Three of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations have been slapped on a “forbidden” list because they are swamped with tourists.
Majorca, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands have been flagged as no-go areas by the much-respected Fodor’s 2025. The guide says these Spanish gems have succumbed to their own success, struggling under the overwhelming tourist hordes.
The guide said: “Touring cities full of tourists is frustrating; Sightseeing in villages where locals resent your presence is disturbing and wandering through nature plagued by garbage is depressing.”
Spain’s trifecta found itself at odds with the locals too, confronting protests against the constant stream of visitors. Over in Palma, Majorca, last July was marred by massive protests, upwards of 20,000 strong, carrying signs with slogans such as “Your luxury, our misery.”
Nearby, Cala Major beachgoers could see more than just waves as a resident association is rallying to lodge an official complaint due to tourism excess.
Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has announced a crackdown on tourist flats by November 2028 to ease the local accommodation squeeze and put a lid on soaring prices, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, the Canary Islands are charting a new course, ditching the packed “sun and beach” model to make waves with an eco-friendly, sustainable approach to vacationing.
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Despite slapping them on the ‘no-go’ list, Fodors couldn’t help but recognise the allure of these spots. The travel guide admitted: “The destinations on the list of ‘forbidden’ places deserve the fame and adoration they receive and they are worthy of their time and money.”
In other travel news, a popular Irish musician has hit out at a taxi app after he claimed that he received a “mental charge” to get from his home to Dublin Airport.
Steve Wall, a singer-songwriter and actor who is also a founder member of the multi-platinum selling Irish band The Stunning and also The Walls, took to X to voice his annoyance.
“What’s going on with taxi prices? Just got charged €75 to the airport from Harold’s Cross which never cost more than €35 approx. It cost more than my flight…mental! I booked it via FreeNow. No air coach service nearby,” Steve told his ten thousand followers.
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