Traveling Responsibly in Europe: Understanding the Anti-Tourism Protests
If you’re planning a trip to Spain or elsewhere in Europe this summer, you may come across more than just beautiful architecture and charming cafes—you might also see signs of growing frustration among locals. In cities across Spain, Portugal, Italy, and beyond, residents have taken to the streets to protest what’s being called “overtourism.” The signs say things like “Tourists go home” and “This isn’t Disneyland.” But what’s behind these protests, and what can you do as a traveler to be part of the solution, not the problem?
What’s Happening—and Where
Protests and demonstrations have recently taken place in popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, and Venice. In many cases, the focus has been on short-term rentals, especially those listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Residents argue that the explosion of tourist apartments is making it impossible for locals to find affordable places to live.
For example:
In Barcelona, anti-Airbnb graffiti is a common sight, and city officials have imposed restrictions on short-term rentals. During some protests, locals squirt tourists with water guns.
Palma de Mallorca recently announced a new ban on most short-term holiday rentals in multi-family buildings.
In Lisbon and Porto, local activists have staged rallies calling for regulations to curb rent increases and neighborhood disruption.
Venice has even introduced an entry fee for day-trippers to help manage crowding and raise funds for infrastructure.
While these protests may sound alarming, they’re not directed at individual travelers. They’re about broader economic and policy issues that have been building over time.
Why Locals Are Frustrated
At the heart of the protests are serious concerns about housing and quality of life. In many European cities, wages haven’t kept up with rising rents. Landlords often make more money renting to tourists for a few nights than they would renting to a local for a year. As a result, long-term rental options have dried up, and prices have soared.
Beyond housing, overtourism can strain local services, overcrowd historic sites, and disrupt daily life. In smaller cities or island communities, the influx of tourists during peak seasons can make it difficult for locals to commute, shop for groceries, or simply enjoy their own neighborhoods.
How You Can Be a More Responsible Visitor
The good news? Thoughtful travelers are always welcome. Here are a few ways you can reduce your impact and show respect for the places you visit:
Stay local and legal. Choose accommodations that are registered and licensed. Many cities now have searchable databases of legal tourist rentals. Consider hotels, hostels, or locally owned B&Bs that contribute to the local economy and don’t take housing off the market.
Travel off-season. Visiting in spring or fall (instead of peak summer) helps reduce crowding and spreads tourism income throughout the year.
Explore less-touristed neighborhoods. This not only gives you a more authentic experience, but also eases pressure on the most crowded areas.
Be mindful of your behavior. Follow local customs, keep noise levels down, and dress appropriately—especially in residential areas. No one wants loud, drunken neighbors.
Support local businesses. Eat at locally owned restaurants, shop at neighborhood markets, and avoid international chains when possible.
Learn a few words of the language. Even a simple “hola” or “gracias” goes a long way in showing respect.
Travel opens the door to connection, understanding, and appreciation—but only if it’s done with awareness. As more destinations reckon with the downsides of mass tourism, we all have a role to play in making travel more sustainable. That way, these beautiful places remain not just wonderful for visitors—but livable for the people who call them home.