UPDATE: The Canary Islands have been officially placed on Fodor’s Travel ‘No List’ for both 2025 and 2026, as tourism imposes unsustainable pressures on local communities. This urgent announcement highlights growing concerns over environmental degradation and community strain amid a surge in visitor numbers, with 7.8 million travelers reported in 2025 alone.
For decades, the Canary Islands have been a popular destination for British travelers, renowned for their warm climate and vibrant holiday scenes. However, local residents have rallied against mass tourism, citing rising property costs, increased traffic, and water scarcity as critical issues. Demonstrations have erupted across the islands, reflecting a significant shift in sentiment regarding tourism’s impact on daily life.
Fodor’s Travel emphasizes that the ‘No List’ is not a boycott but a call to recognize the burden of overtourism on fragile ecosystems. A spokesperson stated, “The No List serves a gentle but pointed nudge to ease up on a spot for now—not forever.” The guide aims to bring attention to places like the Canary Islands that are overwhelmed by tourist activity, urging travelers to reconsider their plans.
In the first half of 2025, airports in the Canary Islands processed over 27 million passengers, marking a 5 percent increase compared to previous years. While tourism is crucial to the islands’ economy—accounting for over a third of the GDP and providing jobs for approximately 40 percent of residents—locals are increasingly feeling the strain.
Experts warn that the combination of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate is unsustainable. “For many Canarians, tourism is both a lifeline and a burden,” Fodor’s noted, stressing that the benefits of tourism often do not reach the local population.
In addition to the Canary Islands, the 2026 ‘No List’ includes other heavily visited locations like Antarctica, Glacier National Park, and Montmartre in Paris, underscoring a broader global issue of overtourism.
Travelers planning to visit the Canary Islands should reconsider their plans, as the area grapples with the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and community well-being. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as local authorities respond to these growing concerns.
Stay updated as this story develops and monitor changes in travel advisories regarding the Canary Islands and other popular destinations.
