Overtourism in Canary islands: what you need to know before visiting (2025)

Ever wondered if your dream vacation might be part of a bigger problem? Well, you’re not necessarily wrong: The Canary Islands hosted almost 14 million tourists in 2023 – that’s about six times the local population! While these stunning Spanish islands have long been a favorite getaway spot, they’re now facing some serious challenges. From packed beaches to frustrated locals, overtourism is changing the face of these paradise islands.

But don’t worry – I’m here to break down what’s happening and show you how to be part of the solution, not the problem. Let’s dive into what overtourism really means for the Canaries and what you need to know before booking your trip!

What is overtourism in the canary islands?

Overtourism is a growing concern for many tourist destinations and the Canaries are not an exception. While tourism is a major part of the islands’ economy: contributing to around 35% of the islands’ economy, it comes with its downsides.

Overtourism in Canary Islands has caused many issues like rise in housing prices, water shortages and other environmental problems.

protests against overtourism

“your luxury, my misery”

Is what some of the signs said in a recent protest which occured late October 2024 around the archipelago.

This year alone, numerous protests have taken place, with demonstrators demanding limits on tourist numbers and opposing uncontrolled development that harms the environment and local residents.
The protesters are not against the tourism industry, which makes up about 35% of the islands’ economy. Rather, they are advocating for a sustainable model that considers environmental impacts like water shortages and climate change, and reduces pressure on housing and living costs.

The impact on local life

The influx of tourists has created a housing crisis, driving up rental prices and making it difficult for locals to find affordable housing. The strain on resources, particularly water, is another significant issue, as the islands have limited natural supplies. Local businesses and traditional industries are often overshadowed by tourism-related enterprises, leading to a loss of cultural authenticity. Environmental concerns are also mounting, with waste management challenges and beach erosion becoming more prevalent.

most affected areas to be aware of

Some areas in the Canary Islands are more heavily affected by overtourism than others. Playa de las Americas in Tenerife is a hotspot for mass tourism, often resulting in crowded beaches and strained local services. Las Palmas in Gran Canaria faces similar congestion issues. Popular beach areas and natural parks, such as the Maspalomas Dunes, are under significant pressure, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

How to travel the Canaries responsibly

There are ways you can help mitigate the impact of overtourism.

• Consider visiting during off-peak times to reduce crowding and strain on resources.
• Explore alternative destinations within the islands that are less visited by tourists.
• Support local businesses rather than international chains, and use sustainable transportation options when possible.
• Conserve resources by being mindful of your water and energy usage.

Making better travel choices

When booking accommodations, choose options that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Package tourism might be better than renting via online platforms individually, because these online platforms (and the lack of their regulation) is part of the problem. Holiday packages including hotels on the other hand provide a lot of jobs and development opportunities for locals. Opt for eco-friendly activities that minimize environmental impact. Respect local customs and spaces, and be mindful of your environmental footprint. By contributing positively to local communities, you can help ensure that the Canary Islands remain a beautiful and viable destination for future generations.

authors take

Tourism brings issues almost inevitably – too much is too much. Tourism should not drive locals towards poverty. Right now tourism in Canaries could make poverty issues bigger with rising housing prices.

However it’s not actually that straight-forward

While short-term rental and hotel building is driving housing costs for locals, these hotels also tend to bring a lot of employment to the islands, starting merely from constructing the buildings. Downside to hotels is that hotel owners and investors pay only 4% tax if they meet requirements for this special tax-framework, and could send profits to their home country, which means that only a very minor part of the income generated is left at the islands and given back to the population. Additionally, online platforms are only yet to be regulated, which has now led to the high housing prices mentioned.

In my opinion, I believe a lot of the issues are caused due to poor regulation and policies that have only aimed to benefit investors and attract more tourists, neglecting the environment and the locals. This has now started to change and more regulations, laws and even tourism taxes are being introduced. I myself am very welcoming to these, and I will happily pay some extra if it can benefit the locals and the environment.

please note that i am biased – i’ve been to the islands multiple times, and still wish to go there sometimes to escape the never-ending darkness of northern europe’s winter.

Conclusion

Let’s be real here – there’s no such thing as being a 100% “perfect” tourist, and that’s okay! The key is making an effort to do better, which would make a huge difference if more of us got on board.

Think about it – just by reading this article and understanding what overtourism is doing to the Canary Islands, you’re already ahead of most visitors.

Every small choice counts, from when you visit to where you stay. And while you shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to experience these stunning islands, you now have the knowledge to make better decisions that help preserve them for both future travelers and (more importantly!) the locals who call these islands home.

Planning your trip to the Canaries? You’re now armed with insights that’ll help you travel more mindfully. Remember – it’s not about perfect travel, it’s about better travel. Go enjoy those beautiful beaches, dramatic volcanoes, and vibrant culture – just do it with a bit more awareness and consideration than the average tourist. Trust me, it makes the experience even more rewarding!

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