Spain has long been a top choice for Irish sun-seekers, but a surge in anti-tourism sentiment among locals is raising concerns about how welcome visitors, including Irish tourists — will be made to feel this summer.
A fresh wave of protests is sweeping across popular Spanish holiday hotspots, including Majorca and Tenerife.
Locals are voicing frustration over the impact of mass tourism on daily life, citing rising property prices, housing shortages, and overcrowded towns.
Protesters have taken to the streets with banners reading “Let’s change course and set limits on tourism” and “This isn’t tourism-phobia, it’s numbers: 1,232,014 residents, 18 million tourists.”
The demonstrations follow a series of similar protests last year and appear to be gaining momentum.
In Majorca, one of the island’s famous Osborne bull statues was recently defaced with red paint and the words “Rich foreign property buyers go to hell.” In Tenerife, the tone has turned more alarming, with threatening signs such as “Kill a tourist” spotted and reports of activists targeting rental cars.
While many of these actions are symbolic and intended to raise awareness, they reflect a rising tide of resentment toward unchecked tourism. The unrest is particularly significant in regions that have long depended on tourism and are firm favourites among Irish travellers.
One of the main groups behind the protests, Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), has pledged to escalate its campaign ahead of the busy summer season.
Organizer Pere Joan said their efforts may include beach occupations and large-scale demonstrations. “There will be one big day of protests,” he said, possibly aligning with national housing protests on April 5.
With approximately 2.5 million Irish tourists visiting Spain annually, the protests have prompted warnings from travel experts. Alexandra Dubakova, CMO at Free Tour, urged holidaymakers to research local conditions before traveling. “Search for possible protest zones and avoid them to prevent safety issues and travel disruption,” she said.
Dubakova also advised travellers to consider less crowded destinations, such as small towns on the northern coast. “They are typically more relaxed and less affected by the unrest,” she added. Booking hotels and tours with flexible cancellation policies is also recommended in case of last-minute changes.
Despite the protests, many in Spain’s tourism sector are working to reassure international visitors.
In Lanzarote, for example, some businesses have begun displaying stickers reading “Lanzarote loves tourism” to show solidarity with holidaymakers.
Travel company On the Beach sent a team to Spain last year to better understand the root of the protests.
According to Chief Customer Officer Zoe Harris, their findings revealed widespread frustration among locals — but mainly with government policies and landlord behavior, rather than tourists themselves.
Restaurant owners, hotel staff and bar workers in Tenerife told the travel team that they remain eager to welcome Irish and other international tourists. “We love having them here,” said one hotel owner. “The issue is with housing and living costs, not visitors.”
Sandra Laurie, an Irish expat who has lived in Spain for nine years, echoed that message. “Don’t let the headlines scare you,” she said. “Most protests are aimed at landlord greed. Local shops, restaurants, and beaches are full of life, and people are enjoying everything Spain has to offer.”
While tensions remain, the majority of Spain’s tourism hubs continue to thrive. Holidaymakers are being encouraged to stay informed, avoid protest areas, and continue to enjoy Spain — respectfully and responsibly.