Norway introduces tourist tax to tackle overtourism surge
Lawmakers approved the new levy on Thursday, which allows municipalities to introduce a 3 per cent tax on overnight stays in 'areas particularly affected by tourism'.
The law allows local authorities to apply the tax at their own discretion, and it will be added to accommodation charges. Authorities will also be allowed to adjust the percentage based on the season.
The funds raised by the tax will be used exclusively to improve tourism infrastructure projects that benefit both visitors and local people. Municipalities will have to demonstrate that their facilities are inadequate and have their plans approved by the government to spend the funds.
Cecilie Myrseth, Norway's minister of trade and industry, said on social media that her government had reached a 'historic agreement' to introduce a tourism tax that was 'in line with what they have in the rest of Europe'.
The country is the latest in a string of European nations introducing or increasing visitor levies to tackle the growing problem of overtourism. A tax may also be applied to cruise ships that make stops in the country, particularly in areas that are most affected by overtourism.
As tourists increasingly choose cooler, northern European destinations to get away from the heat, Norway has experienced a boom in visitor numbers.
Last year, a record-breaking 38.6 million people booked accommodation in the country. That includes more than 12 million overnight stays by foreign tourists - a 4.2 per cent increase from 2023.
Some previously quiet destinations have been overwhelmed, like the Lofoten islands, where eye-catching images of hiking trails posted on social media have led to an influx of visitors. With a population of 24,500 people distributed across several small towns and villages, keeping up with the cost of all these new visitors has been hard.
A recent survey by industry organisation Norwegian Tourism Partners found that 77 per cent of people in Tromsø, in northern Norway above the Arctic Circle, thought there were too many tourists there. Visitors have been drawn by the Northern Lights, wildlife excursions, Sami cultural experiences and what the city itself has to offer.
The increase in tourism has caused tension with local residents across Norway as infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the boom. Facilities like public toilets and car parks have been overwhelmed in popular destinations.
Some residents have even reported cases of people using their back gardens as toilets, and bemoaned the increased traffic clogging up Norway's roads.
As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago.
The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert.
The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands.
The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm.
Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists.
This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground.
But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023.
While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism.
In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services.
Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay.
The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate.
Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP.
After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island.
Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months.
As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans.
But authorities remain focused on prevention this year.
More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
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Euronews
18 hours ago
- Euronews
Portugal by motorhome: Freedom and nature with an Atlantic flair
Some 18 per cent of the nearly three million motorhome owners in Europe will travel to Portugal this summer, according to Camping-Car Park, the European network of Motorhome Service Areas (ASA). The country, with 13,000 registered motorhomes, is attracting more and more European tourists who want to travel in this way. They spend an average of €52 per night. They are mainly Spaniards, French, Italians and Germans who spend at least three weeks touring the country from June to September. We spent 20 days travelling around Portugal in a motorhome, starting in Lisbon and then along the southwest coast, including the Costa Caparica and Costa Vicentina, and the Algarve, in the south of the country, to show you what it's like. The starting point in Lisbon After more than six hours of travel from Madrid, we arrive in Lisbon to start the route. The entrance to the city is quite chaotic, with a lot of traffic and little patience on the part of the drivers. If driving a motorhome in big cities is already complicated, here it seems like mission impossible. Parking relatively close to the centre and safely is also an odyssey. In the park4night parking app, an app that every self-respecting motorhomer has, there are many points, but few of them are convincing. In the end, we settle on a pay-and-display site near the imposing and noisy two-kilometre-long 25 de Abril Bridge, an icon of the city that rises above the Tagus River estuary under the watchful eye of Cristo Rei, the 28-metre-high (110 with the 82-metre-high pedestal) statue of the Redeemer with open arms. The best way to see the surrounding area is by bike: the Monument to the Discoveries, the Belém Tower (under construction), the Jerónimos Monastery, the historic quarter and the Belem Bakery where you can taste those warm cream pancakes with a little sugar and cinnamon powder. The centre of Lisbon is also easy to reach by metro or train. It is an open and welcoming city and a melting pot of cultures. Even more so in summer, and the sweltering heat doesn't stop you from enjoying the place. Many people take a dip in the river to soak up the heat. There is plenty to see and visit. The panoramic view of the city from St. George's Castle is spectacular and strolling through the old town is a delight. You'll be carried away by the culture and music of Chiado, the most bohemian district with the historic Café a Brasileira, which houses the statue of Fernando Pessoa on its terrace. It is intoxicating. Its squares, such as Praça do Comercio, the old main port for maritime trade with beautiful views of the Tagus, its cathedral or viewpoints such as Graça or San Pedro de Alcántara are also well worth a visit. A must-see for most of the almost 19 million tourists who visit the city every year is Tram 28, which crosses several neighbourhoods, winding its way through narrow streets and slopes, or the Elevador de Santa Justa, which connects Baixa with the upper district. Costa Caparica, Lisbon's beach Back on the road again, the idea is to travel along the entire southwest coast of Portugal, starting on the Costa Caparica, 20 minutes from the capital, south of the Tagus estuary. There are 15 kilometres of golden sandy beaches and cool Atlantic waters, where you can see families, surfers, naturists, locals and foreign tourists. Praia de São João or Praia Nova are Lisbon's beaches par excellence, with beach bars, live music and sunset terraces. The further south you go, the more natural and wild it is, as you reach some very large and beautiful stretches of sand. After a couple of days, the next stop is Setúbal, 50 kilometres from Lisbon. It is surrounded by the Arrábida Natural Park, a protected area with the most spectacular coastline in the country. Throughout this area, motorhomes are not allowed to stay on the coastline, although during the day, you can park your campervan and enjoy the breathtaking views. This will become a common theme throughout the entire trip along the coast of Vicenza. One of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Praia de Galapinhos, with its natural beauty and turquoise waters, is located in this area. The Setúbal region is ideal for itinerant travellers as it combines sea, mountains and authenticity, although parking can be a bit tricky. From Setubal, you can reach the Troia peninsula by ferry, a stretch of fine white sand, clean, calm waters and plenty of wind. This is a good starting point to begin the route along the Alentejo or Vicentina coast, as it is connected to Comporta, our next stop. This is a popular holiday destination for artists, designers and international celebrities. Not to be confused with Sines, 55 kilometres further down the coast, an industrial town known for being the birthplace of the explorer Vasco da Gama, the navigator who discovered the sea route to India. Its medieval castle and adjoining museum tell the story of this key figure in the Age of Discovery. Wild nature and small villages From Sines, the landscape changes completely, with rugged cliffs, wild beaches and picturesque villages. The first one that grabs you is Porto Covo, a small village of white houses with blue stripes and a quiet atmosphere. It has a strong local flavour, ideal for disconnecting from the urban rhythm. Its great jewels are its coves nestled between cliffs. Praia da Samoqueira is the most impressive, with rock formations, cliffs and hidden corners. This is a very popular spot with travellers on the road and is ideal for enjoying the sea and the breathtaking scenery. The larger Praia Grande is also worth a visit. Off the coast you can visit Ilha do Pessegueiro, a historic island with an ancient fortress, by boat. With the sense that it might surpass everything we've seen so far, we reach Praia do Malhão, between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes in the municipality of Odemira. Framed by natural dunes, the landscape is unspoilt and breathtaking, with the constant sound of the waves and the ocean wind. This is a surfer's paradise. It's like a forgotten corner of the world. Although the sight of two mounted gendarmes reminding visitors not to park near the beach quickly brings you back to reality. After so much wilderness, Vila Nova de Milfontes presents itself as a more touristy spot. It is a popular destination for the Portuguese who enjoy its quiet river beaches, such as Praia da Franquia, ideal for families, water sports and safe bathing. From wild cliffs to crowded shores After some relaxation, it's time for more excitement at Cabo Sardão, where dramatic cliffs towering 40 to 50 metres high evoke scenes straight out of The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. This is an essential stop on the Vicentine coast where you can see white storks, peregrine falcons, sea deer and other remarkable wildlife. Another unmissable stop is Zambujeira do Mar, a fishing village that has retained its authentic charm. Its small white houses with blue accents, a traditional cliffside port, and inviting restaurants serving fresh fish all add to its appeal. The town's wide urban beach offers sweeping views of the Atlantic. Continuing our descent through southwest Portugal, we come across Praia de Odeceixe, one of the most unique beaches in the country, right on the border with the Algarve. It is situated at the mouth of the Seixe River, which separates the Alentejo from the Algarve. Here, the meeting of river and sea creates a striking horseshoe-shaped sandbar. One side is washed by ocean waves, the other by calm river waters. At their junction, a playful current forms, delighting children and adults alike as they float downstream. All around, green cliffs rise high above, offering breathtaking views of the place where river and sea become one. In the western Algarve, in the municipality of Aljezur, we spend a morning at Praia de Monte Clérigo, a very accessible beach at the foot of a small collection of white and pink houses with a seaside feel. In the afternoon, another of the jewels of the Algarve and the Vincentian coast, the beach of Carrapateira or Praia da Bordeira. More than three kilometres long, it is one of the largest beaches in the Algarve and a favourite destination for surfers due to its constant waves. In fact, the shore warns that it is dangerous for bathers. Before reaching the beach, there is a lagoon of calm water where children play. Behind the sandy area, there are large natural dunes where hundreds of seagulls flutter about. In this area, there is an abundance of motorhomes and the car parks must be booked in advance otherwise you won't be able to find a parking space. "All over the Algarve, there are problems when it comes to parking and spending the night because of the large number of people," a motorhome camper from Seville warned me, saying that this year, there are more restrictions on spending the night than in the past. We will witness the tourist overcrowding that, at this time of year, always occurs in the Algarve and we will see that the natural and wild scenery, with spacious and uncrowded beaches of the Vicentine coast, has been left behind to give way to mass tourism. The end of the world Cape St. Vincent, one of the most emblematic places in the south of Portugal, is just as touristy. This is one of the most westerly points of continental Europe, considered for centuries as "the end of the world". It boasts imposing cliffs over 60 metres high, panoramic views of the open sea and one of the most beautiful sunsets in Europe. Here, the wind blows strongly while dozens of tourists immortalise the moment. Very close to Cabo de San Vicente is one of the best beaches in this area, Praia do Beliche. It is a secluded and steep cove, protected by high cliffs that give it a warmer microclimate. It is a picture postcard beach. It is accessible via stairs carved into the rock that are easy to descend but costly to climb. Right in the rocks is a wooden beach bar with grilled sardines and grilled chicken. Mass tourism on the Algarve Continuing our route through the Algarve, we reach Lagos, a town popular with tourists from all over Europe. A visit to Ponta da Piedade, a rock formation famous for its cliffs, grottoes and turquoise waters, is a must. It is one of the most photogenic coastal landscapes in Europe. It is, of course, also crowded with tourists seeking shade among the rocks of the crowded cove, whose waters are full of seaweed on our visit. Next stop is Portimão, one of the Algarve's largest towns with a harbour ideal for boat trips along the southern coast. We embark on one to visit the caves and grottoes on a two-hour tour that passes through Algar (Carvoeiro), Praia da Marina, Praia do Carvalho and on to the famous Benagil cave. A skylight here allows sunlight to enter, creating a magical effect inside, illuminating the golden sand and orange walls. After the visit, a well-deserved swim in the sea just in front, with a dip from the boa,t is our reward. On the way back, the lively Praia da Rocha awaits us. After 45 minutes, we reach Albufeira, the mecca of tourism in this area. Tranquillity and calm give way to hustle and bustle and mass tourism. The English have mostly taken over this town, which has beautiful beaches, including the urban Praia do Túnel, which is accessed from the old town through a tunnel carved into the rock. After the storm comes calm in the form of Faro, the Algarve's quieter, more relaxed capital, with an old town centre surrounded by Moorish and Roman walls. The town is adjacent to the Parque Natural da Rea Formosa, one of Europe's most important wetland areas with islets, marshes and canals to explore. Tavira: The unknown jewel of the Algarve In the last two days, we discovered a real gem of the Algarve: Tavira. Not as renowned as other towns, the town is perfect for a relaxing stop on our road trip. It is historic and elegant with a strong Roman, Islamic and Christian past. Its white houses with gabled roofs, cobbled streets and squares with orange trees give it a very unique air. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Roman Bridge, a stone footbridge that crosses the river Gilão. The castle and the more than 20 churches scattered throughout the city are also outstanding. Its beaches are paradisiacal and not overcrowded. A particularly enjoyable activity is taking the tourist train to Praia do Barril. The eight-minute ride, with thousands of crabs waving as they pass through the marshes, is a pleasure for the senses. As soon as we reach the beach on the left-hand side, the anchor cemetery, with more than 200 old anchors, reminds us that this is a beach with history. They serve as a reminder of the beach's storied past: from 1841 to 1966, this was an active hub for tuna fishing. When the fishing operations were dismantled, many sailors left their anchors behind, and the train that once transported goods was repurposed for tourists. The other must-visit beach, Ilha de Tavira, is accessible only by ferry from the city. It's a true island escape, with miles of white sand and a peaceful atmosphere that rarely feels crowded. Tavira is, without a doubt, the ideal place to get to know the most authentic Algarve. After 20 days on the road, we found that the southwest and south of Portugal are perfect for those seeking to combine freedom and nature, especially on the Vincentian coast and the coastal Alentejo. The wild landscape and tranquillity contrast with the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. This journey, from Lisbon down through remote, unspoiled beaches to the bustling shores of the Algarve, captures the full range of Portugal's coastal character. It's the perfect road trip for those looking to combine raw natural beauty with the mobility and spontaneity of life on the road.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Euronews
Which EU country was hit the hardest by wildfires in 2024?
2024 was Europe's hottest year since records began in 1940. Hotter and drier conditions, combined with more frequent droughts and heatwaves, are creating highly flammable landscapes, particularly in southern and central Europe, according to the European Environment Agency. Portugal recorded the largest burned area in the EU in 2024, with nearly 450 km2 of land destroyed. Fires occurred early in the wildfire season on the island of Madeira, and later around mid-September on the mainland. After Portugal, Bulgaria and Spain were the countries where flames consumed more land, with 310.9 km2 and 186.5 km2 burned, respectively. It is not the first time wildfires have hit Portugal the hardest. In 2017, the country experienced an extremely destructive fire season. A total of 117 people died and 902.6 km² were burnt. Although this year's fire season is not over yet, from the beginning of the year until 15 July, the area burned through is already three times higher than the same period last year, according to the Portuguese National Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests. Between 2000 and 2024, wildfires burned an average of 3,770 km² of EU land every year. This accounts for an annual average of 10% of forests and 21% of grasslands being burnt in the EU. It is estimated that wildfires cost the EU €2.5 billion every year, due to the destruction or severe damage to buildings and infrastructure such as power lines, water supply and transport routes. They can also deter tourists, hitting local economies that depend on tourism. What causes wildfires? The European Environment Agency estimates that human behaviour and activities, such as negligence and arson, directly or indirectly account for 95% of wildfires in Europe. Human-caused fires often start near the border between built areas and semi-natural or wild areas, such as roads or towns adjacent to forests. However, human ignition alone is not directly related to the spread and intensity of a fire. Only 1.2% of European fires have resulted in 65% of the total area burned. The likelihood of a wildfire becoming uncontrollable depends on the type of vegetation, fuel on the ground, topography, and weather conditions (high temperature, low relative humidity and fast wind). As temperatures rise due to climate change, so does the risk of wildfires becoming more frequent, intense and long-term in Europe. A 2025 study concluded that firefighters who were directly involved in Portugal's 2017 extreme fire season show limited understanding of extreme fire behaviour and direct minimal attention toward prevention measures.
Euronews
3 days ago
- Euronews
New report reveals which European beaches tourists regret visiting
Every year, millions flock to Europe's most popular beach destinations, dreaming of an idyllic escape. But for many, reality falls short of the picture-perfect hype. According to a new report from cloud tech company Cloudwards, European beaches are among the most complained-about in the world – especially when it comes to overcrowding. The findings are based on TripAdvisor reviews of 200 of the world's most visited beaches, analysed using keyword filters to identify the most frequent grievances. From tightly packed sands in Sardinia to Greece's round-the-clock parties, the report reveals the disconnect between the Instagram‑worthy images we find online and what people actually experience when they get there. Europe dominates the global list for overcrowding If you've ever walked a kilometre to find a bare patch of sand or shared the sea with a flotilla of inflatable unicorns, this won't come as a shock: eight of the ten most criticised beaches for overcrowding are in Europe. The UK's Bournemouth Beach 'topped' the list among European nations, ranking fifth overall globally, with frequent remarks about its cleanliness and crowds. But few European countries fare worse than Italy when it comes to overcrowding. Sardinia's La Pelosa – a stunning spit of sand surrounded by turquoise waters in the island's northwest – topped the global chart for overcrowding complaints, with nearly 87 per cent of negative reviews mentioning crowd-related issues. 'It was a weekday morning in mid-September yet the crowds resembled central London/New York/Sydney on New Year's Eve,' wrote one La Pelosa reviewer. Spiaggia La Cinta, a five-kilometre stretch of white sand surrounded by junipers and dunes on Sardinia's east coast, took second in this category. Just behind Sardinia's beachy jewels came Portugal's Praia da Falésia – known for its golden sands and looming cliffs – and Ibiza's Cala Comte and tiny Konnos Bay in Cyprus, often described as 'a little slice of island paradise' despite the cramped conditions. Greek beaches among the dirtiest and noisiest – and most popular Greece fared better than some destinations when it came to overcrowding but stood out in other categories. Balos Lagoon in Crete ranked 26th overall and seventh globally for dirtiness, with nearly half its complaints citing cleanliness, and 40 per cent citing overcrowding. Elafonissi, another beloved Cretan beach known for its pink-hued sands and shallow waters, came in as the seventh most complained about beach globally. More than 70 per cent of its negative reviews mentioned overcrowding, though few mentioned noise or dirtiness. Porto Katsiki, a postcard-ready beach on Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea, landed in the global top ten for noise and disruption. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the World's 50 Best Beaches also ranked it number 36 in 2025, illustrating how surging popularity can create outsized pressures on ecological landmarks. How the rankings were compiled Cloudwards analysed more than 1.3 million TripAdvisor reviews of 200 beaches around the world. They filtered negative reviews for keywords related to four main complaint categories: dirtiness, overcrowding, long queues and noise. Each beach was then given a complaint score from 0 to 100, based on the frequency of those keywords. The higher the score, the more common the complaints. That makes it even more jarring to see iconic destinations like Waikiki Beach in Hawaii receive a perfect 100 – for all the wrong reasons. A wave of regulation could manage tourism pressure Many of these destinations suffer from the same mix of factors: limited stretches of prime shoreline, peak-season congestion and viral social media fame that has outpaced infrastructure and put strain on local communities. Some of the beaches flagged in the report are already taking steps to address overtourism and preserve their fragile environments – and maybe their reputations. Sardinia has led the way in Europe with a slate of summer policies aimed at reducing damage to its most popular seaside spots. These include daily visitor caps, mandatory advance bookings and, in some cases, bans on bringing towels to prevent sand erosion. In Greece, a new €20 entry fee was introduced in 2025 for cruise passengers visiting congested island hotspots such as Mykonos and Santorini. Spain, meanwhile, has banned booze on some beaches and introduced fines to curb bad behaviour. It's all part of a wider reckoning with overtourism across Europe, from its cities to its seas. This summer, the golden promise of a perfect beach holiday is being tested by crowds, chaos and the growing gap between expectation and experience. In an era of filtered photos and viral fame, even paradise might have a breaking point.
