The beloved Canary Islands, a perennial favourite for British sun-seekers, have found themselves on a surprising 'no go' list for 2026. American travel guide producer Fodor's included the Spanish archipelago in its annual 'No List', recommending travellers avoid the destination due to severe overtourism.
Island Paradise Under Pressure
This designation comes despite the islands' enormous popularity, with nearly 18 million visitors recorded last year. The Canaries' microclimate has long made them a prime winter sun destination for Brits, but this very appeal is now causing significant problems. Journalist Natalie King, who visited Lanzarote in March 2025, witnessed firsthand the challenges created by the tourism surge.
"Our flight was completely full, which surprised me for midweek in March," King reported. "The Canaries have become a year-round destination, and the crowds reflected that." Her first indication of the scale of the issue came when trying to book accommodation, finding most budget options fully booked and prices significantly inflated.
Local Life Disrupted
The impact on local residents has become increasingly severe. John Dale Beckley, founder of sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org, explained to Fodor's: "Residents have started protesting because they're genuinely fed up. Traffic is one of the biggest issues. What used to be a 40-minute drive from the north can now take well over an hour each way."
Government regulations allowing residents to rent properties on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com have driven up both rental prices and property values. "Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home," Beckley confirmed. This has led to locals moving away from popular areas, leaving businesses struggling to recruit workers.
Experiencing the Crowds Firsthand
During her March visit, King found everywhere from Playa Blanca's beachfront to the marina area packed with visitors. "Even late at night, we found many restaurants full to capacity," she noted. While not yet reaching the extreme crowds of Venice or Santorni, the atmosphere resembled what you'd typically expect in Spanish resorts during peak summer months.
Additional concerns include reports of increased violent crime and warnings that thefts worsen during the winter season as organised gangs target tourist hotspots like Tenerife. The combination of crowding and rising living costs has created a perfect storm challenging the islands' sustainability.
So should Brits avoid the Canaries? For travellers who dislike crowds and prefer quieter breaks, alternatives like the Azores and Cape Verde are emerging as compelling winter sun options. However, the islands' unique volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, and generally friendly welcome continue to make them attractive, leaving many visitors, including King, in two minds about future visits.
