Travellers with plans to visit Spain this June may find themselves caught in the middle of a growing backlash against mass tourism, as coordinated protests are set to erupt across 16 popular destinations on 15 June 2025.
Organised by the Southern European Network Against Touristification, the demonstrations will unfold in locations including Barcelona, Majorca, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and several other Mediterranean and Canary Island hotspots. Protest groups from across Spain, Portugal and Italy have united under a common goal: to raise awareness of what they describe as the destructive impact of unchecked tourism on local communities.
And this time, they’re not pulling punches. “We want tourists to have some level of fear about the situation,” said Barcelona protester Elena Boschi. “Without fear, there is no change.” Her comments reflect a rising frustration among locals, many of whom say their quality of life has been eroded by spiralling rent prices, overcrowding, and the strain placed on public services.
The June protests are expected to cause serious disruption. Protesters have vowed to block access to landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and beaches across the Balearics and Canaries. Demonstrations may also target airports and buses transporting tourists. In Tenerife, action is already underway with protests scheduled to begin on 18 May in Santa Cruz.
Spain is not new to tourism-related protests. In recent years, locals have marched through city streets, sprayed beachgoers with water guns, and held signs pleading with visitors to reconsider their holidays. But what’s different now, organisers say, is the scale. This “unprecedented mobilisation” will be the largest coordinated action against tourism ever held in southern Europe. Groups from cities like Lisbon, Valencia, Venice, Palermo, and Marseille will also take part, each deciding on how to execute their local demonstrations under a shared slogan.
The protests are rooted in deep-seated concerns. In many tourist-heavy areas, average rent prices have doubled over the past decade, with house prices climbing by 44%. Long-term rental options have become scarce, forcing residents out of their own neighbourhoods. Locals also say mass tourism has transformed once-charming areas into overcrowded, expensive playgrounds for foreign visitors.
“We’re not against tourists,” said one anonymous activist. “But we are against the model of tourism that has turned our homes into short-term rentals and our cities into theme parks.”
The protest movement hopes to pressure regional governments to implement policies that limit tourism growth, promote sustainable alternatives, and place community needs above economic gain. Environmental group GOB, based in the Balearics, is among those calling for a “true socioeconomic transformation”.
Irish and British travellers, two of Spain’s biggest inbound markets, have already begun rethinking their plans. On social media and travel forums, would-be holidaymakers are voicing concerns and even cancelling trips in favour of less contentious destinations.
Australian travel agents should stay informed of developments, especially for clients with upcoming bookings to Spain or the Canary Islands. While airlines and tour operators have yet to formally adjust their itineraries, the potential for disruption—particularly around major transport hubs—means agents may need to advise on alternate travel dates or destinations.
Spain’s protest movement is not the only one of its kind, but it is currently the most organised and outspoken. As Europe grapples with how to balance tourism with livability, these June demonstrations could mark a turning point. After all, when locals start asking tourists not to come—and say they mean to make them feel uncomfortable—it’s not just a local issue. It’s a global tourism wake-up call.
✈️ Travel Advisory Box
Date of Demonstrations: Saturday, 15 June 2025
Locations Affected:
Barcelona, Majorca, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Valencia, Pyrenees, Ibiza, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián, Pamplona, Lisbon, Venice, Naples, Palermo, Rimini, Marseille
Type of Disruption Expected:
Blockades at attractions, beaches, airports, and transport hubs
Delays and access restrictions in city centres
Increased police presence and potential protest-related clashes
Advice for Travellers:
Check with airlines and travel providers for schedule changes
Avoid areas of planned protest activity
Ensure travel insurance includes civil unrest cover
Consider alternative destinations or travel dates
🔗 Useful Links
SmartTraveller Spain Travel Advice (DFAT)
Canary Islands Tourism Board
Spanish Tourism Board – Official Updates
Travel Insurance Comparison (Finder AU)
