UK tourists 'abandon' Canary Islands holiday homes due to little-known EU rule

James Rodger & Robert Rowlands

24 April 2024 at 2:01 pm·2-min read

Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Los Christianos, view over harbour -Credit:(c) John Lamb

Brits are ditching their sunny escapes in Lanzarote and Tenerife, all thanks to a little-known EU regulation that's come into force. The rule change within the European Union has led to UK holidaymakers "abandoning" their Canary Island retreats.

The new stipulation means British nationals can now only stay for 90 days at a stretch in Spain. This post-Brexit clampdown by the EU has left many UK expats who sought a sunnier life in places like Lanzarote and Tenerife feeling disillusioned and considering packing up.

This news emerges amidst widespread protests across the Canary Islands, with locals taking to the streets in their thousands to voice their opposition to mass tourism, declaring the islands "not for sale". Islanders are demanding a temporary cap on tourist numbers, aiming to halt the surge in short-term vacation rentals and hotel developments that are pushing up property prices for residents.

Placards proclaiming "We don't want to see our island die", "Stop Hotels" and "Canaries not for sale" were brandished as protestors made their feelings known. "It's not a message against the tourist, but against a tourism model that doesn't benefit this land and needs to be changed," voiced one demonstrator in Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Antonio Bullon, another protestor in Tenerife, demanded: "The authorities must immediately stop this corrupt and destructive model that depletes the resources and makes the economy more precarious.", reports Birmingham Live. "The Canary Islands have limits and people's patience too."

The islands' president stated on Friday that he felt "proud" the region is a top Spanish tourist destination, but conceded more regulation is needed. The islands are home to two million residents, but see an influx of many more each year via holidaymakers.

Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it’s FREE

Yorkshire Live
Flight attendant on trick to punish passengers who refuse to swap seats
A flight attendant has shared how she punishes passengers who refuse to swap seats - and you may not be too happy about it
INSIDER
A boomer sold all of her belongings, retired early, and moved to Turkey — and her expenses are so low that she's able to live 'totally' on her Social Security
"You don't need millions to retire," Debra Crockett said. She found out she could live comfortably abroad with just $500 worth of basic expenses.
The National
Former manse with private waterfall for sale in remote Highland village
A FORMER manse with a private waterfall in a remote Highland village has been put up for sale...
The Telegraph
The third child ‘tax’ when it comes to holidays
“How much?!”, I ask incredulously when the nice man at the hotel reception quotes me an additional £285 after I tell him that, actually, we have three children, rather than the standard two. And that’s just for one night.
Herald Scotland
Scottish airport in ‘free parking’ trial
The airport has launched a 'free parking' trial as its twilight bag drop service expands
Glasgow Times
Disturbing pictures expose state of 'manky' Glasgow hotel
One young man staying at the facility took pictures of his room which included a filthy mattress, broken fire alarm, and stained sheets.
The Independent
Airbnb owner reopens viral tents in living room for London tourists – and ups their prices
It now costs £2,632 a month to rent a tent in London
Bristol Live
Huge cliff fall sends rocks crashing on to beach, smashing boats and paddle boards in West Country
The holiday park that owns the beach said it will remain shut until further notice
The Telegraph
Russians launch package holidays to see Taylor Swift and Coldplay
Vladimir Putin has found creative ways to get around Western trade restrictions on everything from luxury cars to toys. Now, Russia is addressing a different kind of boycott: western pop.
The Telegraph
New Swiss Army Knife being developed – without the knife
For more than a century it has been an indispensable piece of kit for campers, hikers and adventurers, but the Swiss Army Knife is about to be stripped of its most elemental part – the blade.
Associated Press
Danish King Frederik and his Australian-born wife visit Sweden on their first official trip abroad
Denmark’s King Frederik X arrived in Stockholm on Monday with his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, as they begin their first official visit abroad as new Danish monarchs. The 55-year-old Frederik was proclaimed king on Jan. 14 after his 83-year-old mother, Queen Margrethe II, who was Europe's longest-reigning monarch, abdicated. In the Swedish capital, Frederik and Mary were first greeted by Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel, who boarded the Danish royal yacht Dannebrog.
Oxford Mail
Travel expert shares the best time of day to fly and why you should book it
This is the best time of day to fly if you're looking for a smoother airport journey, according to Head of Communications at WizzAir.
Robb Report
A Late Oil Heir’s Extravagant Los Angeles Estate Hits the Market for $150 Million
Long owned by financier and philanthropist Robert Day, the Bel Air property features a main home, two guesthouses, and park-like grounds offering up picturesque views.
The Northern Echo
Port operator warns visitors coastal beauty spot is 'not a certified camping site'
Visitors to South Gare in Redcar have been warned by Teesport operator PD Ports that the popular beauty spot is “not a certified camping site”.
Manchester Evening News
Manchester bar named amongst world's best in brand new prestigious bar guide
A bit like the Michelin Guide, but for drinks, the new guide celebrates the 'bars worth travelling for'
Euronews
Luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin unveils residential skyscraper in downtown Miami
Euronews Culture takes a looks at British car manufacturer Aston Martin's first foray into real estate as it tries to drive changes in the luxury market.
Wales Online
Dad wins £9k payout after slicing foot in pool on easyJet holiday
The man, who was on an easyJet package trip to Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, was helping a little girl who was in difficulty
KameraOne
Airbnb introduces pop culture dreamhouses called Icons
Airbnb announced on May 1 that they will be introducing new types of homes called Icons. These dreamhouses are styled to be as authentic to their pop culture origin as possible and some even feature influencers and celebrities as hosts.
Red
Looking for an elegant escape from the city? Check out these stylish Surrey hotels
From grand country retreats with glorious gardens to boutique boltholes with unique charm, here's the ultimate list of best hotels in Surrey.
Edinburgh Live
Spain tells UK tourists to 'go home' as expat shares worst thing about moving to country
Spain has seen a huge influx of UK tourists in recent months, with the country being one of the few holiday destinations on the green list, but not everyone is happy

Latest stories