Why Tourists Are Being Targeted in Barcelona, and What It Means for Yout You Need to Know About Spain's Overtourism Crisis
Barcelona might be on your travel bucket list this year, but it’s not all sunshine and sangria right now. From water pistols aimed at tourists to chants of “We want homes, not hotels”, the locals are sending a loud message: Mass tourism is pushing us out.
Before you rethink your travel plans or cancel your move to Spain, let's break down what's really going on in Barcelona and across southern Europe, and what you can do as a responsible traveler or future expat.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Tourism in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most stunning cities in Europe. Rich architecture, Mediterranean beaches, unforgettable food, but it’s also feeling the weight of its own popularity. In 2024 alone, nearly 26 million tourists visited a city with just 1.6 million residents. That’s the equivalent of the entire population of Australia showing up every year.
At first, tourism boosted the local economy, brought jobs, and sparked international buzz. But now, many locals feel like the city is being sold off piece by piece, turned into a playground for visitors while pricing out the people who actually live there.
Why Are the Protests Escalating?
What started as growing frustration has turned into organized protest. Recently, demonstrators in Barcelona used water pistols to spray tourists, a symbolic way to show just how deep the resentment has grown.
You’ll see signs with phrases like:
“Tourists Go Home”
“Stop Mass Tourism”
“We Want Homes, Not Hotels”
This isn’t about hating tourists. It’s about a system that favors profits over people.
What’s Fueling the Anger?
Housing Crisis: Skyrocketing rents caused by short-term tourist rentals. Entire buildings have become Airbnbs.
Overcrowded Infrastructure: Narrow streets, public transport, parks, all jammed during peak season.
Environmental Strain: Beaches, landmarks, and even drinking water are under pressure.
Loss of Livability: Everyday life for locals, from shopping to school drop-offs, is disrupted by waves of visitors.
It’s Not Just Barcelona
From Lisbon to Venice to Mallorca, cities across southern Europe are cracking down on overtourism:
Venice introduced entrance fees
Lisbon is limiting short-term rentals
Mallorca is seeing similar protests
There’s a growing movement toward responsible tourism that respects residents and preserves the charm that attracts visitors in the first place.
My Personal Experience in Coastal Spain
When my family first moved to Spain, we settled in a small town along the Costa Tropical. It felt like paradise, until summer hit. Suddenly, there was no parking, no space in restaurants, and overcrowded beaches. RVs lined the coast for weeks, and public amenities were overrun.
By the end of our first year, we relocated to Madrid, partly because the town became unlivable during peak season. That experience gave me a firsthand view of why locals are pushing back.
So... Should You Still Visit Barcelona?
Absolutely. But do it intentionally. Here's how to be part of the solution, not the problem:
✅ Stay in legal, licensed accommodations
Avoid illegal Airbnbs that price locals out of their homes.
✅ Explore beyond the tourist traps
Get to know neighborhoods beyond the Gothic Quarter. Shop local. Eat local.
✅ Travel off-peak if you can
Spring and fall offer a calmer, more authentic experience.
✅ Be respectful
Watch your noise, waste, and space. Respect the rhythm of daily life.
✅ Thinking of moving to Spain?
Don’t isolate, integrate. Learn the language, join the community, and honor the culture you're stepping into.
Final Thoughts
I love Spain. I love Barcelona. (Well... not the football team, Hala Madrid!) But I also deeply respect the people who call these places home.
Cities like Barcelona are at a crossroads. Can tourism and local life coexist or will one push out the other? If you're traveling or relocating, choose to be someone who adds value, not someone who leaves a mess.
What About You?
Have you ever traveled somewhere and felt like tourism had taken over? Or have you seen the benefits tourism can bring to a local economy?
👉 Leave a comment and tell us about it.
And if you're thinking about moving abroad, exploring life in Spain, or just want more real talk about the expat experience,
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