Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Spain Leading Sustainable Tourism Shift with New Green Reforms in Barcelona, Valencia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Benidorm and Doñana
Published on
October 3, 2025
Spain is now leading a sustainable tourism shift, setting a powerful example with new green reforms. Across Barcelona, Valencia, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Benidorm and Doñana, authorities are taking bold action to protect the environment while supporting tourism. These green reforms are not just policies; they are practical solutions designed to balance visitors’ needs with local communities’ well-being.
In Barcelona, stricter tourism rules help ease city pressures. Meanwhile, Valencia embraces eco-friendly mobility. The Balearic Islands focus on protecting fragile coastlines. The Canary Islands move forward with eco-taxes for natural parks. Benidorm adapts smart destination strategies, and Doñana works to safeguard one of Europe’s most valuable wetlands.
By combining conservation and innovation, Spain’s sustainable tourism shift shows travellers how small changes can create lasting impact. This journey proves that tourism can remain vibrant while protecting culture, nature, and people.
Cities and regions leading by exampleValencia — “Green Capital” and Sustainable Urban mobility
Valencia was designated European Green Capital 2024, a recognition of its efforts in sustainable urban policies. As part of that, the city has invested in expanded bike lanes, public transit enhancements, ecological urban spaces (like the Turia Gardens), and other green initiatives promoting clean mobility and environmental conservation.
For visitors, Valencia encourages bike sharing, pedestrian zones, and greener neighborhoods, helping reduce dependence on private car use.
Barcelona — Circular economy, Rental limits and Resident protections
Barcelona, long under pressure from overtourism, has leaned into circular economy principles in its tourism sector (for example, waste reduction, reuse, recycling).
Municipal policy changes include plans to phase out short-term tourist rentals by 2028, with the aim of easing the housing crisis for locals.
Further, Barcelona has increased its tourist tax rates, restricted new hotel licenses, and tightened regulations around cruise-ship visits to manage visitor loads.
Catalonia region — Tourist tax and Regulation reforms
The regional government in Catalonia had planned to raise the daily tourist tax (to a maximum of €15), with a portion of revenue earmarked for housing initiatives. However, implementation was delayed to ensure legal clarity and parliamentary approval.
Other related reforms include restricting new hotel registrations in certain zones and proposing bans or tighter limits on holiday apartment rentals in central areas.
Balearic Islands — “Selfie Tourism” Ban and Stricter Image Control
The Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, etc.) have taken a strongly reactive stance against so-called “selfie tourism.” Authorities have decided to stop promoting destinations via social media influencers, after remote and environmentally vulnerable sites became overwhelmed by visitor traffic driven by viral posts.
In addition, they are restricting access to heavily impacted sites and removing imagery that encourages mass visitation to fragile spots.
Canary Islands / Mount Teide — Eco-tax and Visitor controls
On Tenerife, authorities plan to impose an eco-tax on visitors to Mount Teide (Spain’s highest peak) in response to concerns about overtourism in the national park. Security camera systems and controls to limit visitor numbers are also in planning.
In the broader Canary Islands, coordinated protests and citizen pressure have pushed local governments to reevaluate new tourism development, tightening environmental oversight and stressing limits on new construction.
Benidorm — Smart Tourism and Destination Intelligence
Benidorm was among the first Spanish cities to earn the Smart Tourism certification (UNE178501). In its “Benidorm, Smart Destination” plan (2015–2020), the city integrated digital and data-driven management tools, energy efficiency systems, citizen feedback mechanisms, and sustainable mobility strategies.
The approach helps optimize resource use, anticipate crowd pressures, and better align tourism flows with local capacity.
Almonte and the Doñana region — Environmental Treaties and Renewable Investment
Almonte (in Andalusia) has long engaged in environmental pacts, having signed an “Environmental Treaty” (Carta por la Sostenibilidad) back in 2000, which has guided its urban planning and eco-policies.
Facing pressures from tourism around Doñana National Park, Almonte has committed significant investments to renewable energy (solar farms), restoration of ecosystems, and sustainable farming.
The town also promotes sustainable rural and ecological lodging options, supports organic agriculture, and integrates cultural and nature tourism in less invasive ways.
Mallorca and Stagwell Launch Sustainable Tourism Campaign
Mallorca has unveiled a new awareness campaign created by Stagwell Italy in partnership with the Mallorca Preservation Foundation. The initiative, titled “Eat, Drink, Repeat”, encourages both tourists and locals to support sustainable habits: buying local products, refilling reusable water bottles, and using bicycles to travel.
Displayed across outdoor advertising spaces until the end of September, the campaign is supported by local partners Apaema Agricultura Ecológica, Fundación Cleanwave and Malla Publicidad. It aims to reduce the environmental impact of tourism while enhancing visitors’ experience of the island.
By focusing on everyday choices, Mallorca is positioning itself as a Mediterranean leader in responsible tourism, combining environmental preservation with cultural authenticity.
Key themes and lessons emerging
- Regulation and taxation as levers: Many destinations use or propose tourist taxes, rental limits, and stricter licensing to moderate visitor numbers and raise funds for local resilience (Catalonia, Barcelona, Tenerife).
- Redirecting promotion: Instead of encouraging viral visits to fragile sites, places like the Balearics are intentionally limiting influencer-driven tourism.
- Technology and smart management: Smart destination frameworks (Benidorm, for example) help monitor crowding, resource use, and carry capacity in real time.
- Local partnerships & community involvement: Environment-focused NGOs, local governments, and citizen groups play essential roles (e.g. in Almonte around Doñana).
- Infrastructure investment: Biking lanes, refill stations, public transport upgrades, renewable energy — these underpin the behavioral changes.
- Addressing housing and resident well-being: Many reforms are driven by the social side of overtourism — displacement, rising rents, quality-of-life decline — not just environmental pressures.
The Big Picture
Spain’s approach to sustainable tourism is no longer about isolated pilot projects but about weaving responsibility into the very fabric of its destinations. From Valencia’s green mobility and Barcelona’s rental reforms, to the Balearic Islands’ social media restrictions and Tenerife’s eco-tax, the country is testing a wide toolkit of solutions. These measures not only protect fragile landscapes and cultural heritage but also safeguard the quality of life for local communities who share their home with millions of visitors each year.
For travellers, these changes are a reminder that experiencing Spain’s beauty comes with shared responsibility. By embracing bikes over cars, choosing local over imported, and respecting the carrying capacity of fragile sites, visitors become partners in conservation. Spain’s efforts prove that tourism and sustainability are not opposing forces but complementary paths toward a future where holidays leave destinations richer, not poorer.
