Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

Spanish holiday hotspot could ban selling land to foreigners & is set to cancel building homes in anti-tourist protest

Published on April 06, 2025 at 07:28 PM

A POPULAR holiday hotspot is turning its back on tourists as fury boils over rising rents, unaffordable homes, and “low-quality” visitors.

Malaga is scrapping plans to build 1,300 tourist homes and considering a total ban on land sales to foreigners, in what could become a watershed moment for .

Thousands protest in Barcelona for lower housing costs.
Thousands take to the streets of central Barcelona to demand lower housing costs–both for rent and home ownership–and an end to evictions
Anti-tourism graffiti in Barcelona reading "Your Tourism, Our Misery".
In Barcelona’s Gracia Quarter people passes by an anti-tourism graffiti reading ‘Your Tourism, Our Misery’
Beach protestors unfurl a banner that reads "#OcupemLesPlatges".
Members of the Mallorca Platja Tour association demonstrate against tourist saturation with a banner that says ‘Let’s occupy our beaches!' on the beach in Palma

Mayor Francisco de la Torre said the city council is reviewing sweeping new restrictions under the General Urban Planning Document (PGOU), which could see non-Spaniards completely barred from buying land in the Costa del Sol capital.

He admitted the drastic rethink includes “a global moratorium”; on tourist developments.

De la Torre added: “We want to determine how tourism can be made compatible with everyday city life.”;

The shock move comes as flooded 40 Spanish cities this weekend, urging activists to superglue locks on holiday rentals and block tourists from beaches.

Graffiti, fake beach closure signs, and even arson attacks on rental cars have rocked the southern coast, with

De la Torre confirmed that Malaga has already prohibited new holiday apartments in 43 neighbourhoods, including Centro, La Merced, and Malagueta.

A specialist company has been hired to track “illegal holiday homes”; and steer the crackdown.

“We are a municipality clearly committed to this,”; he said.

The backlash isn’t new — but it is escalating.

Brits are particularly vulnerable , losing their while Dutch, German, and French buyers still benefit from freedom of movement and ownership rules.

Activists accuse politicians of letting tourism spiral out of control and .

“We feel defenceless because of tourism,”; said Lucia Vazquez, 23, at a protest in Seville.

“They should start to control it more.”;

A spokesman for the group Malaga Is For Living raged: “Everything over the last few decades has been done to turn the centre of Malaga into a tourist amusement park that only benefits a few.”;

Another protestor, Lina Castillo, a tourist guide, said: “I can’t find a flat anywhere on the coast for less than €900 (£760) and we’re talking 50 square metres.”;

Some residents are now actively sabotaging the industry.

A message circulating online urged: “Please vandalise all the locks you see. Go super glue mad.”;

Protest against tourism policies in Tenerife.
Thousands of people demonstrate against tourism policies in Tenerife
a crowd of people holding signs including one that says tourist respect my land
People protesting against tourists in the Canary Islands

The growing hostility follows a that saw in Barcelona and on Majorcan beaches.

Campaigners are demanding tougher controls on Airbnbs, higher flight prices, caps on tourist numbers, and taxes on empty homes.

An open letter urged Brits to stay away, reading: “ENOUGH! STAY HOME! We do not need more tourists... DO NOT COME.”;

Joana Maria Estrany Vallespir from SOS Residents, who co-wrote the letter, warned: “The local population is angry, and we are no longer hospitable because the land we love is being destroyed, and many residents are having to emigrate.”;

Spain’s tourism industry — worth billions — has long been the lifeline of coastal towns.

But with the summer season fast approaching, the clash between locals and holidaymakers is only set to intensify.

Prev Article

‘Gary Neville’s having a proper meltdown’ – Fans fear for Man Utd icon after he apologises for his derby co-commentary

Next Article

Erik ten Hag spotted at huge Serie A clash following Man Utd axe as fans say ‘he could actually do bits there’

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *