Spain holidays

The Canary Islands has been included in a ‘No List’ for travel following protests against overtourism in recent years – with holiday lets blamed for rising house prices

The Canary Islands are a firm favourite for Brit holidaymakers thanks to their year-round sun and luxurious resorts.

However, in recent years local residents have launched protests against overtourism on the Spanish islands. People blame rising house prices on holiday lets, and have been left furious about the environmental impact of millions of visitors.

‘Tourists go home’ has been spotted graffitied on locations across the Canary Islands. The slogan has also popped up in popular destinations on the Spanish mainland.

This all led to the Canary Islands being included in a ‘No List’ by travel guide Fodor’s Travel for 2025 – and it’s on the list again for 2026. The publication clarified that the list is “not a call for boycott”, but the aim is “to highlight destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities“, Manchester Evening News reports.

It said the key issues highlighted by the list are “overtouristed sites, fragile ecosystems and communities struggling to stay afloat”. Fodor’s said: “The No List serves a gentle but pointed nudge to ease up on a spot for now–not forever–and give a rest to any location that clearly needs a breather.”

Regarding the Canary Islands, it cited that tourism has soared in 2025, with 7.8million visitors arriving in the islands and more than 27million airport passengers processed in the first half of the year, a five per cent increase on the previous years. Fodor’s points out that tourism contributes to more than a third of the Canary Islands’ GDP and employs roughly 40 per cent of its population, “yet success comes at a price”.

The impact of visitors on traffic, housing (such as driving up rental prices), damage to the natural environment and water scarcity is felt by the local population. The guide said: “Academics and experts warn that the combination of rising visitor numbers and a warming climate is unsustainable.”

It added: “For many Canarians, tourism is both a lifeline and a burden. The islands rely heavily on visitor spending, yet locals often see little of it. “

Last year other Spanish destinations Barcelona and Majorca, however, they have not been featured this year. But Fodor’s adds this doesn’t mean that tourists should descend upon them in their thousands. The publication said: “These destinations haven’t been magically cured–they’re still mired in challenges–but the usual suspects too often pull focus from other hotspots in need of a break.”

Alongside the Canary Islands, Antarctica, Glacier National Park (USA), Isola Sacra (Italy), The Jungfrau Region (Switzerland), Mexico City (Mexico), Mombasa (Kenya), Montmartre (Paris, France) also feature in this year’s ‘No List’.

A Spanish attraction has been crowned Europe’s Leading Theme Park 2025. However, it’s not a widely known theme park, and you shouldn’t expect rollercoaster rides. Instead, it’s a unique experience that’s like stepping back in time

A surprising winner has taken the title of Europe’s Leading Theme Park 2025 at the World Travel Awards. And while it’s set in sunny Spain, it’s a little-known destination that’s not typically visited by British tourists.

Puy du Fou España opened in 2021 in Toledo, and the idea is based on the French theme park of the same name. The city is approximately an hour south of Madrid, and this historic area was once the capital of Spain, making it an ideal site for an attraction that showcases the country’s past.

At Puy du Fou España, you won’t find the typical trappings of a theme park, such as rollercoasters or kiddie rides; instead, there are epic, immersive shows about history, with recreations of events on a huge scale.

During the day, visitors can enjoy shows such as “A Pluma y Espada” (With Pen and Sword), a swashbuckling show about the playwright often considered the Spanish Shakespeare. There’s also Cetrería de Reyes (Falconry of Kings), which recreates a falconry competition of the past, along with stunning bird displays.

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Visitors can visit a number of villages, each one full of painstaking details that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There’s La Puebla Real, a medieval village where visitors can see artisanal crafts being made and try traditional food. Or visit Villanueva del Corral, a recreation of a 1544 farming village, or El Arrabal, which has a historic-style tavern.

At night, the epic El Sueño de Toledo (The Dream of Toledo) is a 70-minute show about the history of Spain, with a focus on the city of Toledo. The show brings together 200 actors, along with historic sets, fireworks, and special effects to create an unforgettable experience.

It’s also worth visiting the city of Toledo itself to see some of its historic sites. The city dates back to Roman times and has been occupied by numerous conquerors over the years, resulting in a unique and rich history. It’s sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures”, as it’s a place where Christians, Jews, and Muslims have lived together for centuries.

Visitors can see the spectacular Toledo Cathedral (Catedral Primada), one of the largest in Spain, which was built in a beautiful ornate Gothic style. There’s also the imposing Alcázar of Toledo, a fortification which once guarded the city’s walls and is now a military museum.

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Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a Gothic monastery that often tops the lists of most beautiful temples in Spain. You can wander its vast halls and marvel at the stained glass and stonemasonry that dates back to the 15th century.

Toledo also has a vast Casco Historico (old town), with a narrow maze of winding medieval streets that are packed with independent shops, souvenir stalls, charming cafes, and town squares, which capture the historic vibe of the city.

Puy du Fou España entry costs vary but typically start around €30 (£26) for a 1-day adult ticket if booked in advance, with children (3-13) starting around €24, while on-the-day prices are higher (around €38-€39).

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First Choice has launched holiday deals for 2026 including savings of up to £500 on trips to destinations including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura

As 2025 draws to a close, many of us are already dreaming about our summer escape for the upcoming year – and luckily, travel companies are starting to roll out some tempting deals.

First Choice has discovered that nearly half (48%) of holidaymakers this year are keen to cut their travel expenses compared to previous years. Coupled with the escalating costs of flights and accommodation, it can be a tough task to snag a budget-friendly break without sacrificing your dream destination.

To help ease the strain on your wallet, the holiday booking giant is offering up to 10% off selected package holidays when you spend £500 or more, and there are savings of up to £500 off to be found on holidays departing between May 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027.

Bargain breaks start from a mere £225 per person, with a 10% discount automatically applied to some of the most sought-after destinations from 2025, including Cape Verde, Turkey, the Balearics, Cyprus, and Mexico. The stunning Canary Islands are also part of the deal, allowing sun-seekers to soak up the rays in popular spots like Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, all at a reduced price.

Among the First Choice 10% discounts is a 7-night stay in June 2026 at the four-star TUI BLUE Atlantic Hills in Tenerife, on a half-board basis with flights included from around £567 per person. This holiday offers a generous total saving of around £580, including checked-in luggage and transfers, with two adults sharing a double room.

The same package but for May 2026 starts from around £618 per person, offering a total saving of £446. Other discounted holidays to the Spanish island are also available at a catalogue of luxurious beach resorts.

Moreover, holidaymakers can book a 7-night stay at the four-star Hotel H10 Lanzarote Princess in Lanzarote, on a half-board basis with flights included from £548 per person. This offers a total saving of around £310 and is based on two adults sharing a twin room, although transfers and checked-in luggage are not included.

Beyond the reductions, customers can also benefit from additional deals, including a £0 deposit scheme that allows holidaymakers to reserve their getaway and spread payments throughout the year. Furthermore, hundreds of hotels and resorts provide free accommodation for children, creating opportunities for even greater savings.

First Choice has also partnered with Airalo to offer all guests a complimentary 1GB eSIM, helping to reduce expenses when using mobile roaming overseas. Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice, commented: “We know people don’t want to compromise on amazing holiday experiences, but the impact of the cost of living is hitting us all.

“That’s why we’re offering our biggest ever discounts, on top of other great ways to save. So people can get the most holiday for their budget and take a break they deserve in 2026.”

For further details or to book your next getaway, you can visit the First Choice website.

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The pub chain will soon be opening its doors on its first European branch, and the opening date and some teaser images have been revealed so far for those excited about enjoying a pint in the sun

J D Wetherspoon has revealed further details about its new branch opening in Europe, and it’s in a location that’s a favourite among Brits heading off for their holidays.

Earlier this year, the pub giant confirmed the first European Spoons will be located at the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernandez Airport in Spain, a popular hub for British tourists making their way to Benidorm.

Alicante-Elche Airport is popular with Brits thanks to its budget airline connections. Airlines such as easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair offer non-stop routes between many UK airports and Alicante, with flights usually clocking in at less than three hours.

The pub chain has already announced the name of the new establishment – Castell de Santa Bàrbera – which was inspired by an Alicante castle which overlooks the sea. Wetherspoons has also confirmed the pub’s official opening date is set for January 29 at 8am, meaning thirsty travellers will soon be able to enjoy their favourite pint in the sunshine.

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Milo Boyd

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The location of the new pub has been confirmed as the airside departures, non-Schengen zone of Alicante Airport. Opening hours will be 6am to 9pm, seven days a week, with food being served until an hour before closing time. The pub will offer nearly 1,000 square feet of indoor seating, along with an outdoor terrace providing additional tables for punters.

Wetherspoons has teased its menu, promising to serve up a host of UK favourites, including its famous breakfasts, burgers, and pizzas. For those yearning for one last Spanish culinary experience before jetting off, local delicacies like garlic prawns and Spanish omelettes will also be available.

In a previous statement, Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin expressed his excitement: ” We are very much looking forward to opening our first overseas pub. We believe it will be popular with people travelling home from Alicante Airport.”

He unveiled his ambitions to expand the brand further, saying: “We aim to open a number of pubs overseas in the coming months and years, including those at airports.”

Alicante-Elche Airport holds the title as the busiest in the Valencian region, boasting a record 18.3 million passengers in 2024.

But this isn’t the only growth plan Wetherspoons has announced in recent months.

The pub giant has also announced plans to roll out four new outlets within Haven holiday parks by the end of spring 2026. The lucky parks set to welcome new branches are: Cala Gran in Blackpool, Hopton in Norfolk, Lakeland in the Lake District, and Riviere Sands in Cornwall.

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Five Wetherspoons outlets already operate within Haven parks, serving up crowd-pleasers from the chain’s menu. Since their opening, these branches have dished out 907,000 main meals, 288,000 breakfasts and poured 692,201 pints across the five locations, according to data supplied by Haven.

Wetherspoons is also set to open six new pubs across the UK in the coming months, with locations including Newcastle upon Tyne, Stockton-on-Tees, and Wetherby, Yorkshire.

These new establishments will join the existing network of over 800 Wetherspoon pubs, which already serve customers throughout the UK.

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