Tensions are rising in Barcelona as angry residents take to the streets to protest what they call the negative effects of mass tourism on their city.
Over the weekend, protesters marched through the busy streets shouting at tourists to “go home!” and spraying them with water pistols.
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 15 million visitors last year. But many locals say the number of tourists is now too high, making everyday life difficult.
“We cannot live in this city,” said Marina, a young protester holding a banner that read, “Your Airbnb used to be my home.” She blamed high rents on short-term tourist rentals and foreign visitors staying long-term. “Our goal is not to stop tourism completely but to reduce it to a normal level.”
Other signs at the protest called for a ban on cruise ships, saying they bring too many visitors. Protesters also headed towards the famous Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s top attractions, to express their anger.
Elena, a marine biologist, said young people like her struggle to afford basic things. “Even a cup of coffee is expensive for us. It’s not just about tourists, it’s about how tourism is managed,” she said.
Older people are affected too. Pepi Viu, an 80-year-old woman, was recently evicted from her home of nearly 10 years. She now lives in a hostel because she cannot afford the high rents. “I feel like I have no protection. There are only tourist flats now, but we residents need homes too,” she said sadly.
Joan Alvarez is another local resident trying to stay in the home his family has rented for 25 years. His landlord has ended the lease, but Joan is refusing to move out. “This is not just about money. It’s about our lives. There are hardly any locals left in central Barcelona,” he said. “Housing should not just be for business.”
In response to growing pressure, city officials have announced a total ban on short-term tourist rentals starting in 2028. This means around 10,000 landlords will lose their tourist licences.
But not everyone agrees with the decision. Jesus Pereda, who rents two tourist flats near the Sagrada Familia, says landlords are being blamed unfairly. “They stopped giving out new licences 10 years ago, but rents still went up. So how are we the problem?” he asked.
Jesus manages the flats with his wife and says losing the licence would take away their main source of income. He believes the real issue is people moving to Barcelona from other parts of Europe who earn more and pay higher rents. “You can’t stop that,” he said.
He also argued that tourist flats help bring money to less-visited areas. “Without tourism, Barcelona would face a crisis,” he said, pointing out that tourism makes up about 15% of Spain’s economy. If his licence is cancelled, he plans to sell the flats instead of renting them out long-term.
The protest ended with chants of “You’re all guiris!” – a local slang word for foreigners – and red smoke from firecrackers. Protesters also kicked a flare into a hotel lobby, startling guests including children.
Similar protests were reported in other parts of Spain, as well as Portugal and Italy. Though not large in number, the protesters are growing louder in their demand for change. Meanwhile, Spain is expecting more tourists than ever this summer.
