Monday, June 23, 2025

A powerful wave of anti-tourism sentiment is sweeping across some of Europe’s most iconic destinations, as Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece confront the mounting pressures of overtourism. Once-celebrated for their warm hospitality, these nations are now witnessing a fierce backlash from local communities fed up with overcrowded streets, rising housing costs, environmental degradation, and the cultural dilution caused by mass tourism. From protests in Barcelona and Venice to public campaigns in Lisbon and Mykonos, residents are demanding bold reforms to reclaim their cities, protect their heritage, and restore quality of life — turning the region’s famed hospitality into a growing resistance movement.

As summer holidays reach their peak, an unsettling trend is gaining traction across Europe: a rising wave of anti-tourism sentiment that is reshaping how Britons are received in some of the continent’s most beloved vacation spots. Warnings are now being issued to UK travellers as frustrations in several European countries intensify over overcrowding, environmental damage, and the cultural impact of mass tourism. Once-welcoming destinations are showing increasing resistance to the millions of holidaymakers who flock to their shores each year — and the backlash is no longer subtle.

Across southern Europe, the mood is shifting. Prominent holiday destinations across Spain, Italy, and Portugal have recently become hotspots for large-scale protests. Protesters are demanding urgent action from local governments to address what they see as unsustainable tourism policies that place economic benefits above the well-being of residents and long-term ecological balance.

In Spain, one of the top choices for UK travellers, the unrest is especially visible. Cities such as Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Malaga, Granada, and San Sebastián are all experiencing growing tension between residents and tourists. Locals cite soaring rent prices, unregulated short-term rentals, overcrowded streets, and a dilution of cultural heritage as key reasons behind their discontent. Graffiti scrawled across buildings in Palma reads “Tourists Go Home” and “You Are Not Welcome,” marking a clear shift from the traditional hospitality that once defined these regions.

Barcelona, long at the heart of the anti-tourism debate, has been grappling with its identity for years. The city receives millions of visitors annually, many of whom come from the UK. However, the overwhelming influx of visitors is now being viewed more as a strain than an asset by local communities. Proposals to restrict cruise ships, limit Airbnb-style accommodations, and curb visitor numbers to popular attractions have gained political momentum, reflecting a growing demand to put residents’ quality of life first.

Portugal, too, has seen growing resistance, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Local communities argue that mass tourism has disrupted neighbourhood dynamics and displaced long-term residents. In Lisbon, protesters recently marched through the capital with banners decrying “Tourism Kills Our City,” as local shops are replaced by souvenir stalls and restaurants increasingly cater to foreign tastes rather than traditional cuisine. Even iconic coastal towns like the Algarve are now part of the conversation, as seasonal crowds threaten local resources and infrastructure.

Italy has added its voice to the growing discontent, with protests breaking out in key cultural and coastal cities such as Venice, Milan, Naples, Genoa, and Palermo. Venice, which has long been on the frontline of overtourism, recently implemented a controversial tourist entry fee to reduce day-tripper traffic. Despite the financial boost from tourism, many residents feel alienated in their own cities, as historical centres become playgrounds for foreign visitors rather than spaces of community life. In Naples and Genoa, demonstrators have staged sit-ins to protest property speculation driven by tourist demand.

The backlash is not just limited to western and southern Europe. Eastern destinations like Prague and parts of Croatia have also started voicing concerns about overtourism’s impact on local infrastructure and affordability. However, the focus for now remains firmly on the Mediterranean, where UK tourists are among the most visible groups.

What makes this shift particularly concerning for British holidaymakers is the perception that UK tourists are among those most closely associated with the excesses of tourism. Whether it’s due to stag and hen parties in Ibiza, binge drinking in Benidorm, or overcrowded tour buses in Rome, the stereotype of the disrespectful or disruptive British tourist has not helped public sentiment.

As tensions simmer, Greece may be the next country to join the movement. While it has long embraced tourism as a cornerstone of its economy, there are growing signs that patience is thinning. From Athens to Santorini and Mykonos, the strain on infrastructure, beaches, and housing markets is becoming evident. Local advocacy groups in Greece are already calling for limits on cruise ship arrivals and tighter regulation on short-term holiday lets, echoing actions taken in other countries.

The EU, while still dependent on tourism revenue, is being pressured by its member states to reimagine the future of travel. Sustainable tourism, local-first development, and balancing visitor demand with resident satisfaction are now top priorities in many national agendas.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece are witnessing a fierce anti-tourism movement as locals push back against overtourism, rising costs, and cultural erosion. Protests and policy reforms are now reshaping how these nations handle mass tourism.

For UK travellers, this means a possible change in how they plan their holidays. Greater cultural sensitivity, support for local businesses, and responsible travel practices will likely become not just recommended — but necessary. As destinations clamp down on tourist behaviour and access, choosing when, where, and how to travel in Europe will require more thought than ever before.