Tourism fuels economies, but too much of it? That’s starting to feel like a bad hangover in southern Europe. Across cities like Barcelona, Venice, Lisbon, and Dubrovnik, residents are no longer quietly grumbling. They’re marching, chanting, and demanding that governments take real action against overtourism.
Why Are People Protesting?
For years, southern Europe has been a bucket-list magnet. Sun, food, history, beaches — what’s not to love? But the endless stream of tourists has taken its toll. Rent prices are rising as landlords turn long-term housing into short-stay vacation rentals. Public infrastructure, already strained, is being pushed to the limit. Locals feel squeezed out, both economically and culturally.
Overtourism isn’t just about crowds at landmarks. It’s about everyday life becoming unlivable. In Barcelona, demonstrators carried signs reading, “Tourists go home!” — not because they hate visitors, but because they’re fed up with policies that prioritize tourism profits over quality of life.
Southern Europe Reaches a Boiling Point
This isn’t a sudden wave of discontent. Cities like Venice have flirted with cruise ship bans and visitor caps for years. Dubrovnik tried tourist limits enforced through Game of Thrones tour permits. These attempts have had mixed results.
In 2025, protests have intensified. Southern Europe’s residents are coordinating across borders, using social media to amplify their voices. It’s not just about noise—it’s about reclaiming homes, streets, and dignity.
What Locals Want
Protesters against overtourism are calling for clear, actionable changes:
- Limits on short-term rentals like Airbnb.
- Stricter cruise ship regulations.
- Investment in infrastructure for locals first, tourists second.
- Sustainable tourism models that don’t just chase headcounts.
In Lisbon, protesters formed human chains around historic buildings, demanding laws to protect heritage sites from being hollowed out by gift shops and fast-food chains. Their message is clear: tourism should add value, not subtract community.
Governments Are Taking Notice—Slowly
Some cities are responding. Barcelona recently passed restrictions on new hotel developments. Venice introduced a €5 entrance fee for day-trippers. But protesters argue these measures are too little, too late. Without broader, bolder action, overtourism will keep draining the soul from these iconic cities.
The Road Ahead
The protests aren’t anti-tourist. They’re anti-overtourism. Southern Europe isn’t closing its doors—it’s asking visitors and policymakers to think about how tourism can coexist with the people who actually live there.
For now, the streets are filled with voices. And those voices are demanding that tourism, no matter how profitable, be done with intention, not exploitation.
