Travel guide names three 'forbidden' Spanish holiday destinations to avoid in 2025

Three of Spain's most beloved holiday spots have been branded "forbidden" for travel this year by a top travel guide. Fodor's 2025 'No List' has singled out Majorca, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands as destinations to avoid due to over-tourism.

The guide points out that these Spanish locals have fallen victim to their own success, struggling under the weight of too many visitors, leading to a less than stellar experience for tourists, with the warning that such overcrowded destinations "rarely results in happy travellers".

In a biting critique, the travel publication stated: "Touring cities full of tourists is frustrating; Sightseeing in villages where locals resent your presence is disturbing and wandering through nature plagued by garbage is depressing."

READ MORE: Canary Islands’ new law addresses ‘long-standing concerns’ in tourism sector

Last year saw all three Spanish destinations on the blacklist face backlash against tourists, with more than 20,000 demonstrators reportedly taking to the streets of Palma, Majorca in July, brandishing banners proclaiming "Your luxury, our misery."

The spread of tourist facilities across Cala Major beach has become so extensive that a resident association in Majorca is preparing to lodge an official complaint. In Barcelona, Mayor Jaume Collboni has declared a ban on tourist apartments by November 2028, aiming to ease the city's housing crisis by freeing up local housing and curbing price inflation, reports the Express.

Meanwhile, the Canary Islands are shifting gears, looking to abandon the ubiquitous "sun and beach" all-inclusive tourism model in favour of promoting eco-friendly and sustainable travel options.

Despite placing them on the 'no-go' roster, Fodors did recognise