Why the Canary Islands Are a No-Go Vacation Destination for 2026

Travel experts at Fodor’s have included the Canary Islands on their No List for 2026, suggesting that travelers reconsider visiting the Spanish archipelago. The guidebook publisher, which has more than 80 years of experience in the industry, designed the list as an antidote to all those bucket lists. Overtourism and Environmental Pressures The primary driver behind the inclusion of the Canary Islands on the list is overtourism. Fodor’s indicates that soaring arrival numbers in the islands are exacerbating a variety of systemic issues. The pressures of uncontrolled tourism have led to:

These developments are part of a broader trend in Spain, which has been combating rampant overtourism for several years. Local Resistance and Protests The impact of high tourist volumes has prompted significant backlash from the local population. Residents have used major protests and marches to voice their opposition to uncontrolled tourism. These demonstrations took place across the archipelago in both 2024 and 2025. Regional Attractions The Canary Islands, a string of volcanic rocks located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Northwest Africa, have historically been a major draw for visitors due to their diverse geography and climate. Key attractions that contribute to the islands’ popularity include:

While these features make the islands a traditional bucket-list destination, the No List designation for 2026 emphasizes the need for a pause in visitation to address the resulting social and environmental costs.