Canary Island residents warn that mass tourism is pushing them to breaking point

Residents in the Canary Islands are taking a stand against overtourism, with activists reporting that locals are being forced to sleep in their cars and even caves due to soaring house prices.

One activist group on the island of Tenerife has planned a hunger strike to protest the construction of two new hotels, while others have resorted to graffiti on buildings and rental cars telling tourists to ‘go home’.

The Canary Islands attracted a record 14.1 million foreign visitors in 2023, putting immense pressure on the local infrastructure and resources. Residents are now planning protests and strikes to demand more sustainable tourism practices.

Authorities had previously halted work on two new hotel developments in Tenerife due to environmental breaches, but construction has since resumed, prompting further outrage among residents.

Ruben Zerpa, of Canaries Sold Out, emphasized the need for more sustainable tourism, stating that the current situation is overwhelming the islands’ limited resources.

Locals like Ivan Cerdena Molina are feeling the impact firsthand, with many struggling to afford skyrocketing rental prices. As a result, some residents are being forced to live in their cars or caves.

The pressure from mass tourism is not only affecting the social fabric of the Canary Islands but also putting a strain on health services, waste management, water supplies, and biodiversity.

Residents are now resorting to tactics like putting up fake ‘closed to overcrowding’ signs and anti-tourism graffiti in an effort to deter tourists from overcrowded areas. The message is clear: the Canary Islands have reached their limit, and residents are demanding change.