Spain has long been a favorite destination for British holidaymakers, offering sun-soaked beaches, rich cultural experiences, and a short flight from the UK.
However, recent developments have seen a surge in anti-tourism protests across popular Spanish regions, prompting concerns among travelers.
If you’re one of the millions of Brits planning to soak up the sun in Spain this summer, you might want to double-check your mobile data plan—and your welcome.
British tourists are facing a double blow: expensive new roaming charges and rising anti-tourism protests across popular Spanish destinations.
From Brexit’s lingering aftershocks to street-level unrest in the Balearic Islands, Spain’s once-smooth holidays now come with some unexpected bumps. Here’s what’s happening—and how to travel smarter in 2025.
The Rise of Anti-tourism Sentiment in Spain
In recent years, popular Spanish destinations such as the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands (including Mallorca and Ibiza), Barcelona, and Málaga have seen a surge in local opposition to mass tourism. Residents in these areas are increasingly vocal about the downsides of overtourism, pointing to several pressing issues.
Housing Shortages and Soaring Costs
The rise of short-term vacation rentals has driven up housing prices, pushing locals out of the market. In Barcelona, for instance, rents have increased by more than 70% over the past decade. In response, the city has pledged to phase out all tourist rentals by 2028 to ease the crisis.
Environmental Damage and Resource Strain
The sheer volume of tourists has taken a significant toll on natural resources, resulting in water shortages and ecological harm.
Protests erupted in Lanzarote when residents faced water restrictions while hotels continued to operate without limits, exposing the unfair prioritization of tourism over local needs.
Overburdened Infrastructure
Public services are struggling to keep up with the demands of overcrowded streets, congested transportation, and overwhelmed healthcare and sanitation systems. The strain has deepened frustration among locals, who feel their quality of life is being sacrificed for tourism revenue.
The backlash against mass tourism has manifested in a range of demonstrations—from organized marches and symbolic beach occupations to more confrontational acts, such as dousing tourists with water guns or defacing rental vehicles.
These actions underscore a growing frustration among locals, who are calling for a fundamental shift in how tourism is managed.
Brexit and the Roaming Reset: What Changed?
One of the lesser-known consequences of Brexit has begun to bite: the loss of free EU roaming for UK mobile users.
When the UK was part of the EU, travelers could use their mobile data, calls, and texts throughout Europe at no extra cost, thanks to the “Roam Like at Home” rules. But after leaving the bloc, those benefits disappeared, and each country can now set its own terms.
In a fresh blow, Spain has reportedly blocked efforts to negotiate cheaper data roaming terms for UK travelers.
According to UK Government guidance, roaming is no longer free, and travelers are urged to check with their providers. Major UK networks like EE, Vodafone, and Three now charge roaming fees again, ranging from £2 to £5 per day for European usage.
For British tourists heading to Spain—still the UK’s top holiday destination—this means that checking Google Maps or uploading beach selfies could end up costing far more than expected.
How Spain’s Anti-Tourism Protests Could Affect British Visitors?
As Spain’s anti-tourism movement gains momentum, British holidaymakers, who
account for over 20% of international visitors, are finding themselves directly impacted by the unrest. Many have reported uncomfortable encounters that are changing the dynamics of their Spanish getaways.
As Spain’s protests grow louder, the ripple effects are reaching the travel industry.
Jet2’s CEO, Steve Heapy, has confirmed a troubling trend: travelers are now hesitating—or even canceling trips—to Spain, as unrest shakes their confidence. Could this be the tipping point for tourism in one of Europe’s most beloved destinations?
Anti-tourist Sentiment Surging in Spain
Unfortunately, mobile charges aren’t the only concern. Across the Spanish coast and islands, a new wave of anti-tourism protests has taken hold.
This year, thousands of residents in Mallorca and Ibiza marched through the streets demanding urgent reforms to limit mass tourism.
Protest signs read “Tourists go home” and “My salary can’t pay my rent,” reflecting growing frustration over overcrowded cities, skyrocketing rent prices, and the environmental toll of over-tourism.
Barcelona, long a symbol of cultural pride, has seen an increase in graffiti targeting tourists.
In the Canary Islands, activists have called for limits on cruise ships and short-term rentals—over 70% of locals in the Balearic Islands support measures to restrict tourism levels.
These protests aren’t aimed at individuals, but they signal a shift in Spain’s relationship with foreign visitors, especially those arriving in overwhelming numbers.
Spain’s Tourism Reckoning: Radical Measures or Too Little, Too Late?
The streets are loud with protest, the signs are clear—”Tourists go home!”—and now, Spain’s government is finally responding. But will these drastic measures cool tensions or ignite a bigger battle over the future of travel in one of Europe’s top destinations?
The Crackdown in Motion
- “Pay-to-Stay” Tourist Taxes – Catalonia and the Balearics now slap visitors with fees of up to €4 per night, a direct cash grab to fund their overwhelmed infrastructure. But will it deter crowds—or just price out budget travelers while big spenders carry on?
- Airbnb Purge in Barcelona – The city is wiping out 10,000+ short-term rental licenses, a brutal strike against vacation rentals. Locals cheer, but what happens to the tourism-dependent workers left in the lurch?
- Hotel Construction Freeze – San Sebastián says “not one more hotel”, betting on sustainability overgrowth. A bold move—but will it just push tourists (and their money) to rival cities?
Spain is drawing a line in the sand: Mass tourism, as we know it, is over. But with 80 million visitors a year fueling the economy, can the country really afford to turn them away?
The question isn’t just about policy—it’s about survival.
Will these fixes heal the divide, or are they the first cracks in a tourism-dependent economy starting to crumble?
Spain’s Tourism Dilemma: Can It Afford to Push Visitors Away?
Tourism isn’t just part of Spain’s economy—it’s the lifeblood. Accounting for 13% of GDP and propping up countless businesses, the sector is too big to ignore. Yet as protests rage and policies tighten, a critical question emerges: Is Spain risking its golden goose?
The High-Stakes Numbers Game
British Tourists = Big Money
In 2024, UK visitors alone pumped €22.6 billion into Spain, more than any other nationality.
However, research now shows that Brits are eyeing Amsterdam, Budapest, and Athens instead, spooked by unrest and new restrictions.
A Looming Tipping Point?
Short-term gain, long-term pain? Tourist taxes and rental bans may ease local anger, but if travelers flee, who fills the financial gap?
Competitors are circling. Rival destinations are ready to welcome frustrated tourists with open arms—and no protests.
The Bottom Line?
Spain is walking a tightrope. Crack down too hard, and the economy bleeds. Do nothing, and locals keep revolting. Is there a middle ground—or is a tourism collapse inevitable?
What Should You Do Then as a British Traveler?
British tourists planning Spanish holidays this summer should be aware of the growing anti-tourism protests and prepare accordingly.
With Spain receiving over 18 million UK visitors last year, representing its largest tourist market, travellers are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions.
Key recommendations include monitoring local news for protest locations in popular areas, such as Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands, where demonstrations have recently intensified.
The Foreign Office advises avoiding large gatherings and being aware that some attractions may close unexpectedly due to protests.
Tourists should familiarise themselves with new local regulations, including tourist taxes (up to €4 per night in some regions) and restrictions on short-term rentals.
Respecting residential areas by keeping noise down, especially during siesta hours, can help ease tensions.
Skip Roaming Charges with Pirate Mobile eSIM
Thanks to advances in mobile tech, you no longer need to rely on your UK provider while abroad. Enter Pirate Mobile eSIM—a simple, affordable, and instant solution to staying connected across Europe.
With Pirate Mobile, you can:
- Activate a Spain data plan in minutes, right from your phone
- Save big compared to daily roaming fees
- Enjoy fast, reliable data coverage wherever you go
- Avoid SIM swaps—just scan, install, and surf
Whether you’re navigating through Seville, streaming your road trip in Costa Brava, or keeping in touch with family back home, Pirate Mobile keeps you connected without the roaming surprise.
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