Chaos in the Canary Islands: Thousands Protest Overtourism Crisis

A Sea of Protesters Floods the Streets

On May 18, 2025, an estimated 23,000 residents across the Canary Islands—including Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria—took to the streets to protest against the overwhelming influx of tourists. Organized under the banner “The Canary Islands Have a Limit,” demonstrators voiced concerns over the strain that mass tourism places on local resources, housing, and the environment. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife alone, approximately 7,000 people gathered within the first hour of the protest, according to police estimates. Protesters carried placards reading “Tourist – respect my land!” and “Canaries have a limit,” emphasizing their call for sustainable tourism practices.

Housing Crisis Intensifies Amid Tourist Boom

The surge in tourism has exacerbated a housing crisis in the Canary Islands. With 13.9 million tourists visiting in 2023—six times the islands’ population of 2.2 million—the demand for short-term rentals has skyrocketed, driving up housing costs and making it difficult for locals to find affordable accommodation. Many residents have been forced to live in cars or even caves due to the lack of affordable housing options. Activists argue that the proliferation of vacation rentals has led to gentrification, displacing long-term residents and eroding community cohesion.

Environmental Concerns Take Center Stage

Protesters also highlighted the environmental degradation resulting from overtourism. The islands’ fragile ecosystems are under threat from the construction of large-scale tourist developments, such as the controversial 400-villa resort project, Cuna del Alma, in southern Tenerife. Environmental groups warn that such projects disrupt natural habitats and strain limited resources like water and waste management systems. In response, some activists have resorted to hunger strikes to draw attention to the environmental costs of unchecked tourism growth.

Economic Dependence vs. Sustainable Development

Tourism accounts for approximately 35% of the Canary Islands’ GDP and 40% of employment, making it a vital economic sector. However, critics argue that the current model prioritizes quantity over quality, leading to low-paying jobs and economic inequality. Activists are calling for a shift towards sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and preserves the islands’ natural beauty. Proposals include implementing a tourist tax, capping the number of visitors, and promoting eco-friendly tourism initiatives.

Government Response and Legislative Measures

In response to the growing unrest, the Canary Islands’ regional government has proposed legislation to regulate short-term rentals and protect housing affordability for residents. The draft law aims to restrict the expansion of holiday homes and ensure that new developments comply with environmental standards. Officials have also sought European Union funding to support affordable housing projects and infrastructure improvements. Despite these efforts, many protesters remain skeptical, demanding more immediate and comprehensive action to address the root causes of overtourism.

A Broader Movement Against Overtourism

The protests in the Canary Islands are part of a wider movement across Spain and Europe, where residents in popular tourist destinations are pushing back against the negative impacts of mass tourism. Cities like Barcelona, Mallorca, and Málaga have also seen demonstrations demanding more sustainable tourism practices. As the summer travel season approaches, activists are planning additional protests and campaigns to raise awareness and pressure authorities to implement meaningful reforms.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Tourism and Livability

As the Canary Islands grapple with the challenges of overtourism, finding a balance between economic benefits and the well-being of residents remains a pressing concern. The recent protests underscore the urgency of re-evaluating tourism models to ensure they are sustainable, equitable, and respectful of local communities and the environment. Without significant changes, the islands risk losing the very qualities that make them a desirable destination.