Many Spanish cities are taking measures to curb overtourism. Credit: Canva
Malaga, the vibrant coastal city in southern Spain, has long been a tourist darling. Its sun-drenched beaches, rich history, and buzzing tapas scene have lured visitors for decades. But this year, amidst a growing clamour against over tourism in Spain, Malaga has a clear message for travellers: go home.
Malaga and Tourism
Amidst rising anti-tourism sentiments in Malaga, residents have launched a sticker campaign urging tourists to leave. The stickers, found on tourist apartments, express frustration with disruptions to locals’ lives and highlight the scarcity of affordable housing due to tourism. Photos of the stickers and individuals supporting the campaign circulate daily, reflecting growing discontent with the situation. Despite no personal animosity towards tourists, the eviction of locals to make room for tourist rentals has sparked outcry. Local politician Dani Perez also addressed the issue on social media, stating, “You walk the streets of Malaga, and it’s nearly impossible to find a residential building without a lockbox [for tourist rentals]. The mayor of Malaga is not doing anything for the people who live here; they’re being pushed out of the city where they were born.”
However, local lawyer Juan Luis Gomez criticised the campaign, arguing, “The same people who oppose tourism then refuse to work, as if our livelihoods depended solely on the aerospace industry. Regulating tourism is one thing, but outright rejection is another.”
Overtourism in Spain
Malaga is not the first municipality in Spain where overtourism has been a reigning concern. In 2023, San Sebastian, a popular destination in Europe, faced excessive tourist numbers which prompted plans to limit visitors and halt new hotel constructions. These measures aim to foster sustainable tourism and preserve the city’s charm. The city followed in the footsteps of Palma de Mallorca, which banned Airbnb rentals in 2018. Spanish city Seville is also considering implementing a fee for tourists visiting the Plaza de Espana to regulate the high number of visitors to this public space.
