The Canary Islands, a perennial favourite for British holidaymakers, have been placed on a prominent travel 'no list' for 2026 as local residents voice growing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on their communities and environment.
Why the Canaries Made the 'No List'
Fodor's Travel has included the Spanish archipelago in its 2026 'No List' - not as a boycott, but as a recommendation for travellers to reconsider their plans and give overburdened destinations a break. The list highlights places where tourism is creating unsustainable pressure on local infrastructure and communities.
Behind the islands' famous white sand beaches and turquoise waters lies a growing crisis. In the first half of 2025 alone, the eight inhabited islands welcomed 7.8 million visitors and processed over 27 million airport passengers, representing a 5% increase from the previous year.
Tourism accounts for approximately 35% of the region's GDP and employs about 40% of its 2.2 million population. However, this economic dependency comes at a significant social and environmental cost that locals say has become unbearable.
Local Backlash and Environmental Strain
Over the past two years, thousands of residents have taken to the streets in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote to protest soaring housing costs, environmental degradation and the erosion of community life. Demonstrators marching under the banner 'Canarias tiene un límite' (The Canaries have a limit) are demanding authorities address the impacts of unregulated property development and mass tourism.
The problem extends beyond crowded streets. Beaches that once served as community gathering spaces are frequently closed due to pollution and sewage runoff. A recent France24 report revealed that the equivalent of 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools of wastewater is discharged into the sea around the islands daily.
ATAN, one of Tenerife's oldest environmental groups, told Fodor's: 'We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn't come to discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop.'
Alternative Spanish Destinations for 2026
For British travellers seeking Spanish alternatives, the country offers numerous less-crowded gems that would benefit from tourism:
- The Cíes Islands: A Galician archipelago often compared to the Caribbean, featuring deep-blue seas and pristine beaches within the UNESCO-recognised Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park.
- Cádiz: One of Western Europe's oldest cities, this 3,000-year-old coastal destination boasts golden beaches, historic architecture and exceptional seafood without the crowds of more famous Spanish cities.
- Estepona: A charming Costa del Sol town that received just 2% of Andalusia's international tourists in 2023 despite its prime location.
- San Sebastián: The Basque culinary capital offers world-class dining and beautiful beaches, particularly appealing during shoulder season after the September film festival.
- Murcia: Known as 'The Garden of Europe,' this southeastern region features stunning coastline, reliable sunshine and emerging accessibility through low-cost airlines.
For travellers still determined to visit the Canaries, La Palma offers a more sustainable alternative to its busier neighbours, focusing on nature and hiking rather than mass tourism.
The situation in the Canary Islands reflects a broader pattern across southern Europe, with destinations including Venice, Barcelona, Santorini and Mykonos facing similar challenges of overtourism concentrated in limited areas while other regions see little benefit.
