The sun-drenched Canary Islands, a decades-long favourite for British holidaymakers seeking winter sun, have been placed on a prominent 'no travel' list for the second consecutive year. The 2026 edition of the influential Fodor's Travel guide has once again included the archipelago, citing the severe strain mass tourism is placing on local communities and the environment.
Why the Canaries Are Being Urged to Take a Breather
Fodor's emphasises that its 'No List' is not a call for a boycott, but rather a "gentle but pointed nudge" to ease pressure on destinations struggling under the weight of visitor numbers. For the Canary Islands, the issues are multifaceted and have sparked significant local unrest.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, the islands witnessed widespread protests from residents. Locals expressed fury over the impact of unchecked tourism, which they blame for soaring house prices, degraded natural spaces, and overwhelmed infrastructure. The guide highlights key problems including "overtouristed sites, fragile ecosystems and communities struggling to stay afloat."
The High Price of Tourism Success
While tourism is the economic lifeblood of the islands, Fodor's points out that "success comes at a price." The guide references expert warnings that the dual pressures of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate are creating an unsustainable situation.
A spokesperson for ATAN (Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza), one of Tenerife's oldest environmental groups, gave a stark assessment to Fodor's. "Access to housing has become virtually impossible due to the invasion of vacation rentals," they stated. "Natural spaces are constantly degraded... We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community."
The criticism extended to the type of tourism, with the group describing it as "unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn’t come to truly discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop." Furthermore, the guide notes that despite heavy reliance on visitor spending, locals often see little of the financial benefit.
A Global Pattern of Overtourism
The Canary Islands are not alone in facing these challenges. Fodor's 2026 'No List' also features other global destinations where tourism is causing significant strain. These include:
- Antarctica
- Isola Sacra, Italy
- Mexico City
- Montmartre, Paris
- Mombasa, Kenya
The inclusion of such a wide range of spots underscores a growing global concern about the environmental and social capacity of popular travel locations. For the Canaries, the message from travel experts is clear: the current model needs rethinking to ensure the islands' future health and the well-being of their residents.
