Hotels or homes? Facing a housing crisis, residents of Spain’s tourism hotspots fight to keep their communities alive.
From ancient cities to beaches, Spain has something for everyone. Millions of tourists flock to its coastal towns and islands every year to enjoy the sand, sea, and culture. But what about the locals?
In the past decade, rents have almost doubled, but wages have stayed the same. Hundreds of thousands of properties have become holiday lets, and developers are snapping up real estate to cash in on the tourism boom. A housing crisis is in full swing, and homelessness is rising fast. Now, residents are fighting back. Armed with water pistols and lawyers, they are calling on governments to protect their interests. But will it be enough?
People & Power meets some of the people suffering the consequences of Spain’s tourism industry, and those fighting to stay in their homes.
Published On 26 Sep 2025
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