Canary Islands Face Travel Warning as Overtourism Reaches Crisis Point in 2026
Why the Canary Islands Matter Now More Than Ever
The Canary Islands, a beloved destination for British holidaymakers seeking year-round sunshine and stunning beaches, have reached a critical turning point. In a surprising move for 2026, the islands have been declared a ‘No Travel’ destination by Fodor’s Travel, stemming from the overwhelming pressures of over-tourism and its devastating effects on the islands’ environment and local communities. This designation serves as a wake-up call about the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices in one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
The archipelago, which attracts millions of visitors annually, faces severe consequences from escalating tourism levels, particularly in the form of soaring housing prices and environmental degradation. Understanding what’s happening in the Canary Islands is crucial not only for travellers planning their next holiday but also for recognising the broader challenges facing popular tourist destinations worldwide.
The Breaking Point: Record Numbers and Growing Concerns
The scale of tourism in the Canary Islands has reached unprecedented levels. Tourism soared in 2025, with 7.8 million visitors arriving in the islands and more than 27 million airport passengers processed in the first half of the year, a five per cent increase on the previous years. This surge has pushed the archipelago’s infrastructure and natural resources to breaking point.
Tourism contributes to more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40 per cent of its population, “yet success comes at a price”. Local residents have taken to the streets in protest, with demonstrators chanting “Canarias tiene un límite” (the Canaries have a limit) across popular islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
Understanding the ‘No Travel’ List
It’s important to clarify what this designation actually means. The list is “not a call for boycott”, but the aim is “to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities.” For the Canary Islands, this year marks its second consecutive appearance on the list, highlighting the increasing strain on its infrastructure and environment.
The key issues driving this warning include severe housing shortages caused by holiday rentals, water scarcity in a warming climate, environmental degradation of fragile volcanic ecosystems, and traffic congestion affecting daily life for residents.
What This Means for Future Travellers
Travellers heading to the archipelago in 2026 may experience stricter regulations, with local governments discussing potential measures including capping the number of tourist accommodations and implementing stricter rules for holiday lets. The island is introducing an eco-tax in 2026 for non-residents visiting the Teide National Park, which has seen unsustainable visitor numbers in recent years, leading to environmental damage, including pollution and erosion.
For those still wishing to visit, experts recommend travelling during off-peak seasons, staying in established hotels rather than residential apartments, and supporting local businesses. “Academics and experts warn that the combination of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate is unsustainable.” The situation in the Canary Islands serves as a powerful reminder that tourism must evolve to become more sustainable, balancing economic benefits with environmental preservation and respect for local communities.