Brits urged to avoid 'collapsing' European destinations in 2025
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Holidaymakers are being urged to steer clear of certain European hotspots in 2025, as they face "collapse" due to the overwhelming pressure of mass tourism. Leading travel guide Fodor’s has named the Canary Islands, Majorca, and Barcelona as prime examples of destinations suffering from their own popularity. Each year, Fodor’s compiles a ‘No List’ of locations that are “struggling under the weight of tourism”, highlighting areas where the influx of visitors has begun to undermine the very qualities that make them so desirable.
According to Fodor’s, while these European destinations are stunning, they are quickly becoming victims of their success, with long-term sustainability in jeopardy. Barcelona, famous for its stunning architecture, culture, and vibrant street life, has been at the centre of protests in recent years. Locals, frustrated by the flood of tourists, have expressed anger in creative ways, including spraying holidaymakers with water pistols.
Meanwhile, the city has announced plans to ban all short-term holiday rentals by 2028, aiming to curb overcrowding. Still, the damage to the overall visitor experience is already evident, with crowded streets and long queues at key attractions taking the shine off the city's appeal.
Majorca and the Canary Islands have faced similar challenges. In the Balearic Islands, locals have been increasingly vocal about the negative impacts of mass tourism. Protests have included beach occupations and calls for more control over the number of visitors. In the Canary Islands, anti-tourism sentiment reached new heights in 2024, with 10,000 demonstrators rallying to voice their opposition to tourism’s rapid expansion. "The Canary Islands are not for sale" and "We are foreigners in our land" were slogans chanted by protesters who believe that tourism is taking over their communities.
