Seven alternative European destinations to visit as Spain introduces its ‘tourist ban’
Seven alternative European destinations to visit as Spain introduces its ‘tourist ban’
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The number of places pushing back against overtourism seems to be growing daily. Last year, Barcelona locals resorted to using water guns to deter rowdy tourists, Venice introduced a controversial day-tripper tax, and hundreds of thousands of locals across Europe took to the streets to protest the damaging effects of overtourism.
![[Panoramic view on Kotor bay and the chapel JOSICE, Montenegro.]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1248669345.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
And now, Malaga has taken action, with a new three-year law that has been dubbed a ‘tourist ban’. The term is somewhat misleading, however. The law doesn’t ban tourists from anywhere. Instead, it prevents the registration of any new holiday rentals across 43 districts in the area.
![[Bay of Kotor in Montenegro]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1303303838.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=516)
The measure, introduced by Malaga City Council and Costa del Sol on January 14, is expected to last beyond the initial three years. It aims to stop the rise of holiday-rental properties in the most crowded parts of the city – giving locals a better chance of finding long-term lets.
![[Lake Bled in Slovenia]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-595575083.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=509)
Similar bans have been introduced in Alicante and Madrid over the past year, and more cities, including Seville, are set to follow suit. While it doesn’t stop holidaymakers from visiting – and travellers can still book hotels, Airbnbs and other accommodations as usual – the move highlights the increasing strain over-tourism places on local communities.
![[Ohrid]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-178386611.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=506)
If you’re looking to avoid adding to the pressure, and want to explore some lesser-known destinations, Metro has rounded up a list of alternative travel spots for your next trip. Nestled in a bay between the Adriatic Sea and a sweeping mountain range, Kotor, in the south of Montenegro, has winding streets, romantic squares and breathtaking bay views.
![[Porto Katsiki Beach in Lefkada island, Greece]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-817478436.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
