Travel
The Actual Story Behind Spain’s ‘Vacationer Ban’
On January 13, Spain’s president, Pedro Sánchez, introduced a 12-step plan to offer the nation’s residents with extra reasonably priced housing by way of elevated property choices, enhancing current laws, and expanded authorities assist. A day later, Málaga’s metropolis council applied a modification to its General Urban Ordinance Plan (PGOU), prohibiting new short-term vacationer properties in 43 districts. The three-year ban on most new trip leases, more likely to be prolonged, goals to assist curb overtourism in densely populated areas and supply cost-effective housing for locals. This motion follows related vacationer housing restrictions in well-liked locations nationwide, together with Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
Malaga’s incentive, misleadingly dubbed a “vacationer ban” by British press headlines, confused potential guests. Many took to social media to query whether or not Spain’s mass tourism issues had lastly resulted in drastic measures since final 12 months’s anti-tourism protests, a Barcelona tourism tax enhance, and a possible tax hike within the Balearic Islands had not deterred vacationers. In actual fact, Spain welcomed an estimated 94 million visitors in 2024—roughly 10 percent more than in 2023.
The misperception was promptly clarified by way of worldwide media sources and the Ministry of Overseas Affairs’ unchanged entry requirements web page. Regardless of the brevity of the scenario, the incident shines a light-weight on the fragile dance between mounting issues relating to overtourism’s impact on native communities and authorities assurances that accountable vacationers (and their responsibly spent journey {dollars}) are all the time welcome in Spain.
Out there and reasonably priced housing are among the many high overtourism issues in Spain
In a September 2024 survey of European vacationers, Spain was the popular European vacation spot among nearly 5,000 respondents. In correlation with a forecasted worldwide tourism progress of 4.5 percent by the top of 2025, the Spanish authorities believes stronger measures will assist alleviate mass tourism issues, with a major concentrate on residential housing shortages.
Much like Barcelona’s July 2024 water gun incident, the place a small group of locals vented their frustrations by squirting vacationers with toy weapons, current authorities actions had been largely impressed by Spain’s ongoing housing disaster. In response to President Sánchez, solely 2.5 % of the nation’s properties are reserved for public housing, leading to, amongst different measures, the switch again of greater than 3,300 homes and nearly 500 acres of residential land to construct reasonably priced rental items.
Barcelona has taken measures to counter overtourism, together with a current tourism tax enhance and efforts to curb an increase in trip rental housing.
Courtesy of Carles Rabada/Unsplash
Across the nation, extremely visited areas are additionally taking motion in opposition to vacation housing points. In November 2024, Madrid debuted a number of new short-term housing guidelines. For instance, solely metropolis heart buildings absolutely dedicated to tourist properties can present vacationer stays. Barcelona plans to cancel greater than 10,000 tourist rental licenses by 2028. Seville has taken a barely completely different strategy by permitting native authorities to cut water supplies in unlawful vacationer flats. In January, Spain’s central authorities issued a decree requiring all short-term rental properties nationwide to obtain a code to list on rental platforms.
The rise of tourism taxes in Spain
To this point, solely Catalonia and the Balearic Islands cost guests a tourism tax to assist offset sustainability setbacks associated to overtourism, together with noise air pollution, landmark conservation, overcrowding in touristy areas, and water shortages.
In October 2024, Barcelona (Catalonia’s capital) raised the utmost tourism tax from 3.25 euros (about US$3) to 4 euros (US$4) per person per night. Mayor Jaume Collboni’s metropolis council closed out the 12 months with an authorised movement to extend the present maximum levy to 8 euros, legally permitting for increased expenses sooner or later. Within the Balearics, president Marga Prohens can be contemplating upping the islands’ sustainable tourism tax, though it seems unlikely to occur before 2026.
In January, Barcelona officers additionally raised charges at two well-liked points of interest: Park Güell and the Tibidabo amusement park. The Gaudí-designed park, reportedly the second most visited landmark within the metropolis, elevated ticket costs from 10 euros (US$10) to 18 euros (US$19), whereas Tibidabo’s all-inclusive entrance charges went from 35 euros (US$37) to 39 euros (US$41).
Equally, to assist protect historic monuments, Seville plans to charge visitors between 3 and 4 euros to entry the town’s well-known Plaza de España. This initiative, set in movement by native mayor José Luis Sanz, confronted backlash because the central authorities considers the sq. public property.
Anti-tourism protests occurred on Spain’s Canary Islands in 2004, although residents acknowledge the important function tourism performs within the economic system.
Photograph by Daniel Seßler/Unsplash
In Spain, the numbers don’t lie—tourism is right here to remain
Regardless of incremental will increase in each precise and proposed tourism taxes in choose locations, it seems that a number of {dollars} right here or there isn’t going to maintain the lots away. In 2024, worldwide vacationers spent 126 billion euros (US$130 billion) in Spain. Tourism minister Jordi Hereu predicts that spending will attain 36 billion euros ($37.5 billion) within the first trimester of 2025, and customer numbers might be up 9 % from the identical interval the earlier 12 months.
Final 12 months, Spain’s Gross Home Product (GDP) also increased by 3.2 percent, due primarily to the tourism sector, awarding the nation with one in every of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.
Whereas authorities officers in well-liked Spanish cities hope to attain the right co-living stability for denizens and short-term company sooner or later, under-explored areas like La Rioja, Cantabria, and Cáceres supply peaceable escapes year-round.
However in some instances, the message stays combined. Lanzarote, one of many Canary Islands’ most visited locations, suffered anti-tourism protests final 12 months regardless of many locals agreeing that tourism is significant to their economic system. Lately, a brand new motion confirmed this pro-tourism opinion with a crystal-clear slogan: Lanzarote Loves Tourism.
And typically, catastrophe strikes. Valencia launched a brand new tourism marketing campaign titled, “It’s more than a destination. It’s an attitude.” to assist the neighborhood recuperate from final October’s devastating flash floods and reactivate the vacationer sector. Throughout her first assembly with tourism officers, the newly elected minister of Innovation, Business, Commerce, and Tourism Marián Cano said that regardless of the [challenging] scenario the area remains to be dealing with, “Our vacation spot is able to obtain vacationers.”
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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