Lorraine Williamson
From Barcelona’s iconic boulevards to the historic streets of Granada and the beaches of Palma, a new wave of anti-tourism protests swept across Spain this weekend.
Frustration is mounting as locals accuse the booming tourism industry of pushing up rents, squeezing out residents, and damaging the social fabric of their cities.
Housing, not hotels: San Sebastián voices anger
In San Sebastián, around 500 demonstrators gathered on Sunday at Paseo de la Concha, carrying banners reading “Housing is a right” and “Stop mass tourism.” The protest, spearheaded by the grassroots platform Bizilagunekin and backed by over 48 local organisations, highlighted a housing crisis that many blame directly on the city’s thriving tourism sector. Protesters argue that short-term holiday lets are devouring housing stock, forcing locals to leave the neighbourhoods where they’ve lived for generations.
Barcelona march halted near Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, a flashpoint in the debate over mass tourism, saw roughly 600 people take to the streets. The march began at the Jardines de Salvador Espriu and moved along the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, though police intervened before the protesters reached the Sagrada Familia.
Carrying placards declaring “Bread, roof, future” and “One more tourist, one fewer neighbour”, campaigners not only denounced overcrowding but also condemned the planned expansion of El Prat Airport. Many fear that enlarging the airport will fuel even more unchecked visitor numbers, worsening the city’s chronic housing shortage and infrastructure strain.
Granada residents defend their neighbourhoods
Despite sweltering heat and the distraction of Granada’s annual feria, around 350 people gathered at the Mirador de San Nicolás to demand action. Organised by Albayzín Habitable, a citizens’ group fighting gentrification, the protest targeted what organisers call the “overexploitation” of historic districts by tourism. Chants of “More residents, fewer tourists” rang out across the city’s famous viewpoints, reflecting a growing resentment towards property speculators and holiday rental investors.
Palma de Mallorca sees largest turnout
The largest crowds were seen in Palma de Mallorca, where thousands of islanders rallied under the banner of Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life). Protesters were joined by campaigners from other southern European destinations also struggling with tourism saturation. Spokesman Jaume Pujol summed up the movement’s message: “This is about our right to a dignified life. Tourism must have limits.”
Mounting pressure on Spanish authorities
While tourism remains a cornerstone of Spain’s economy, these protests underscore the mounting social tensions beneath the surface. Locals are demanding stricter regulation of holiday rentals, curbs on tourism expansion, and stronger protection for affordable housing.
Until now, the Spanish government has largely responded with roundtable discussions and sustainability forums. But as demonstrations grow in size and spread to more cities, public pressure is intensifying. The key question remains: will policymakers finally take decisive action, or will tourism continue to reshape Spain’s urban landscapes at the expense of those who live there?
Mass tourism in Spain fuels housing crisis and community tensions