The popular Spanish islands have been placed on Fodor’s Travel ‘No List’ for the second year running due to unsustainable tourism pressures, though it’s not a call for boycott
For generations, the Canary Islands have remained a steadfast choice among British travellers. These Spanish isles are cherished for their perpetual sunshine, vibrant resort towns and convenient four-hour journey time.
The relationship has been mutually beneficial: as appetite for sun-soaked getaways grew throughout the latter half of the 20th century, holiday developments flourished across the island chain while tourism revenue became vital to the local economy. However, 2024 marked a shift in sentiment.
Locals organised demonstrations against excessive tourism, highlighting concerns over environmental damage, strain on local services and escalating property costs. Comparable demonstrations occurred at other popular European destinations.
Consequently, the Canary Islands found itself featured on Fodor’s Travel ‘No List’ for 2025 – and remains there for 2026. The guide emphasised that the list represents “not a call for boycott”, but aims “to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities. “.
The publication stated that primary concerns addressed by the list include “overtouristed sites, fragile ecosystems and communities struggling to stay afloat”. Fodor’s explained: “The No List serves a gentle but pointed nudge to ease up on a spot for now–not forever–and give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Concerning the Canary Islands, the guide highlighted that tourism has skyrocketed in 2025, with 7.8million holidaymakers flocking to the archipelago and over 27million airport passengers handled during the first six months, representing a five per cent rise compared to previous years.
Fodor’s emphasises that tourism accounts for more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and provides employment for roughly 40per cent of its residents, “yet success comes at a price”.
The consequences of visitors on congestion, accommodation (including inflating rental costs), environmental degradation and water shortages are keenly felt by locals. The guide stated: “Academics and experts warn that the combination of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate is unsustainable.”
It continued: “For many Canarians, tourism is both a lifeline and a burden. The islands rely heavily on visitor spending, yet locals often see little of it. “.
Previously, other Spanish hotspots Barcelona and Majorca featured on the list, though they haven’t appeared this year. However, Fodor’s stresses this doesn’t mean that travellers should flock to them en masse.
The publication explained: “These destinations haven’t been magically cured–they’re still mired in challenges–but the usual suspects too often pull focus from other hotspots in need of a break.”
In addition to the Canary Islands, Antarctica, Glacier National Park (USA), Isola Sacra (Italy), The Jungfrau Region (Switzerland), Mexico City (Mexico), Mombasa (Kenya), Montmartre (Paris, France) have also been included in this year’s ‘No List’.
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