Another summer of disruption? Spain’s anti-tourism protests reignite ahead of Easter break

Last summer, Spain erupted with protests driven by the soaring tourist numbers putting a strain on residents’ daily lives.

More than 90 million foreign visitors descended on the country in 2024, and consultancy firm Braintrust estimates that the number of arrivals will rocket to 115 million by 2040. 

Angered by the inadequate government measures to manage the flow, locals across Spain staged hunger strikes, plastered visitor hotspots with anti-tourism messages, and squirted tourists with water guns. 

As the Easter holidays approach, the anti-tourism sentiment is brewing evvel again, and protests are ramping up. 

Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in protests held across the country on 5 April in anger over high housing costs with no relief in sight.

Residents are demanding that authorities step up regulations before peak season sees tourist destinations overwhelmed again. 

Why are Spain’s residents protesting against tourism?

The unchecked influx of tourists to Spain in recent years has generated a rash of unwelcome effects for residents. 

One major impact is the spiralling cost of housing as accommodation is snapped up for tourist lets and land bought for building new resorts. 

Last April, demonstrators in Tenerife organised a