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Popular cities in Spain are on the "banned" list in 2025: why
In 2025, popular tourist destinations in Spain were in the spotlight due to overcrowding. A well-known travel guide included Mallorca, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands in the list of "forbidden" travel destinations.
This decision was made due to the inability of these regions to cope with the huge flow of tourists, which had a negative impact on both local residents and nature. Fodor's experts note that excessive tourism often leads to visitor disappointment and anxiety among local communities.
The Fodor's experts emphasized the problems caused by the overabundance of tourists. The guide noted: "Traveling through cities full of tourists is frustrating, and staying in villages where locals are unhappy with your presence is unsettling." In addition, neglected nature littered with vacationers creates a sad picture that spoils the travel experience.
The problem of tourism in Spain gained momentum in 2024, when thousands of residents took to the streets to protest. In July last year, more than 20 thousand people in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, expressed their dissatisfaction under the slogan "Your luxury is our misery." Local residents emphasized that tourists cause overloading of infrastructure, especially on beaches such as Cala Major.
Barcelona is also taking steps to reduce the negative impact of tourism. Mayor Jaume Colboni announced a ban on tourist apartments until 2028 to reduce the housing shortage for local residents and stabilize rental prices. Such restrictions are an important step in the fight against the housing crisis.
The Canary Islands are planning to change their approach to tourism. Local authorities are seeking to move away from the sun and beach model, which is popular with tourists, and focus on sustainable development. Promoting environmentally conscious recreation has become a key strategy for preserving the unique nature of the region.
Despite being on the "off-limits" list, the Fodor's guide recognized the charm of these Spanish regions. The authors emphasized that these places remain incredibly attractive, and their beauty and cultural value are worthy of every traveler's attention.
Other popular destinations, such as Venice, Tokyo, and Bali, were also included in the "banned" list. Experts note that to solve the problem of oversaturation with tourists, it is necessary to find a balance between the interests of local communities and the needs of travelers.
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