Anti-tourism protests are ‘a big issue' for UK holidaymakers, travel boss warns
Speaking at an event at the Spanish embassy in London, Mr Heapy said: 'We've had people ringing the call centre and going into travel agents, asking questions like 'is Spain safe', 'are we still welcome in the resort'.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I swapped Costa del Sol for this local Spanish beach spot – it's cheaper, calmer and there's no Brits in sight
SOL LONG I swapped Costa del Sol for this local Spanish beach spot – it's cheaper, calmer and there's no Brits in sight Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AFTER years of bouncing between the usual Spanish hotspots like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Costa del Sol, there's one beach town I keep going back to - and hardly any Brits know about it. Called El Palmar de Vejer - or just El Palmar by locals - this little surf town on the south-west coast in the province of Cádiz, is one of Spain's best-kept secrets. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 I've found the quieter side of Spain without the Brits Credit: Alamy 7 It's not easy to get to, but that's exactly why it still feels like a secret Credit: Lee Bell 7 There's no high-rise developments, no big hotel chains, no resorts Credit: Alamy It's laid-back, raw, and totally free of the usual Brits-abroad buzz. And that's exactly why it's so good. It's not easy to get to, but that's exactly why it still feels like a secret. Spanish locals love it - especially those from Madrid, who drive down for the summer holidays. But it's rare you'll hear anyone speaking English, and I've never once seen a big group of British tourists here. If you want sun, space, proper Spanish food and a bit of surf, this is the place. El Palmar is all about the beach - and it's a big one. It's long, wide and open, with soft golden sand and a breeze that rolls in off the Atlantic. Locals even call the area 'Cádizfornia' because it's got that same laid-back, surfy vibe you get in California. And they're not wrong - it really does feel like Spain's answer to the west coast of the US. Just less polished - and no loud Americans. Phew. What's more, there's no high-rise developments, no big hotel chains, no resorts. Instead, you'll find only small holiday apartments, beachside glamping sites and independent surf lodges. A lot of the accommodation is low-key - think bungalows behind the dunes or boutique guesthouses a short walk from the beach. One of Spain's oldest beach bars that was loved by A-List stars forced to close — as fans say goodbye to €4 beers and sea views 7 It feels more like California Credit: Alamy The town itself is more of a strip - a few shops, surf schools, and beach bars, all built into the landscape. There's no real centre, but that's part of the charm. It's the kind of place where you can go barefoot all day and no one would batter an eyelid. The whole of El Palmar feels peaceful and raw in the best way. It's not overly polished or fancy, but that's the appeal. You wake up to the sound of waves, stroll out to a café for breakfast, hit the beach, maybe do a surf lesson or just lie in the sun, then head to one of the chiringuitos for lunch. These chiringuitos are what make it for me. These are beach bars right on the sand, serving cold drinks and some of the best seafood I've had in Spain. You can get a table with your feet in the sand, order a plate of prawns or tuna tartare, and just sit watching the waves roll in and the sun in your face. Locals even call the area 'Cádizfornia' for the surfy vibe Most places also do proper Andalusian paella, fried fish, grilled sardines - all cooked fresh and served with a side of salty air. It's not expensive, either. You can get a great meal with drinks for under €20 if you know where to go. In the evenings, some bars have live music - usually acoustic, sometimes a bit of flamenco. It's never full-on party mode, but it's sociable and fun. You won't find bar crawls or club reps here - just locals and in-the-know visitors enjoying the sunsets, which are nearly always amazing. El Palmar's great for doing absolutely nothing. But if you fancy mixing things up, there's a lot to explore nearby. About 15 minutes inland is the whitewashed hill town of Vejer de la Frontera. Here you'll find quaint narrow streets, flower-filled balconies and sweeping views. 7 Visit the nearby Vejer de la Frontera Credit: Alamy 7 Make sure to explore the Old Quarter too Credit: Alamy You can head up for lunch or dinner, wander the old quarter, and enjoy a change of scenery without going too far. Further down the coast is Tarifa - Europe's southernmost town and the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Med. It's more built-up, with a mix of surf shops, Moroccan cafés and tapas bars. It's a great spot if you want something a bit more lively for a day or two - or even to bolt onto your El Palmar trip. And just up the coast is Cádiz city, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Cadiz is full of history, with colourful buildings, crumbling castles, seafood markets and buzzing tapas bars. You could easily spend a day there before heading back to your beach base. How to get there El Palmar's not the easiest place to reach - but that's why you don't see many tourists there, adding to its charm. Hiring a car from airports Seville or Malaga is probably your easiest option. It's under two hours from Seville, and about 2.5 from Málaga. The roads are easy, the views are decent, and once you're there, you'll be glad you didn't mess about with transfers. But if you're lacking a driving licence but have plenty of patience, you can still get there by public transport. From Seville, take a train to San Fernando Bahía Sur station, which is about 1.5 hours away and costs about €17 (£14). From there, it's a 35-minute taxi ride to the beach, which will cost about €70 (£60). You can also go via Cádiz, which has a direct bus to El Palmar run by Transportes Generales Comes. It takes just over an hour and is fairly cheap, between €5–€14. However, buses aren't super frequent and can be even more limited outside of summer. Coming from Málaga? You'll need to train it to Cádiz first (about 3 hours), then catch the same bus down to the coast. All doable, but if you want to avoid the faff, just hire a car. Where to stay, when to go You're not going to find anything super lux at El Palmar, but that's part of its appeal. If you want somewhere stylish but low-key, look at Nexo Surf House, it's got spacious, airy rooms, a restaurant and surf lessons all rolled into one. For something more rustic, the glamping options at Kampaoh are worth a look. Here you'll find safari-style tents with proper beds and private bathrooms, all a short walk from the beach. There are also plenty of local Airbnbs scattered along the coast, many within walking distance to the beach. Some are simple studios, others are bigger houses that are ideal for groups or families. Wherever you stay, you're never far from the sea - and that's the whole point. In the busier summer months of July and August, however, be sure to book well in advance as rooms do get booked up fast by locals. Even then, it's mostly Spanish families, not hordes of tourists. The beach is big enough that it never feels rammed. It's not built for mass tourism, and that's why it's so good. If you want a quieter vibe, I'd opt to go in June or September. The weather's still hot, the sea's warm, and there's lots of space. Flights to Seville from the UK start from around £25 return if you book early enough. If you want a break that's off the beaten track, full of charm, and free from the usual Brit holiday clichés, this is the place to go.
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
British tourist left gobsmacked by one thing in Spanish supermarket
She saw some things that you wouldn't be able to get in the UK. Holidaymakers know there's something special about soaking up the sun with an ice-cold can of Fanta Lemon and sharing a pack of Lays. However, those facing a late-night arrival may worry about finding snacks and water after landing in the wee hours. Fear not for those heading to Spain, as one woman has highlighted that some supermarkets there are open at 1am – quite unlike what we're used to here in the UK, reports the Express. Florence Grace exclaimed on her video post: "Still open at one am?! Spanish supermarkets are the best," showcasing her intriguing finds within the store. Captivated by the "colour of this Sunny D," Florence quipped: "you're not in Spain unless you get this," in reference to the popular Chovi Allioli". Delighted by discoveries including "biscuit chocolates" akin to Maltesers and a milkshake labelled "very sickly", Florence revealed delectable offerings not found on UK shelves. She highlighted the steal of getting "mini paella" for under three euros, and a full bottle of sangria for less than two, noting these are absolute steals. With a giggle, she added: "Or, you can get a carton of wine for 99 cents," showcasing the litre-sized bargain. Florence enthused about the delights found in Spanish stores, saying: "This is the best thing about Spanish shops," particularly impressed by the on-the-spot fresh orange juice machine. Her exploration revealed more treats, noting: "A whole a** cake" and marvelling at the deliciousness of Spanish donuts, suggesting one can do without a resort when such delights are readily available at local supermarkets. Excitedly, she mentioned the bargain snack options, including: "You can get a whole big bag of muffins," while browsing through treats like Milka chocolate and affordable chorizo for only two euros. When it comes to healthy eating, Florence highlighted: "In Spain, you can get a tub of carrots and a tub of guacamole," ideal for barbecue gatherings with loved ones. Continuing her journey through the aisles, Florence pointed out unique "ketchup flavour" crisps and then stumbled upon a sizable bag of churros. Reflecting on the cost of drinks, Florence noted the affordability, exclaiming: "I forget how cheap the alcohol is here," finding a can of San Miguel for just 73 cents—a stark contrast to the price of a bubble tea at four euros and 50 cents, a fact that astonishes Brits. Concluding her video, Florence expressed her fondness for Spanish confectionery, declaring: "they do the best sweets in Spain" and delighting in the idea that early morning supermarket visits mean no holiday cravings need to be overlooked.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Little-known Spanish holiday rules that could see you hit with £2500 fine
Multiple cities across Spain are expected to be brought to a standstill during MORE planned protests this month HOL NO Little-known Spanish holiday rules that could see you hit with £2500 fine IT'S that time of year again where Scots tourists flock to Spain and its islands to party or relax during some time off in the summer. With thousands of miles of stunning coastline, a warm climate and world-class food and drink, it's easy to see why the country is a top visitor destination. Advertisement 7 Areas of Spain have brought in some new rules which holidaymakers must follow Credit: Getty 7 Scots are set to flock to the sunshine hotspot this summer Credit: Reuters 7 Some parts of Spain have become a party spot for a lot of tourists Credit: Alamy 7 Brits have been a particular target of the protests in the past Credit: AP But tensions continue to rise between locals and holidaymakers over rowdy behaviour and disturbances partly caused by overtourism. Advertisement Thousands of anti-tourism protesters flooded the streets of Spain again in April. Brits have been a particular target of the protests in the past, as they are amongst the most loyal visitors to sunny spots like Majorca and Malaga. Protesters were even urged to superglue the locks of holiday rentals to render them unusable and cause a nuisance. These were the first mass anti-tourist protests of the year, following on from a string of furious demonstrations last summer. Huge crowds across 40 different Spanish cities took to the streets to send a clear message that holidaymakers are not wanted. Advertisement And the Spanish government are continuing to clamp down on the issues raised by locals. Locals claiming their homes have been turned into playgrounds for tourists have put pressure on the government to set strict rules in place that put a stop to unruly tourist behaviour. New regulations could land rule breakers whopping fines of up to £2,500. Tourists will now need to be careful about where and how they drink in certain hotspots. Thousands of anti-tourist protesters flood Spanish hols hotspots & call on mob to super glue holiday rental locks Public drinking in Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf, along with Sant Antoni in Ibiza, is banned - unless it takes place in clearly designated areas approved by authorities. Advertisement The new rule also extends out to sea covering party boats within one nautical mile of the towns. Holidaymakers who don't follow the rules could be hit with a hefty fine starting from £450 for minor offences and up to £2,500. Those opting for a relaxing stay at an all-inclusive resort have been warned that alcohol rules apply there as well. All-inclusive guests are limited to a strict limit of six drinks a day - three in the day and three in the evening. Alcohol cannot be bought in shops from 9.30pm to 8am - but bars and clubs can continue selling. Advertisement Anti-tourist measures sweeping hotspots A WAVE of anti-tourist measures are being implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism in popular holiday hotspots. Overcrowding has become the main problem in many sunny destinations, with authorities trying to find a solution to keep tourists and locals happy. Officials have attempted to reduce the impact of holidaymakers by implementing additional taxes on tourists, or banning new hotels. Earlier this year Venice became the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for holidaymakers after it started charging day-trippers €5 (£4.30) if visiting the historical Italian centre. It was followed by an area in Barcelona which resorted to removing a well-used bus route from Apple and Google Maps to stop crowds of tourists from using the bus. Meanwhile, San Sebastián in the north of Spain, limited the maximum number of people on guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and overcrowding. The city has already banned the construction of new hotels. The Spanish government has allowed restaurants to charge customers more for sitting in the shade in Andalucia. Benidorm has introduced time restrictions, as swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am could cost a whopping £1,000. The Canary Islands are also considering adopting measures to regulate the number of visitors - and charge tourists a daily tax. Greece has already enforced a tourist tax during the high season (from March to October) with visitors expected to pay from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night, depending on the booked accommodation. Officials in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia want to introduce a fee for travellers to remind people to be courteous during their trips. The four main spots affected by these restrictions are Ibiza, and Magaluf, Playa de Palma and El Arenal in Majorca. But there are some locations the rule isn't in place. Here's where you can visit without the six drink restriction: Alcudia, Majorca Cala D'Or, Majorca Cala Bona, Majorca Cala Millor, Majorca Santa Eulalia, Ibiza Es Cana, Ibiza Playa Den Bossa, Ibiza Port Des Torrent, Ibiza People could also be fined between £640 and £1,300 if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment". If the offence is considered serious, the fine could range from an eye-watering £1,300 to £2,500. Advertisement Carry ID Both tourists and Spanish citizens must carry a state-issued photo ID with them at all times. Failure to produce an ID on the spot when asked by the Civil Guard, National, Regional or Local Police can result in being detained. You can be held at a police station until your identity is confirmed. Holidaymakers have been warned that ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence. Sarah Slattery, a former travel agent, advises sunseekers to prepare ahead by photocopying their ID and passport in case they're stolen while abroad. Advertisement She said: "It is not something we like to think about, but is it possible that you could be a victim of a crime on holidays, or you could simply loose your passport or other documents. "I suggest photocopying or uploading images of your passport, tickets and insurance policy to the cloud before you travel. "This is an important part of your holiday checklist, and once you have uploaded images of your passport once, they will be there for your next trip." 7 Thousands of anti-tourism protesters flooded the streets of Spain again in April. Credit: Getty 7 There are a number of rules tourists should follow while at the beach Credit: Getty Advertisement Bad beach behaviour In some Spanish seaside towns, going to a beach between midnight and 7am can cost tourists hefty fines of £640 to £1,000. Swimming when the red flag is flying can cost £850. Sleeping or camping on the beach can result in a sickening £1,000 bill. And placing a parasol or towel to reserve a space comes with the risk of a possible £130 fine. Smoking on the beach has a fine of up to £1,700 and alcohol is strictly banned - even when illegal beach vendors are offering it up at cheap prices. Advertisement And urinating in the sea can get you a fine of £130. In parts of Benidorm and Tenerife, building a sandcastle on the beach could also cost you up to £130 - the fine does not include kids and is aimed towards larger "sand architects". Shirtless stroll Going shirtless or stepping out in a bikini while walking in specific public areas is a huge no-no in some parts of Spain. If you get caught by the police in the street then you can get fined up to £500. Barcelona, Malaga and Benidorm are known as the spots tourists breaking this rule get caught out the most. Advertisement Why is Spain clamping down on tourists? MANY of Spain's most popular tourist destinations have been introducing tighter regulations for tourists as we approach the summer. It's a response to a fierce anti-tourism backlash in Spain. Locals blame tourists for crowded streets, traffic jams, a proliferation of souvenir stalls and generic coffee shops and restaurants and spiralling cost-of-living prices. Anger is also growing over the impact tourism is having on housing, with short-term tourist accommodation driving up the cost of rental properties. The new measures aim to mitigate the issues caused by overtourism and ensure a more sustainable tourism model. Stay clear of protests On June 15, several Spanish cities are expected to be brought to a standstill when locals take to the streets to protest against mass tourism. The demonstration in Palma, Majorca will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Ibiza, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián, Santander and Pamplona. Some cities in Portugal, Italy and France are also set to see protest action on the same date. Tourists have been warned to "stay clear" of any protest action, amid fears that growing anger over mass tourism could make demonstrators more hateful. Cap on cars and caravans Ibiza introduced a limit on the number of tourist cars and caravans that can visit the island. Advertisement From June 1 until September 30, the number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. Only 16,000 of these will be allowed to be rental cars. The other 4,108 will be for tourists who want to disembark with their cars in Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, Denia, Valencia, or Palma. Vehicles heading to the sunshine hotspot must obtain prior online authorisation first. Those making the journey in caravans must present a confirmed reservation at an authorised campsite on the island to make it through. Advertisement
