Europe is battling overtourism as Spain, Italy, and Netherlands enforce new restrictions to curb overcrowding and protect local communities.

For decades, Europe has been a dream destination for millions of travelers seeking historic cities, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cultural experiences. However, as tourism numbers surge post-pandemic, many beloved European hotspots are facing increasing local resentment over the overwhelming impact of mass tourism. Cities and islands once eager to attract visitors are now struggling with overcrowding, environmental degradation, rising living costs, and disruptive visitor behavior.

From Majorca to Amsterdam, Venice to Santorini, locals are demanding change. Protests, new policies, and stricter tourism regulations are emerging as communities push back against the negative consequences of excessive tourism. Authorities in some destinations have begun enforcing caps on visitors, banning cruise ships, increasing tourist taxes, and cracking down on short-term rentals like Airbnb.

Majorca: A Protest Epicenter Against Tourism’s Impact

In Spain’s Balearic Islands, Majorca has become one of the epicenters of local resistance against overtourism. In May 2024, more than 100,000 residents took to the streets of Palma, protesting the lack of affordable housing due to soaring rent prices driven by tourism demand. The protests continued into the summer, with demonstrators occupying beaches and urging tourists to stay away.

Graffiti across Majorca reflects local frustration, with messages like “Your paradise, our hell”. Many locals argue that mass tourism is eroding their quality of life, forcing them out of their homes, and depleting natural resources.

Barcelona: Strict Regulations to Reduce Tourist Crowds

Barcelona has long struggled with overtourism. Since 2017, anti-tourist sentiments have escalated, with incidents such as attacks on tour buses making headlines. The city’s government has responded by introducing stringent regulations to curb tourism’s impact.

The most drastic measure? A plan to phase out all tourist apartments by 2029 in an effort to free up housing for locals. Rising rents, overcrowded streets, and a nightlife scene catering primarily to visitors have driven local resentment. In past protests, demonstrators have even sprayed tourists with water as a form of resistance.

Amsterdam: The ‘Stay Away’ Campaign and Cruise Ship Ban

Amsterdam, a city famous for its liberal atmosphere and lively nightlife, is actively discouraging certain types of tourists from visiting. In March 2024, the Dutch capital launched its “Stay Away” campaign, aimed at deterring rowdy visitors—particularly those coming for excessive partying.

This is just one part of Amsterdam’s larger effort to regain control over tourism. By 2035, the city will ban cruise ships from docking, cutting down on mass tourism and its environmental footprint. The move highlights growing dissatisfaction with overcrowding and disruptive tourist behavior.

Venice: Introducing a Tourist Tax to Curb Overcrowding

Venice has long suffered from mass tourism, with millions of visitors flooding the city’s fragile lagoon ecosystem every year. To manage visitor numbers, the city introduced a €5 entry fee for day-trippers in April 2024.

The tax’s first day sparked protests, with demonstrators carrying signs reading “Welcome to Veniceland”, criticizing the commercialization of their city. Venice had already banned large cruise ships from docking in central areas, signaling a shift toward more sustainable tourism policies.

Split and Dubrovnik: Croatia’s Crackdown on Unruly Tourists

Croatia’s Adriatic coast has become another battleground for anti-tourism efforts. In Split, authorities installed signs warning visitors against urination in public, climbing on monuments, and drunken behavior. Violators face fines of up to €300, and private security now patrols the streets at night to enforce these rules.

Dubrovnik, another Croatian hotspot, is tackling mass tourism by reducing the number of cruise ships allowed to dock daily, hoping to ease the strain on its historic Old Town.

The Canary Islands: Protests Against Overdevelopment and Tourism Strains

Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, has seen increasing hostility toward tourists, with graffiti stating “Tourists go home” appearing on walls. A major protest in April 2024, under the slogan “The Canary Islands have a limit”, highlighted concerns over resource depletion, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation.

Locals demand stricter regulations on visitor numbers and short-term rentals, fearing that continued tourism expansion will push them out of their own communities.

Santorini and Capri: Small Islands Struggling with Mass Tourism

Santorini, Greece, and Capri, Italy, both face similar challenges. Santorini receives over two million tourists annually, dwarfing its local population of just 15,000. The Greek government has attempted to control the influx by restricting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock each day.

Capri, meanwhile, sees up to 16,000 visitors daily, overwhelming its 12,900 permanent residents. Frustrations are growing over the increased presence of short-term rentals like Airbnb, which drive up housing prices.

Provence: Balancing Tourism and Environmental Conservation

While not as vocal as other regions, Provence, France, is taking a proactive approach to managing visitor numbers. To preserve its delicate landscapes, officials have capped daily visitors at 400 in the Sugiton coves, a popular natural attraction.

This controlled approach aims to strike a balance between welcoming tourists and protecting local environments—a model that could inspire other destinations grappling with overtourism.

Corfu: A Different Approach to Managing Tourism Growth

Unlike other European hotspots, Corfu has yet to see large-scale anti-tourism protests. However, tensions are rising over projects like the controversial Erimitis development, which locals fear will harm the island’s natural beauty and increase tourism-related pressures.

With over 1.5 million tourists arriving via air each summer, Corfu’s residents are urging authorities to prioritize sustainable development to prevent future conflicts.

The Future of Tourism: Balancing Visitor Experience with Local Well-Being

As anti-tourism protests and new regulations continue to spread across Europe, the future of travel is shifting. Local communities are demanding sustainable tourism models that prioritize their housing, resources, and quality of life over unchecked tourism expansion.

For travelers, this means adapting to new rules, being mindful of local concerns, and supporting responsible tourism initiatives. Moving forward, the goal is to create a balanced tourism industry where both visitors and locals benefit—ensuring Europe’s most cherished destinations remain welcoming for generations to come.

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