The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for tourists visiting two popular Spanish destinations, Valencia and the Canary Islands, ahead of planned protests on Saturday and Sunday.
Demonstrations against mass tourism are set to take place, with locals protesting the negative impacts of overtourism on housing, resources, and quality of life in these regions.
The city of Valencia will hold its first mass protest against overtourism, with an emphasis on the housing crisis, on Saturday evening.
The demonstration, under the slogan “Valencia is drowning” will begin at 6.30pm at the iconic Serranos Towers and conclude at the town hall square.
Protesters are demanding stronger action from authorities to prevent Valencia from becoming overwhelmed by mass tourism and to guarantee affordable housing for residents.
A similar protest focusing on housing issues will also take place in Alicante on the same day.
On Sunday, the Canary Islands will see their second wave of protests this year, following a massive turnout in April, where 60,000 people protested across all eight islands.
The demonstrations aim to demand changes to a tourism model that residents argue is putting unbearable pressure on the islands’ resources and infrastructure.
In Tenerife, the protest will take place in Playa de las Américas, while Corralejo will host the protest in Fuerteventura, and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, with all demonstrations beginning at midday.
The Foreign Office has warned: “Political gatherings or marches can take place with little or no warning, particularly in cities. While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence.
“If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.”
Authorities are urging visitors to check local updates and follow police and local authorities’ advice to avoid potential disruption during their stay in these regions.
The protests come as local residents express growing frustration over rising property prices, pollution, and the prioritisation of tourist needs over locals.
Organisers said they are not against tourism itself but are calling for more sustainable development that balances the needs of the local population with the growing influx of visitors.
It is estimated that 18 million tourists will have visited the Canary Islands by the end of 2024, nine times the islands’ population.