amynicole – Protesters marched through central Barcelona on Sunday, loudly telling tourists to “Go Home!” as they filmed the demonstration. Some tourists sitting at street cafés were squirted with water pistols, and a luxury clothing store was covered in stickers labeling the tourists inside as unwelcome. Tourism plays a huge role in Spain’s economy, and Barcelona remains a top destination. However, the rapid growth of visitors has caused many locals to feel pushed out of their own city. Residents in Barcelona and across southern Europe are raising their voices against the negative impacts of overtourism.
Marina, a local protester, held a banner that read, “Your AirBnB used to be my home,” highlighting the housing crisis worsened by tourist rentals. She explained that soaring rents driven by short-term rentals and expats have made life unaffordable for many locals. Protesters also called for banning large cruise ships, which they say contribute to overcrowding and strain local resources. Marina emphasized that they do not oppose tourism altogether but want it managed at a sustainable level. The demonstration ended near the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s iconic attractions, which attracts millions annually and symbolizes the city’s struggle with tourism pressure.
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Housing Crisis Deepens as Locals Lose Homes to Tourists and High Rents
Barcelona’s population feels the effects of the tourism boom most acutely in the housing market. Pepi Viu, an 80-year-old resident, was recently evicted from her home after nearly a decade because the landlord sought higher rent than she could afford. Now living in a hostel, Pepi struggles to find affordable housing as prices have risen nearly 70% since she last rented. She says the city offers no protection for long-term residents, with many apartments converted into tourist flats. Pepi’s experience reflects a broader trend of locals being displaced to make way for short-term tourist rentals.
Joan Alvarez fights to keep his family’s flat in the Gothic Quarter, where many homes have already been split into multiple rooms to maximize rent. After 25 years, Joan refuses to leave despite his landlord terminating the lease. He argues that housing should not be treated as a mere business and that residents deserve affordable homes in their own city. Joan’s fight highlights the tension between profit-driven landlords and residents desperate to maintain their community in Barcelona’s tourist-heavy neighborhoods.
Authorities Crack Down on Short-Term Rentals Amid Growing Protests
In response to mounting pressure from protests, Barcelona’s government announced a ban on short-term tourist rentals starting in 2028. This decision will revoke licenses from about 10,000 landlords who rent apartments to visitors. Jesus Pereda, a landlord of two tourist flats near the Sagrada Familia, criticizes the move. He argues that rental price increases come mainly from ‘nomad’ workers from across Europe, not tourists. Jesus insists that tourist flats help distribute visitors across the city and generate important income.
Jesus fears losing his tourist license and does not plan to rent his flats long-term due to rent caps, which make such rentals unprofitable. Instead, he intends to sell the properties. The ban reflects the city’s struggle to balance tourism’s economic benefits with housing affordability and residents’ quality of life.
Protests Grow Tense with Firecrackers and Direct Action Against Tourists
The protest in Barcelona escalated with chants of “You’re all guiris!”—a slang term for foreigners—and bursts of firecrackers. Police blocked all access routes to the Sagrada Familia as red smoke billowed through the crowd. Earlier, protesters targeted a busy hotel, throwing a flare into the lobby and visibly alarming tourists inside, including children. Similar protests occurred in other Spanish cities, as well as in Portugal and Italy, showing a regional outcry against overtourism.
Though these protests are not massive in scale, they send a strong message demanding change. Residents share common concerns about overcrowding, rising costs, and loss of cultural identity. Local governments face increasing pressure to find solutions before the issue worsens.
Managing Tourism’s Impact Remains a Challenge as Visitor Numbers Surge
Barcelona welcomed over 15 million visitors last year, nearly ten times its local population. The city combines stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, making it a magnet for tourists. However, managing such huge crowds presents complex challenges for local authorities. Residents want tourism to continue but at a sustainable pace that does not threaten their homes or livelihoods.
Economic experts note that tourism accounts for up to 15% of Spain’s GDP, underscoring its importance. But without effective controls, the social costs may outweigh benefits. Barcelona’s ban on short-term rentals and ongoing protests highlight a growing desire for more responsible tourism policies. The coming years will test whether the city can balance economic growth with protecting its residents’ quality of life and preserving its unique character.
