The Canary Islands are a dream destination for millions, a sun-drenched escape in the Atlantic. The image of paradise, however, hides a growing and unsustainable problem. The tourism model that has long defined the archipelago, centred on vast all-inclusive resorts, is pushing its natural resources and local communities to a breaking point. This report will reveal the hidden costs of this tourism model, focusing on the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and argue for a more conscious approach to travel.
When Growth Becomes Ecocide: The Environmental Fallout
The construction of large-scale hotels in the Canary Islands is often presented as economic progress. However, this growth comes at a severe cost. It is a process where a “paradise built is a paradise destroyed”. Developers are actively encroaching on legally protected natural spaces, a practice that local activists are calling a form of “ecocide”. This attack on the land and biodiversity follows a familiar pattern: a natural and unique paradise is systematically cleared for private economic interests linked to mass tourism.
Specific, high-profile projects illustrate the severity of the problem. The Cuna del Alma and La Tejita Hotel projects in Tenerife have become focal points for public anger and protest. These developments are not being built on simple, empty plots of land. They are located within areas of immense ecological value, containing what are known as Habitats of Community Interest. Despite forming a single, sensitive ecosystem, developers have been allowed to proceed with urban mega-developments.
The environmental damage is not just an abstract concept; it is tangible and irreversible. In the case of the La Tejita Hotel, renewed construction has decimated the rare “Tabaibal-Cardonal” habitat, a fragile ecosystem of unique flora. The works have also destroyed a population of the “viborina triste,” a vulnerable plant species. On the coast, the threat extends to the marine environment. The resort’s effluent disposal would cause severe harm to “sebadales” or seagrass meadows. These meadows are vital breeding and feeding grounds for a huge variety of marine life, including 350 fish species, as well as critically endangered creatures like the angelshark, loggerhead turtle, and green turtle. The area is also a crucial habitat for bottlenose dolphins, which would be directly impacted.
The construction has also been linked to the destruction of cultural heritage. In 2022, a heritage association in Tenerife reported the demolition of the largest archaeological site in the island’s southwest. Despite a temporary halt to the work and a fine, only a small fraction of the site was ultimately protected, and the case was allowed to expire. The pattern reveals a larger systemic issue: environmental and cultural safeguards are being consistently overridden in favour of development projects.
This systematic destruction has mobilised widespread resistance. Thousands of locals have taken to the streets in mass demonstrations under the powerful slogan, “Canarias tiene un límite” (The Canary Islands have a limit). This protest movement is a direct response to the feeling that a fragile natural heritage is being destroyed for private gain, with no regard for the long-term viability of the islands themselves. Activists have even gone on hunger strikes and organised encampments to protest the projects, leading to clashes with construction workers. This public frustration underscores a growing social conflict, as residents feel their quality of life is being compromised by a tourism model that prioritises profit over their well-being.
The Architects of Scandal: Corruption in Paradise
The unchecked development of large-scale hotels is not simply the result of economic forces; it is a problem intertwined with political and legal controversies. The research reveals a pattern of illegal construction and corrupt practices that have enabled this destructive growth, often with severe consequences for the environment and the public trust.
This issue is not new. In the wake of the 2007-2008 economic crisis, the Canary Islands’ government accelerated the development of rural land for new hotels along the coastline. This pro-growth policy, echoing a mindset from earlier decades, assumed that rising tourist numbers automatically equated to prosperity for all. In reality, it opened the door to widespread corruption. In Lanzarote, a joint investigation by the Financial Times and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism uncovered a significant scandal. Twenty-two hotels on the island, including the prestigious Princesa Yaiza, had their building licences retroactively annulled by the Canary Islands High Court. It was found that two local councils had openly ignored a ban on new hotel construction.
Further police investigations into organised crime have since been launched to determine if former mayors of these councils received bribes or “backhanders” from property developers in exchange for illegal building permits. The scale of this corruption is staggering. In Lanzarote alone, over 30 public officials and businessmen have been arrested in connection with these investigations. At one point, six of the island’s seven mayors were caught up in police inquiries. This high degree of civic corruption has raised fears of a repeat of major scandals that have plagued other parts of Spain, such as the dissolution of the Marbella city council in 2006.
The problem also extends beyond the islands themselves, involving international funding. The European Anti-Fraud Office opened a file on Lanzarote to ensure the recovery of any European Union money used to finance illegal construction. Seven of the eight hotels that received EU funds were later declared illegal by local courts. While EU officials have managed to recuperate a portion of the funds, the situation highlights how public money intended for development has become entangled in corruption cases stemming from illegal construction.
This corruption reveals a deeper conflict. The Canary Islands, particularly Lanzarote, have a long history of trying to contain land speculation and protect their natural environment. In 1993, the island was even designated a UNESCO Biosphere status, reinforcing its commitment to a protected ecosystem. However, this progressive vision was subverted by changes in government, lax municipal oversight, and the ready availability of credit, which fuelled a construction boom that ignored all safeguards. The conflict shows that a sustainable model for the islands was not an impossibility; rather, it was actively corrupted for the sake of short-term economic gains.
Learn more about the current situation in Puerto de Adeje here.
A Thirsty Industry: Why Locals Suffer Water Cuts
The Canary Islands face a profound challenge: how to reconcile the water-intensive demands of mass tourism with the limited, natural water resources of the archipelago. The all-inclusive model, with its emphasis on extensive facilities like swimming pools, lush gardens, and daily cleaning, places an enormous and often unfair burden on the islands’ freshwater supply.
The consumption data reveals a startling disparity. While the average Spanish household consumed 133 litres of water per inhabitant per day in 2022, a tourist staying in a Canary Islands hotel can consume anywhere from 450 to 1,000 litres per day. This means a single tourist can use up to eight times more water than a local resident. The immense water consumption of luxury hotels, particularly five-star establishments with extensive facilities such as spas and large swimming pools, is a major contributor to this problem. The following table illustrates this asymmetry clearly.
| User | Average Daily Water Consumption (Litres) |
| Holiday Rental | 133 |
| Hotel | 450–1,000 |
This disparity is creating a growing social conflict. Residents in regions facing severe water scarcity, like Tenerife, are forced to endure water restrictions and even cuts. In some cases, governments have imposed these restrictions on residents to guarantee an uninterrupted water supply for the tourism sector. This approach prioritises the economic interests of a select industry over the fundamental needs and well-being of the local population.
The very nature of the all-inclusive model encourages this overconsumption. The promise of “unlimited everything” can inadvertently lead to wasteful behaviour by guests, while practices like daily room cleaning and towel replacement are tied to a resource-intensive business model. The continuous maintenance of massive pools and golf courses, which are key selling points for these resorts, places a direct strain on the islands’ delicate freshwater resources. This means that the problem is not a passive side effect of tourism but an active, integral feature of the all-inclusive business model itself. The profitability of the model relies on consuming resources at a rate that is unsustainable for a small, volcanic archipelago.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience: A Wastewater Crisis
The problem of resource consumption is compounded by a profound failure in public infrastructure. The Canary Islands’ water treatment systems have not kept pace with the explosive growth in tourism and population, leading to a severe and dangerous wastewater crisis.
The scale of the problem is alarming. Every day, a massive amount of wastewater is discharged into the sea around the islands. This volume is equivalent to 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools and is a direct consequence of an overloaded water treatment infrastructure. A major part of this waste is either untreated or barely treated before being ejected into the sea, often through illegal channels.
This public health and environmental hazard has been well-documented. In Tenerife, the water at Playa Jardín, a popular beach in the north, has been declared unsafe for swimming for over a year due to “alarming values of faecal bacteria”. Analyses have shown concentrations of E. coli far above the acceptable limits for safe bathing. This is not an isolated incident. The discharge of untreated sewage poses a clear health danger to swimmers, surfers, and local marine wildlife. Moreover, this pollution contributes to a long-term problem of microplastic accumulation in the sea, with microfibers from wastewater discharges being ingested by local marine fauna.
The crisis is a classic example of a “tragedy of the commons.” The short-term economic benefits from mass tourism are enjoyed by a few, but the long-term, expensive costs of a polluted environment and degraded public health are borne by everyone. The public outcry over this issue shows a collective understanding that the current model is not just inefficient; it is actively degrading the very environment and quality of life that defines the Canary Islands. The definitive solution, as local platforms have argued, requires massive investment in expanding treatment plants and updating sanitation networks, which highlights just how far the existing infrastructure has fallen behind.
A Better Way to Travel: The Case for Family-Run Rentals
It is clear that the current model of mass tourism is unsustainable. However, there is a better, more ethical path forward. Holiday rentals, particularly those run by local families, offer a viable and regenerative alternative that benefits both the islands and the conscious traveller.
The economic impact of this model is profoundly different. When a tourist stays in a locally owned holiday rental, the income goes directly to a local homeowner. This money is far more likely to be spent and reinvested within the local community, supporting small businesses and stimulating the broader economy. This creates a positive ripple effect, distributing the wealth generated from tourism more broadly. In sharp contrast, the profits from large, all-inclusive hotels are often funnelled out of the region to international corporations, leaving locals with low-skilled, low-wage jobs. A recent court ruling has even strengthened the case for this model, by recognising that a locally run rural house providing hotel-style services constitutes a genuine economic activity.
Moreover, holiday rentals have a significantly lower environmental footprint than large-scale hotels. They are more energy-efficient, often incorporating features like solar panels and smart thermostats. Since they have smaller common areas and amenities, they consume less energy per guest. Guests in these properties are also more likely to adopt energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights when not in use, because they feel a greater sense of personal responsibility.
The difference is just as stark when it comes to water consumption. Many rentals implement water-saving technologies like dual-flush toilets, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable landscaping to conserve the islands’ limited resources. This is a sustainable approach that directly contrasts with the immense water demands of hotels for their pools and golf courses. Similarly, rentals are better positioned to promote waste reduction through recycling and composting programmes.
The distributed nature of holiday rentals also helps to combat overtourism. Unlike hotels that are concentrated in a few tourist hotspots, rentals are found throughout the islands, in all municipalities. This helps to spread out the tourism traffic, reducing overcrowding in popular zones and encouraging visitors to explore a wider, more authentic range of the islands’ landscapes and culture. By staying in a rental, a visitor is not just booking a room; they are choosing to decentralise tourism and support a community-focused model.
For a tourist, it is crucial to make a responsible choice. This means verifying that the chosen property has the proper licensing, such as a Vivienda Vacacional (VV) license number. Choosing a licensed rental ensures that the tourist is supporting the legal market and helping to mitigate negative impacts like housing affordability issues for locals, which can be caused by unregulated properties.
This table summarises the key differences between the two tourism models:
| Aspect | Hotels (Mass Tourism Model) | Licensed Holiday Rentals |
| Economic Impact | Profits funnelled out of the region; creates low-skilled jobs | Direct income to local homeowners; supports small businesses; earnings are reinvested locally |
| Energy Use | High consumption per guest due to large common areas and continuous power | Generally lower per guest; often features energy-efficient technology; guests are more likely to conserve |
| Water Use | High consumption for pools, golf courses, and daily cleaning; can strain limited freshwater resources | Water-saving technology, dual-flush toilets, and rainwater harvesting |
| Geographic Spread | Concentrated in specific tourist hubs; contributes to overcrowding in popular areas | Distributed across all municipalities; helps to spread tourism traffic and reduce pressure on specific zones |
| Impact on Locals | Low-skilled jobs; can increase housing pressure due to land speculation | Provides direct income; supports a more community-centric economy |
Gran Canaria: A Guide to Sustainable Exploration
Gran Canaria is the perfect example of how to embrace a more sustainable form of tourism. While Tenerife has long been the most-frequented destination for British holidaymakers, Gran Canaria is often regarded as the most locally friendly island in the whole archipelago, offering a different and more authentic experience.
The island is known as a “miniature continent” due to its incredibly diverse landscapes and distinct microclimates. While the south offers the quintessential sunny beaches and dunes of Maspalomas, the north of the island is lush and green, with a climate influenced by moist Atlantic winds and a more authentic, unspoilt feel. This geographical diversity means that visitors can find a unique adventure beyond the crowded resorts.
Gran Canaria also boasts an ideal year-round climate, which locals refer to as “the island of eternal spring”. Temperatures remain consistently mild and pleasant, rarely dropping below an average of 24°C, which makes it a perfect destination at any time of year. This “eternal spring” climate allows for a wide range of activities beyond sunbathing, from hiking and cycling to exploring the island’s rich culture and cuisine.
For the conscious traveller, the island offers a wealth of authentic experiences and towns to explore. The compact, whitewashed town of Agaete [nofollow], in the northwest, has retained its traditional feel. It is an ideal base for hikers and cyclists, known for its natural rock pools and a reputation for fresh, inexpensive seafood. Further inland, the mountainous village of Tejeda [nofollow] sits on the edge of an ancient volcanic crater, offering breathtaking views and landscapes reminiscent of the Andean valleys. For a truly local experience, the towns of Agüimes [nofollow] and Ingenio in the east offer a great base with easy access to the rest of the island.
These destinations prove that a visit to the Canary Islands does not have to mean contributing to the problems of mass tourism. By choosing to stay in a local rental and explore the island beyond the tourist hubs, visitors can experience Gran Canaria’s unique landscapes and support the very communities that are working to protect them.
Conclusion: Making a Conscious Choice
The evidence presented in this report reveals that the all-inclusive tourism model is far from benign. It is a business model that fuels a cycle of environmental destruction, political scandal, and resource inequality. It places an immense strain on the islands’ limited water supplies, leaving locals to suffer water cuts while tourist consumption soars. It has enabled a crisis of overloaded infrastructure, with untreated sewage polluting the very seas that attract visitors in the first place.
The choice, however, is not between tourism and no tourism. It is between two different types of tourism. The path of mass tourism is one of extraction and degradation, where the environment and the local population bear the costs. The alternative is a path of regeneration and community support, one that empowers local families and protects the islands’ natural beauty for future generations.
The conscious traveller holds immense power. By choosing a holiday rental run by a local family, you are not just booking accommodation; you are casting a vote for a different, more sustainable future. You are choosing to support a local economy, reduce your environmental footprint, and experience the authentic, unspoilt spirit of the Canary Islands. It is a choice that shows that tourism can be a force for good.
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¡Me encanta Gran Canaria! La isla tiene un clima perfecto durante todo el año, conocido como “la isla de la primavera eterna”, con temperaturas suaves y agradables que rara vez bajan de los 24°C. Esto la hace ideal para practicar actividades al aire libre como senderismo, ciclismo y explorar su rica cultura y gastronomía. Además, ofrece una gran variedad de paisajes y microclimas, desde playas soleadas en el sur hasta zonas más verdes y frescas en el norte.
Me parece muy interesante la opción de alojarse en un alquiler de vacaciones gestionado por una familia local. De esta manera, se apoya directamente a la economía local y se contribuye a una forma más sostenible de turismo.
Gran Canaria es un destino que ofrece experiencias auténticas y pueblos para explorar, como Agaete, Tejeda, Agüimes e Ingenio, que permiten vivir una experiencia más local y menos turística.
Es fundamental elegir opciones de alojamiento y actividades que respeten el medio ambiente y la comunidad local. ¡Gran Canaria es un lugar perfecto para unas vacaciones responsables y sostenibles!
¡Muchas gracias por compartir este artículo tan interesante y revelador sobre la situación del turismo en las Islas Canarias! Es fundamental concienciar sobre la importancia de un turismo responsable y sostenible que respete el medio ambiente y la comunidad local.
Me alegra ver que se destaca la opción de alojarse en alquileres de vacaciones gestionados por familias locales, como es el caso de SurfHouse en Gran Canaria. De esta manera, se apoya directamente a la economía local y se contribuye a una forma más sostenible de turismo.
Gran Canaria es un destino perfecto para practicar surf, senderismo, ciclismo y explorar su rica cultura y gastronomía. La isla ofrece una gran variedad de paisajes y microclimas, desde playas soleadas en el sur hasta zonas más verdes y frescas en el norte.
Te invito a descubrir la auténtica esencia de Gran Canaria, lejos de los resorts masivos y del turismo convencional. Nuestro alquiler de vacaciones en SurfHouse es una opción ideal para aquellos que buscan una experiencia más local y sostenible.
¡Ven a disfrutar de la “isla de la primavera eterna” y a experimentar la verdadera belleza de Gran Canaria!
What a wonderful island Gran Canaria is! I’ve had the chance to visit, and I can tell you that it’s a paradise. The climate is perfect all year round, and the landscapes are incredibly diverse. From the sunny beaches of Maspalomas to the lush green north, there’s something for everyone. I love that there are still many authentic towns to explore, like Agaete, Tejeda, Agüimes, and Ingenio, where you can experience the local culture and cuisine. If you’re looking for a sustainable and responsible way to travel, Gran Canaria is the perfect destination. Consider staying in a locally owned holiday rental and exploring the island beyond the tourist hubs. You’ll be supporting local communities and protecting the island’s natural beauty for future generations.
What a wonderful island Gran Canaria is! I’ve had the chance to visit, and I can tell you that it’s a paradise. The climate is perfect all year round, and the landscapes are incredibly diverse. From the sunny beaches of Maspalomas to the lush green north, there’s something for everyone. I love that there are still many authentic towns to explore, like Agaete, Tejeda, Agüimes, and Ingenio, where you can experience the local culture and cuisine. If you’re looking for a sustainable and responsible way to travel, Gran Canaria is the perfect destination. Consider staying in a locally owned holiday rental, like SurfHouse, and exploring the island beyond the tourist hubs. You’ll be supporting local communities and protecting the island’s natural beauty for future generations.
We at SurfHouse are passionate about providing a unique and sustainable accommodation experience that allows our guests to connect with the local culture and environment. Our home is the perfect base for your adventures in Gran Canaria, whether you’re looking to surf, hike, or simply enjoy the beautiful landscapes and cuisine. We’re committed to helping our guests make a positive impact on the island and its communities. Come and experience it for yourself!
What a wonderful island Gran Canaria is! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting it, and I must say that its diverse landscapes, pleasant climate, and friendly locals make it a perfect destination for those looking for an authentic experience. The island’s “eternal spring” climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 24°C, allows for a wide range of activities beyond sunbathing, from hiking and cycling to exploring the island’s rich culture and cuisine. I’m particularly fond of the town of Agaete, with its traditional feel, natural rock pools, and fresh seafood. I’d definitely recommend choosing a locally-owned holiday rental and exploring the island beyond the tourist hubs to support the local community and experience the unique landscapes of Gran Canaria. By doing so, we can help promote a more sustainable form of tourism that benefits both the island and its inhabitants.
¡Absolutamente de acuerdo! Gran Canaria es un destino increíble para aquellos que buscan una experiencia auténtica y en contacto con la naturaleza. La isla ofrece una gran variedad de paisajes y microclimas, desde las playas soleadas del sur hasta las zonas verdes y frescas del norte.
Me alegra que hayas mencionado la importancia de elegir alojamientos de propiedad local y explorar la isla más allá de los centros turísticos. Al hacerlo, no solo estarás apoyando a la comunidad local, sino que también podrás experimentar la verdadera esencia de Gran Canaria.
La SurfHouse es un ejemplo perfecto de alojamiento que se ajusta a este modelo de turismo sostenible. Nuestra casa está situada en un entorno natural privilegiado y ofrece a nuestros huéspedes la oportunidad de disfrutar de la isla de una manera auténtica y respetuosa con el medio ambiente.
¿Te gustaría saber más sobre la SurfHouse y cómo podemos ayudarte a planificar tu estancia en Gran Canaria de una manera sostenible y inolvidable?
What a wonderful island Gran Canaria is! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, and I can attest to its natural beauty and pleasant climate. The article highlights the importance of sustainable tourism and the need to move away from the all-inclusive model that harms the environment and local communities.
As a tourist, I believe it’s essential to be aware of the impact of our choices and opt for more responsible and locally-friendly options. Gran Canaria offers a unique experience, from its diverse landscapes to its rich culture and cuisine. By choosing to stay in a local rental and exploring the island beyond the tourist hubs, visitors can contribute to the local economy and help protect the island’s natural resources.
I’m particularly fond of the town of Agaete, with its traditional feel and delicious seafood. And the mountainous village of Tejeda offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s authentic culture. I’m glad to see that there are still many opportunities to experience the island’s beauty without contributing to the problems of mass tourism.
Let’s make a conscious choice to support sustainable tourism and preserve the beauty of Gran Canaria for future generations.
Best regards,
The SurfHouse Team
P.D. We are glad you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to welcome you back to SurfHouse soon! If you’re looking for an authentic experience in Gran Canaria, we recommend exploring the island’s beautiful landscapes, trying local cuisine, and supporting small businesses.
What a wonderful island Gran Canaria is! I’ve had the chance to visit, and I can tell you that it’s a paradise. The climate is perfect all year round, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The landscapes are incredibly diverse, from the beautiful beaches in the south to the lush green mountains in the north. And the best part is that it’s not as crowded as some of the other islands, so you can really experience the authentic culture and natural beauty of the place.
I’ve stayed in a locally-owned holiday rental, and it was a fantastic experience. The owners were so friendly and welcoming, and they gave me lots of tips on what to see and do on the island. I felt like I was really immersing myself in the local community, and I loved exploring the different towns and villages.
One of the things that struck me about Gran Canaria was the emphasis on sustainability. The island is really working hard to protect its natural resources and reduce its impact on the environment, and it’s clear that the locals are passionate about preserving their island for future generations.
If you’re thinking of visiting Gran Canaria, I would highly recommend it. Just be sure to choose a locally-owned holiday rental, and try to support local businesses and communities. It’s a great way to experience the island in a responsible and sustainable way. ¡Viva Gran Canaria!
¡Qué isla maravillosa es Gran Canaria! Me alegra leer que hayas tenido la oportunidad de visitarla y que hayas podido experimentar su belleza de cerca. La isla tiene un encanto especial, ¿verdad? Desde las playas soleadas del sur hasta las montañas verdes del norte, hay tanto que ver y hacer aquí.
Me encanta que hayas destacado la importancia de elegir un alojamiento de propiedad local. En SurfHouse, nos esforzamos por ofrecer una experiencia auténtica y sostenible para nuestros huéspedes. Nuestros propietarios de viviendas están comprometidos con la comunidad y se esfuerzan por preservar el entorno natural de la isla.
Si estás pensando en visitar Gran Canaria, te recomiendo que te aventures más allá de los resorts turísticos y explores la isla de manera auténtica. Puedes descubrir pueblos y ciudades con encanto, como Agaete o Tejeda, y disfrutar de la rica cultura y gastronomía local.
Y, por supuesto, no te pierdas la oportunidad de practicar surf en nuestras costas. Gran Canaria es un destino de ensueño para los amantes del surf, con olas para todos los niveles y un clima perfecto durante todo el año.
¡Gracias por compartir tus experiencias y consejos con nosotros! Esperamos verte pronto en SurfHouse. ¡Disfruta tu próximo viaje a Gran Canaria!