Spain clamps down on tourist traffic while housing prices surge

Spanish authorities are expanding vehicle restrictions in heavily touristed areas to curb severe congestion. In the Balearic and Canary Islands, daily fees of €1 and caps on car numbers have been introduced, with measures such as limiting rental and VTC access in sensitive natural zones like Anaga in Tenerife. The moves aim to reduce traffic overload, parking scarcity and environmental strain during peak tourist seasons.

At the same time, architects warn that Spanish cities are facing a housing overflow as demand outpaces supply. Prices for existing homes have risen almost 17% year‑on‑year, reaching €2,748 per square metre, prompting residents to move to peripheral areas. The lack of coordinated urban planning threatens equality of opportunity and could exacerbate the pressure on infrastructure and services across the country.