Spain is a popular destination for Britons who want to escape dire weather conditions and the fast pace of life in the United Kingdom.
The country offers numerous benefits to locals, but an expat has warned that many of these perks become inaccessible during the summer due to over-tourism.
Speaking on her YouTube Channel Mallorca Under The Sun, Alex shared some downsides she's discovered about life in Mallorca since moving there several years ago.
She said: “The busyness extends not just to buses but also just life in general. [It's] packed everywhere on the island in the summer can be a pain for people living here.
Alex shared a warning about over-tourism in Mallorca
GETTY / YOUTUBE / MALLORCA UNDER THE SUN
“It can be hard to find a table in a really popular restaurant, you have to book ages in advance. The beaches are packed.
“After you’ve been here for a few years, some people just do not like the summer months. On the island.”
To avoid these frustrations, Alex recommends leaving the island during the peak months.
“This is a great time to leave, leave the tourists to enjoy the really high temperatures in Mallorca, also take a break as well," she shared.
Over-tourism has become the subject of concern for locals living along Spain's sun-drenched coastline.
It may now be a matter of time before a tourist tax is implemented in the southern region of Andalucia, as more cities struggle to cope with the saturation of tourism.
Spanish authorities are also calling for a tourist tax to be levied in the region to help cities pay for projects that would appease pressure from over-tourism.
It comes as the content creator behind the expat-focussed YouTube channel Spain Revealed painted a dire picture of over-tourism in Madrid.
Historic parts of the city used to be filled with old bars and quaint little shops “selling things that the neighbours needed”, James explained.
“When I moved to Spain I fell in love [...] with Madrid,” The YouTuber said in a clip. Over time, however, the expat's admiration has given way to frustration.
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Several regions in Spain have issued a crackdown on over-tourism
GETTY IMAGES“In short what I loved was Madrid’s idiosyncrasy, but over the years I’ve watched as that idiosyncrasy has been eroded," he explained.
“A lot of chains and franchises have moved in and a lot of [....] neighbourhood shops have been pushed out.”
Another pair of expats recently discussed some of the biggest cons of living in Spain on their personal YouTube channel, where they cited scorching temperatures as a potential deterrent for retirees.
In their clip, Amelia and JP warned about moving to Spain's famous Andalucian region, located at the southernmost tip of the country.
“If you want to sweat like Clint Eastwood then you’re gonna wanna be there in the summer, because it gets really hot here,” explained Amelia.
