Spain 'no-travel' list as experts warn British tourists of overcrowded destinations
Experts have weighed in on the places to avoid in Spain that are suffering from overtourism.
Experts have shared the places they think British tourists should avoid in Spain in 2026. Overtourism has become an issue for locals in Spain, many of whom have taken to the streets in protest of high visitor numbers. These protestors say a number of issues come from too many tourists, such as a shortage of housing, crowded streets and heavy traffic. For tourists, overcrowded spots can mean their holidays aren't as relaxing as they would like.
While Brits might dream of heading to popular Spanish spots to soak up the sun, sleep in late and have a relaxing dip in the warm Mediterranean Sea, they might find themselves racing to the beach for a decent spot, dodging crowds of people on the main strip, and being met with locals who would frankly prefer if they were not there. Experts have weighed in with their insights, revealing the Spanish destinations where overcrowding is a major issue, with some offering less-visited alternatives that might prove more enjoyable.
Tenerife has seen its fair share of protests taking place over the past couple of tourist seasons. The island in the Canaries has long been popular for British holidaymakers, but locals have grown tired of the massive crowds during the busy summer months.
Jiayi Wang, a travel expert, professional photographer, and the Founder of The Diary Of A Nomad, said: "The Canary Islands, and Tenerife in particular, are under immense environmental and social pressure - traffic and rental shortages have worsened to the point that residents regularly protest."
The protests against overtourism in Barcelona have received widespread media coverage. Locals have grown tired of unaffordable housing and crowded streets. Sme have gone as far as to spray tourists with water pistols, while graffiti such as ‘tourists go home' has been spotted across this popular Spanish city.
Alyse Race, the founder of The Invisible Tourist, said: "While I'd ordinarily recommend many cities, Barcelona tops my list of places to avoid in 2026. The city is, quite simply, at its limit. Recent anti-tourism demonstrations by local residents highlighted cruise ships and short-term rentals as renegade forces that have combined to upset the daily ratio of outsiders to locals beyond all proportion."
Seville hasn't always been a go-to for British tourists, but it has become popular over the last few years. While tourists go here for the unique culture, architecture and charm, they are instead often met with long queues for attractions, crowded streets and fed-up locals.
Race added: "More casual tourists could be forgiven for skipping Seville. During the spring, the historic centre becomes so crowded that new regulations limiting tourist rentals were introduced in response to the "serious pressure" tourism has put on the city's 700,000 residents. Many travellers may arrive expecting to experience a laid-back Andalusian pace, and be met instead by long lines, packed plazas and neighbourhoods that seem more like thoroughfares than communities."
Mallorca is part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, and has long been a go-to for Brits looking for a sun-soaked holiday. Popular spots that swell with tourists include Santa Ponsa, where there is lively nightlife and a slew of restaurants catering to British tourists. With budget airlines offering cheap flights and affordable accommodation options, Mallorca has become one of the most overcrowded Spanish destinations.
Race said places like Mallorca are struggling with things like rent hikes, waste management and high water usage. She said that tourists who avoid this island in 2026 will be giving it a "much-needed" break. Locals have also taken to the streets in Mallorca to demonstrate against overtourism, with calls for Government action to manage numbers and short-term rental properties.
Ibiza is also part of the Balearic Islands and is known as a party destination, popular with many Brits who enjoy boozy late nights and sun-filled days at beach bars. While there are certainly quieter parts of the island, tourism swells in the seaside resorts where millions flock every year to sunbathe and party.
Race pointed out that Ibiza is experiencing the same issues a Mallorca, such as increased rent prices for locals and water shortages due to high usage. Authorities on the island recently announced a crackdown on traffic, limiting the number of vehicles over the summer to help address locals' frustration.
The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular regions of mainland Spain in the summer months, home to resort towns such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Marbella and Fuengirola, as well as the city of Malaga. In such places, there are strains on public services due to high visitor levels. Officials in Malaga last year launched a campaign to redirect tourists to less crowded areas in an attempt to balance the benefits and drawbacks of tourism in the area.
"High tourist volumes, rising accommodation costs, and evolving policies around short-term rentals and foreign property ownership may make trips less enjoyable compared to quieter parts of the country," said Mike Harvey, managing director at international removal company 1st Move International.
Spain's stylish capital city, Madrid, receives tourists all year round, with many flocking there to experience the unique culture and vibe, and to learn fascinating history and eat delicious Spanish food. Thousands have taken to the streets in the city in protest against high levels of tourism, which they say is putting a strain on their daily lives.
Nicole Kerr, CEO at Mozio, an airport transportation platform, said: "Madrid is also reporting record tourist numbers, which have led to several protests from locals. For Brits looking to travel to Spain this year, numerous hidden gems that offer the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday. Some examples include Cabo de Gata, Sierra Subbetica and the quieter Canary Islands, such as La Gomera and El Hierro."
According to Responsible Travel, the population of Menorca more than doubles in August, the busiest tourism month of the year for many places. As a result, locals notice a strain being put on infrastructure, water services and housing. While it might be a cheap getaway, Brits may feel increasingly less welcome as locals report daily struggles as a result of overtourism.
Alyse Race explained that Menorca is experiencing the same issues as its neighbouring islands, Mallorca and Ibiza. However, it seems as though tourism levels might be dropping as restaurant owners on the Balearic Islands recorded the steepest decline in footfall in the whole of Spain last year.
Lanzarote, along with the rest of the Canary Islands, was placed on Fodor's no-travel list for 2026, with experts explaining that the region needs a break from high visitor numbers. Locals have complained about a strain on local services. However, that hasn't stopped more holiday accommodation being built on the island.
Residents are also concerned about the environmental impact that current tourism levels are having. There are particular concerns in the south of the island, where many tourism resorts tend to be. Travel experts have shared alternatives to popular spots on Lanzarote, such as Punta Mujeres, Famara and Haria.