16-05-2025
Canary Island chaos as anti-tourist protests erupts in 15 areas
Demonstrators are getting ready to flock to the streets en masse, calling for huge reform to the Canary Island's tourism model. Here's exactly where the protestors will occur
Thousands of fed-up locals across the Canary Islands will take to the streets this weekend - demanding drastic change to the 'unsustainable' tourism model. It follows the record-breaking number of visitors that flocked to the archipelago last year, and the subsequent string of demonstrations.
After blaming holidaymakers for worsening Spain's housing crisis, activists, and members of the Canarian diaspora abroad will gather en masse on Sunday, May 18 to call for new legislation that puts an end to 'exploitative economic models' on the island. This includes putting a halt to 'destructive' projects such as high-profile hotels, and freezing new tourist developments.
Protestors also want a green energy transition, and an eco-tax for tourists. The latter has already been mulled over in hotspots such as Tenerife's Teide National Park - which is slated to implement an entrance fee in 2026.
READ MORE: Brits 'caught off guard' in major EU holiday hotspot as little-known rule exposed
Other demands include 'cultural and social heritage protection', clamping down on marine pollution, and rejecting macro-infrastructure projects. "If they don't listen in the streets, they'll hear us in everyday life," one protest organiser told local news.
According to Canarian Weekly, protests will take place in 15 areas across the Canary Islands, and demonstrators have vowed they 'won't stop' until they'veachieved the change of model the Canary Islands urgently need'. If you're heading over to the hotspot this week, you may want to avoid the following areas.
Canary Island's anti-tourist protests - where to avoid
Tenerife – Plaza Weyler, Santa Cruz, 11:00am
Gran Canaria – Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, Las Palmas, 11:00 am
Lanzarote – Quiosco de la Música, Arrecife, 11:00am
Fuerteventura – Plaza de la Iglesia, Puerto del Rosario, 11:00am
El Hierro – Consejería de Turismo, Valverde, 11:00am
La Palma – Plaza de La Alameda, Santa Cruz de La Palma, 11:00am
La Gomera – Plaza de Las Américas, San Sebastián, 11:00am
The upcoming protests are hardly a surprise, as anti-tourist sentiment has been escalating across Spain for some time - and has even taken a violent turn. Back in March, a shocking sign threatening to 'Kill A Tourist' was spotted in Tenerife, while reports also emerged that anonymous activists had torched rental cars on the island to send a clear message to holidaymakers.
Last month, Spain passed a law in a desperate attempt to appease frustrated residents. Following an update to the Horizontal Property Act, those wanting to cash in on the influx of Brits by renting out their house to holidaymakers will now need to gain a 60 per cent majority vote from neighbouring property owners.
The brutal new rule means homeowners putting their apartments on sites like Airbnb or without the 'necessary support' will be asked to cease operations. They may be threatened with legal action if they ignore the warning.
