British holidaymakers are being urged to reconsider visits to three of Spain’s most iconic destinations after they were included in Fodor’s Travel’s ‘No List 2025.’
The renowned travel guide warns that these locations risk “dying of success” due to overtourism, which has led to social tensions, skyrocketing costs, and infrastructure overload.
The three Spanish spots mentioned were Mallorca, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.
The ‘No List 2025,’ featuring 15 global destinations, highlights areas suffering from an unsustainable influx of visitors.
Alongside Spain’s entries, locations such as Bali, Venice, Kyoto, and Lisbon have also been flagged for similar concerns.
Fodor’s Travel advised its users to “reconsider” whether it’s really worth spending their holidays in some of the most popular destinations in Spain.
In Spain, tourism accounts for a significant portion of local economies, 35% of GDP in the Canary Islands, for instance.
However, Fodor’s notes that mass tourism is now impacting the daily lives of residents, altering cultural identities, and putting pressure on public services.
A 7.2% surge in European tourism in early 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, further exacerbates the strain.
Fodor’s editors point to protests as a growing sign of local discontent.
Tourist saturation has led to protests being organised in various parts of the country, including the Canary Islands.
These demonstrations demand measures to limit visitor numbers and establish more sustainable tourism.
Similar protests have been recorded in Barcelona and Mallorca, where residents have also called for caps on mass tourism.
Residents in these regions cite challenges such as unaffordable housing, overcrowded public spaces, and a loss of community character.
While Spain grapples with these issues, it is far from alone. The ‘No List’ pointed out similar struggles in international hotspots, from uncontrolled development in Bali to price hikes in Venice and cultural erosion in Lisbon.
The inclusion of the Canary Islands, Barcelona, and Mallorca in this list reflects a growing debate about tourism sustainability and its impact on residents’ quality of life.
Although Fodor’s acknowledges the economic importance of the tourism industry in these places, it emphasises the need to rethink strategies to avoid what it defines as “unsustainable popularity.”