Most unfriendly tourist destinations in Europe where Brits are told 'stay away'

Some of Europe's most popular destinations are actually urging tourists to stay away - with anti-tourism sentiment, protests and even campaigns to deter visitors

Europe's most unwelcoming destinations have been revealed over the past year, with widespread anti-tourism protests, including some of the UK's favourite holiday spots. As locals struggle with rising rents from booming holiday rentals, some visitors are being told to "stay away."

From protests in Barcelona, Spain, where tourists were squirted with water by protestors, to the 'Stay Away' campaign in the Netherlands, Europe has recently experienced its fair share of events that make tourists feel unwelcome.

Many popular holiday destinations have rolled out either new or increased taxes on tourists, as well as the hotels and Airbnbs that they stay in. While many of these countries, like Spain and Greece, rely heavily on the jobs and money generated from tourism to fund their public services, frustrated locals let their anger be heard through weekly protests - often at these incredibly popular destinations.

While this feeling of not being wanted somewhere is not shared across every European destination, Karta has made a list of the destinations that are urging Brits to avoid them this summer.

Majorca, Spain

One of the destinations urging tourists to stay away this summer is a Brit favourite - Majorca in Spain. Over the past year, anti-tourism demonstrations have been frequent.

In May 2024, over 100,000 people marched in Palma de Majorca to protest that tourism was having a negative impact on affordable housing. Later, in June, protesters occupied St Rapita Beach and Caló des Moro Cove, urging tourists to leave, reports the Mirror.

Similar protests have also been seen in Ibiza, and Menorca, where locals chained up some streets to keep visitors out between 8pm and 11am.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has long been popular with tourists. However, unrest in the city has also been going on for several years now.

Back in 2017, masked men attacked a tour bus by slashing its tires and spray-painting it with graffiti.

Tensions have soared as anti-tourism protests increasingly grip cities around the world. In Barcelona, Spain, locals are rallying for affordable housing amid growing unrest, with the city slapping stringent restrictions on short-term lets.

The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, has even unveiled an ambitious plan to wipe out all tourist apartments by 2029. Just last year, the city grabbed headlines globally following a demonstration where tourists were squirted with water pistols, stamping it as one of the most inhospitable places during the tourist season.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam's dislike for disruptive visitors is no secret, reflected in the 'Stay Away' campaign that went live last March. Brits searching for hedonistic escapades in Amsterdam were discouraged by a video from the campaign, depicting young drunkards facing legal action—a clear sign that the city has had enough of raucous revelers.

Not only that, but Amsterdam is also making moves to ban cruise ships from berthing by 2035, sending a firm message to tourists everywhere.

Venice, Italy

Venice is not far behind in its vocal opposition to tourism overload, having rolled out a €5 (£4.19) charge for day-trippers starting April 2024. The very first day saw protesters parading the canalside alleyways with pointed banners such as "Welcome to Veniceland" and "No to the ticket", Karta reports, showing the deep-rooted discontent amongst the locals.

This wasn't the first controversy regarding tourist regulations in the city. Back in 2021, cruise ships were banned from docking in the city centre and in 2018, a campaign named '#Enjoy, Respect Venezia' involved wardens patrolling streets. Whilst tourists are unlikely to face direct hostility, locals are pushing to protect the city's remaining peaceful areas.

Split, Croatia

Croatian authorities are also addressing unruly visitors head-on. An uptick in tourist numbers last summer led to an increased display of signs cautioning against indecorous acts like urinating publicly or scrambling over monuments, with tourists facing fines up to €300 (£251.24).

Even more stringent, if you're caught vomiting outdoors, expect a fine of €150 (£125.62). A serious presence deterring late-night mischief comes in the form of private security cruising the streets from 10pm to 4am.

Dubrovnik has also dialled down the volume of cruise ships welcomed into its heart.

Tenerife, Spain

Another British holiday hotspot, Tenerife is facing a graffiti surge. With messages such as "Your paradise, our hell" and "Tourists go home" scrawled across buildings, it's a stark reminder that the locals' patience may be thinning.

Last April, thousands swarmed to the streets of the Canary Islands in defiance, marching behind the poignant slogan "The Canary Islands have a limit". The rally and ensuing gatherings have honed in on the detrimental effects of rampant tourism including water scarcity, traffic chaos, a housing emergency, and harm to local ecologies and historic sites.

Despite declarations that they aren't anti-tourist, islands are angling for a more sustainable tourist industry, as discontent among visitors is palpable.

Santorini, Greece

Meanwhile, the idyllic Santorini is grappling with its own tourism tensions – the island’s modest population of 15,000 is dwarfed by a mammoth annual influx of more than two million tourists. The housing market has been squeezed, making living affordability a pipe dream for many locals.

Although cruise ship arrivals have been limited by authorities, a colossal 800 still made port there last year, adding fuel to the fire of local irritation.

Capri, Italy

Over in Italy's Capri, while not making as many headlines for tourism grievances, similar strains are felt during high season. A staggering daily count of up to 16,000 sightseers descends upon the island, overshadowing its 12,900 residents.

The island introduced a landing fee, now sharply hiked from €2.50 (£2.09) to €5 (£4.19), charged when setting off from Naples or Sorrento between April and October. Adding to local displeasure is the burgeoning popularity of Airbnb rentals.

Provence, France

Provence is another destination that hasn't been as widely reported on for over-tourism. Yet, measures have been taken to control the influx of tourists, including plans to manage visitor numbers at popular spots to safeguard the environment and local livelihoods.

For instance, a limit of 400 daily visitors has been set for Sugiton coves in Marseille's Calanques National Park. The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region has also teamed up with an app called Waze to encourage tourists to visit during less busy times.

Corfu, Greece

Unlike Santorini, Corfu in Greece hasn't seen the same level of over-tourism. However, the island still grapples with over 1.5 million tourists arriving by air each summer, along with tens of thousands of cruise ship passengers.

There have also been protests in Corfu, aimed at specific projects like the Erimitis development.