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One of Europe’s most iconic shorelines, La Concha beach in northern Spain, is at the center of a contentious issue following a recent announcement regarding sun loungers. This decision has ignited considerable disappointment among beachgoers and local officials alike.
Parasol Limits Imposed at La Concha Beach Amidst Climate Change Concerns
La Concha beach, situated in San Sebastian, has long been admired for its picturesque landscape and serene atmosphere. Celebrated figures, including actors Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz, have graced its promenade during the city’s prestigious annual film festival, further solidifying its allure.
However, a new directive from Spain’s coastal authority has mandated a reduction in the number of parasols permitted on the beach by one-third. This measure is attributed to the escalating effects of climate change, which officials assert is causing a discernible decrease in the beach’s area due to rising sea levels.
Reduced Parasol Spots Trigger Discontent
The San Sebastian city council initially intended to allocate 440 parasol positions at La Concha through a lottery this year. Nevertheless, the national coastal service intervened, decreeing that only 290 permits could be granted. This reduction is anticipated to displace the most coveted and expensive front-row spots, while also eliminating moderately priced seating options.
In its official report, the coastal service referenced a regulation stipulating that parasols must be situated at least 6 meters away from the sea to accommodate high tides. The report stated: “The beach has experienced a reduction in its surface area, necessitating a reassessment of the seasonal service occupancy.”
La Concha beach in San Sebastian, northern Spain, has long been revered for its tranquillity and beauty
Spain’s coastal service has introduced a new rule that the number of parasols allowed on the beach has to be reduced by a third because of climate change
The coastal service further cautioned that powerful waves or storms could “cause the beach to vanish temporarily,” underscoring the vulnerability of the coastline.
Mayor Voices Strong Opposition
Eneko Gola, the mayor of San Sebastian, expressed strong disapproval of the decision. He accused the national agency of “complicating the operations of coastal municipalities with its illogical decisions,” reflecting the growing tension between local and national authorities over beach management.
Europe Grapples with Growing Anti-Tourism Sentiment
This development unfolds as popular European holiday destinations brace for increased friction between tourists and local residents. Across the continent, communities are increasingly voicing concerns about the impact of mass tourism.
Mallorca Emerges as Epicenter of Tourist Pushback
In Mallorca, Spain, anti-tourism activists have issued a stark warning to prospective visitors, advising them to stay away. A strongly worded open letter cautions that this summer is predicted to be the “worst in Mallorca’s history” due to overtourism.
Prominent protest groups have collectively published a letter directly addressing British and other international tourists, urging them to “stay home” during the summer holiday period. The letter highlights overcrowding, environmental damage, and other “serious” issues plaguing Mallorca as a result of unchecked tourism.
“ENOUGH. STAY HOME! DO NOT COME. We do not need more tourists,” the letter declared, as published in the Majorca Daily Bulletin. “In fact, you are the source of our problem,” the groups asserted, pinpointing tourists as the root cause of the island’s challenges.
The strongly worded letter originated from a coalition of seven anti-tourism organizations in Mallorca: SOS Residents, Menys Turisme Mes Vida, GOB, GADMA, Alternative Per Pollenca, Brunzit, and Amics De Le Vall De Coanegra, signaling a unified front against mass tourism.
Spanish anti-tourism activists have told holidaymakers to stay away in a ranting open letter warning that this year will be the ‘worst summer in the history of Mallorca’. Pictured are protesters with anti-tourism signs during a demonstration at Palma de Mallorca in August 2024
Anti-tourism campaign group Banc del Temps Sencells posted a video last week hinting that there will be more action taken. In the clip, locals can be seen marching through Mallorca’s streets holding ‘For Sale’ signs
The activists claimed that ‘Mallorca is not the paradise’ being sold to tourists, alleging that locals are ‘angry and no longer hospitable’ because holidaymakers are destroying their home. Pictured are protesters flooding the streets of Mallorca last July
The activist groups contend that “Mallorca is not the paradise” portrayed to tourists. They allege that residents are increasingly “displeased and unwelcoming” as holidaymakers are perceived to be damaging their home environment and way of life.
These groups further allege that the popular vacation destination has been “exploited beyond sustainable limits.” They point to the “greed and avarice” of hotel proprietors, politicians, and real estate investors as having precipitated an “emergency situation” on the island.
“The land we cherish is being decimated, and many of us are compelled to leave the island because it is becoming uninhabitable,” locals stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation: “It is time to take a resolute stance.”
Pan-European Movement Against Overtourism Gains Traction
The anti-tourism movement is gaining momentum across southern Europe. At least 15 activist organizations representing holiday hotspots in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France are scheduled to convene in Barcelona next month. Their aim is to strategize and coordinate future actions, indicating a growing collective effort to address the challenges of overtourism across the region.