Tourist hotspots in Spain have seen a notable absence of holidaymakers in recent months, with some UK travellers describing the coastal towns as ‘ghost towns’
10:45, 06 Aug 2025Updated 10:47, 06 Aug 2025
Spain has reportedly seen a drop in the number of tourists(Image: Roberto Machado Noa via Getty Images)
Spain is currently grappling with a tourism downturn, as visitors seem to be giving the country a miss, leaving beaches unusually deserted. Spain has seen protests against “overtourism” across the country, targeting British holidaymakers in particular. The nation has witnessed a decline in tourists choosing to holiday there in recent times, after locals have repeatedly protested against the influx of visitors. A recent video captured by a tourist shows a stark image of Benidorm, with empty seats dominating bars and restaurants, and beaches quieter than expected for the season.
British expatriate Harry Poulton, 24, took to TikTok to express his astonishment at the lack of crowds in Costa Del Sol. He branded Benidorm as “like a ghost town,” during what should be the bustling summer period. Harry said “Benidorm is a ghost town…in July? ! I’ve never seen it this quiet. Where is everyone? !”, reports Birmingham Live.
Filming himself on the city’s main strip, Harry conveyed his amazement at the tranquil seaside.
“It’s the middle of July, look behind me, it’s dead. I’m on the Benidorm strip, there’s barely any people, this is crazy.
“I cannot believe it, this is the quietest I’ve ever seen Benidorm.“
A fellow holidaymaker responded to Harry’s post confirming the subdued atmosphere.
They noted an unusual rise in family groups visiting the popular destination.
Their comment read: “Currently in Benners. Our first trip here and I was expecting carnage. It’s full of families.”
Another person added: “In Benny now, it’s packed with families instead of stags and hens.”
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Miguel Pérez-Marsá, the head of the nightlife association, spoke to the Majorca Daily Bulletin about the dire situation unfolding in Benidorm.
He commented: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.”
Reports have emerged that the situation in the city has deteriorated to such an extent that employees, who would normally be occupied with work, are being sent on holiday due to a slump in tourist numbers.
Pedro Oliver, president of the College of Tour Guides, said he has noticed a significant 20 per cent decline in excursion sales this summer.
He said: “If you generate negative news, which has repercussions in other countries, tourists opt for other destinations when choosing their holidays.
“We are sending the message that we don’t want tourists and that everything is too crowded.”
Spain has witnessed a surge in anti-tourism and overtourism protests, with residents voicing their concerns over various issues including the cost of living and affordable housing prices.
The Balearic Islands have been particularly affected by demonstrations, with seven organisations, among them the environmental protection group GOB and the activist collective Menys Turisme, Més Vida, publicly issuing a letter aimed at discouraging visitors from coming to the islands.