Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is all about Spanish culture and history. However, Malaga locals have begun to put stickers on buildings telling visitors to “go home” as part of a growing campaign against tourism in Spain.
Anti-Tourism In Spain
Antes to’ esto era Centro, como dice esta pegatina junto a varios pisos turísticos.
Recorres las calles de #Málaga y es prácticamente imposible encontrar un edificio de viviendas que no tenga un candado y contraseña.
Pero @pacodelatorrep sigue sin mover un dedo por los… pic.twitter.com/27dGEf5rTT
— Dani Pérez /❤️🇪🇺 (@aDanielPerez) March 12, 2024
Malaga’s cultural richness extends beyond its architectural marvels. These stickers, which are reportedly widely posted on vacation rentals, allegedly say things like “before this was my house,” “stinks of tourists,” and “a family used to live here.” Many unhappy residents of Malaga are complaining about the growing number of visitors and the difficulties they are facing as a result, claiming that this has severely interrupted their lives. The residents have emphasised the scarcity of reasonably priced housing linked to large tourism quantities. Many people have said the rise in rental costs is caused by a scarcity of affordable housing, with many properties rented only to tourists.
About this, according to an article published by NDTV, Malaga-based bar owner Dani Drunko talked about his recent experience of receiving a notice to leave his ten-year home. The notice was being converted into a short-term vacation rental—and his subsequent agony. The community is in favour of regulations around housing.
Dani Perez, a local lawmaker, also used X to draw attention to the situation. If you stroll around the streets of Malaga, it is nearly hard to come across a residential building without a lockbox [for vacation rentals]. He added, “The mayor of Malaga is evicting the locals from their city of birth and not doing a thing for them.”
Also Read: Heading To Spain? Visit El Diablo In The Canary Islands, The Restaurant The Cooks Food On Volcano
About Malaga
Ornate ' domed ceiling ' in Malaga Cathedral #DailyPictureTheme @DailyPicTheme2 pic.twitter.com/l1ODZiiPOX
— Brigid Walsh 🌻💙🕊💛 (@BrigidWalsh10) March 24, 2024
Interestingly, British visitors continue to favour Spain’s Costa del Sol. According to reports, a record 14 million tourists from Spain and other countries travelled to the area in 2023, with a sizable portion choosing to reside in the city. According to data from Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), eight out of ten newcomers to Malaga are currently foreign nationals.
History whispers through the cobblestone streets of Malaga. Malaga has been shaped by the hands of various civilizations, including the Romans, Moors, and Christians. The place’s cultural richness extends beyond its architectural marvels. Just beyond the city limits, the rugged terrain of the Montes de Malaga offers hiking opportunities.
From its rich history and cultural heritage to its culinary delights and natural beauty, Malaga offers something for everyone.
Cover image credits: Canva