Three popular Spanish holiday destinations put on 2025 ‘forbidden’ list

Three popular Spanish holiday destinations have been deemed “forbidden” for travel this year by a leading travel guide.

Fodors’ 2025 forbidden list named Majorca, Barcelona and the Canary Islands among the no-go zones, due to tourist saturation.

It acknowledged the Spanish locations were a victim of their own popularity, being unable to cope with the sheer number of tourists, warning that visiting such busy places “rarely results in happy travellers” .

In a scathing commentary, the guide said: “Touring cities full of tourists is frustrating; Sightseeing in villages where locals resent your presence is disturbing and wandering through nature plagued by garbage is depressing.”

It echoed sentiments held by residents during anti tourism protests throughout 2024, saying “Governments tend to prioritise visitor experiences over the well-being of local residents”.

However, despite putting them on the forbidden list, Fodors did acknowledge the beauty of the regions.

The travel guide said: “The destinations on the list of ‘forbidden’ places deserve the fame and adoration they receive and they are worthy of their time and money.”

Venice, Tokyo and Bali also featured on the list.