17.03.2025 12:00
In Spain, anti-tourism activists are planning to intensify their campaigns against holidaymakers by closing off natural beauty spots and setting rental cars on fire. These actions are a response to the growing local backlash against mass tourism. A popular viewpoint in Ibiza has been closed to the public, and rental cars have been burned in Tenerife.
Anti-tourism activists have announced that they will create chaos in Spain this summer. They are intensifying their campaigns against holidaymakers by closing off natural beauties and setting rental cars on fire. They are also planning an international summit to discuss protest tactics.
Visitors to the entertainment paradise of Ibiza were disappointed last month. As a sign of the growing local backlash against mass tourism, a popular viewpoint was closed off with rocks.
The famous Es Vedra viewpoint, where thousands gather every evening to watch the sunset behind the mountainous island, is now closed to access. Fed-up landowners have stated that they are tired of being invaded by crowds. A sign now warns visitors: "Private Property. Access Restricted."
However, the closed road pales in comparison to the violent incidents that occurred last week in Tenerife. There, angry activists burned and vandalized rental cars as a form of protest.
Disturbing images circulating online show masked individuals setting fire to about 20 rental cars in the Costa Adeje resort, which is frequently favored by British holidaymakers, after soaking them with flammable liquid.
Angry protesters targeted visitors last year, blaming them for rising rents and a cost-of-living crisis that has displaced locals. Some activists even escalated their protests by threatening to block airports.
The anti-tourism movement is gaining momentum in Southern Europe. At least 15 activist groups from holiday resorts in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France will meet in Barcelona next month to plan their next steps.
The "Neighborhood Council for Tourism Reduction," which plays a significant role in the anti-tourism movement, has stated that it aims to "strengthen the network of Southern European territories against tourists."
More promises of protests have come after last summer's large demonstrations, where anger against mass tourism particularly surged in Spain's popular holiday resorts.
In January, shocking graffiti reading "kill a tourist" appeared during ongoing protests in the resort town of Tenerife.
This chilling slogan was spotted by a local in a house in the south of the Spanish island, who is concerned that the protest movement against overcrowding has gone too far.
A local resident, who spoke to LBC on the condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said, "The situation on the islands is worsening due to the large number of tourists and new residents who are seriously affecting our natural environment and leaving us homeless."
They added that the people on the island are desperately waiting for change and respect.
"But perhaps this does not justify these increasingly escalating actions. It's frightening," they stated.
In October, hundreds of protesters stormed Tenerife's Troya beach. Sunbathing holidaymakers were stunned when a crowd carrying banners chanting slogans like "More tourists, more misery" and "The Canary Islands are not for sale" disturbed them.
The protesters descended on one of Las Americas' (Tenerife) most popular beaches, marching along the shore while playing drums and blowing whistles.