Fresh anti-tourism graffiti has appeared in Fuengirola’s river park, sparking debate among residents and visitors over the growing impact of tourism on the Costa del Sol.
Messages reading ‘Malaga para vivir’ (‘Malaga for living’) and ‘No tourist‘ were painted on walls in the Parque Fluvial.
The graffiti comes amid record levels of tourism, which bring economic benefits, but can also increase pressure on housing and daily life.
Rising rents, a shortage of long-term housing and the spread of tourist flats have become key concerns for locals, particularly in coastal areas.
Some Fuengirola residents took to social media to say the messages, while controversial, reflect a real frustration.
‘No to tourist flats, they should use hotels,’ wrote one, while another said: ‘There’s no housing left for people who actually live here.’
Most, however, said Fuengirola would not survive without tourism.
‘Going against what we live off, this is like a miner going against the mines,’ said one.
Another wrote: ‘Without tourists there are no jobs and no money.’
One added: ‘Tourists are welcome, but property speculators can get out. Less Airbnb and more homes for families.’
The debate highlights a growing divide seen across parts of Spain between those calling for limits on tourism and those who stress its importance to the local economy.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
