even blamed tourists and ‘digital nomads’ for the rise in house prices.
This week, a new series of demonstrations, organised by the Southern Europe Network against Tourism, is taking place. The protests kicked off in earnest in April 2025, with thousands of people taking to the streets to voice their concerns about mass tourism and the rising cost of living (which they claim is due to tourism).
Activist groups such as Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, Better Life) in Mallorca, are calling for more sustainable tourism practices, limiting development and better protection of the local environment and communities.
These groups are organising coordinated actions in cities across Spain, including Palma (Mallorca), Barcelona, Lanzarote and Donostia-San Sebastian.
Major demonstrations are planned in the following cities:
Palma (Mallorca): led by Menys Turisme, Més Vida, with the participation of 60 groups
Ibiza, Lanzarote, Tenerife: Protests organised by local activist groups on the impact of tourism on housing and infrastructure
Barcelona: Activists plan to disrupt tourist sites, such as the Sagrada Familia, using water guns and other symbolic actions
Valencia, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastian, Santander, Pamplona: Demonstrations focusing on sustainable tourism practices and local rights.
