German tourists trigger tourism tensions in Spain’s Mallorca and Canary Islands

In Mallorca, the increase in German and British visitors has sparked large‑scale protests. Since early 2024, tens of thousands of locals have demonstrated in Palma against overcrowding, rising living costs and a housing shortage caused by mass tourism, which accounts for about 45 % of the Balearic Islands’ GDP. Spanish comedian Susi Caramelo, known as Susana Cabero Jaén, posted an Instagram video condemning the “German” presence on the island’s beaches.

The nearby Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago of seven main islands and several smaller ones off north‑west Africa, also remain a popular winter destination for German tourists because of their mild, subtropical climate and year‑round sunshine. The islands lie biogeographically in Macaronesia, are one hour behind mainland Spain (GMT), and attract visitors seeking the “eternal spring” weather.

Both regions illustrate the growing pressure that German holidaymakers place on Spain’s island economies and infrastructure.