Anti-tourism fury in Portugal

Residents in Sintra, Portugal, are growing increasingly frustrated with the influx of tourists, claiming their town has transformed into a congested 'amusement park'. Locals report severe traffic congestion, with narrow medieval roads becoming nearly impassable, prompting calls for 'guerrilla action' to address the situation. Similar anti-tourism sentiments are echoed across Europe, particularly in popular destinations like Santorini, Spain, and the Balearic Islands. Recent protests in these areas highlight issues such as housing shortages, rising living costs, and the detrimental impact of mass tourism on local communities. In Barcelona, city officials are planning to reduce short-term vacation rentals to alleviate housing pressures, while Mallorca lawmakers are considering measures to restrict property sales to non-residents. Overall, the push for sustainable tourism practices is gaining momentum as locals seek to reclaim their neighborhoods from the overwhelming tourist presence.