Spain, and more specifically the Canary Islands, are very popular with tourists. So it's not so surprising that some spots struggle with overtourism. One of them is Fuerteventura. Recent research shows that although it is not as popular as other Canary Islands like Tenerife, local tourists still see 120 tourists.
Which survey? Travel, tourists are now outpacing the island's locals by 120 to 1. That number is placed in one of Europe's most overcrowded destinations when looking at the number of visitors per resident.
Fuerteventura may not attract the same level of publicity as its larger neighbors, but its sunny climate and stunning landscape are clearly a draw.
The Canary Islands received a record international arrival of 1.55 million people in March 2025 despite extensive protests by residents over trout tourism.
Which? The report is based on data from the European Commission and examines three key areas. Overnight stay, tourist density per square kilometre, tourist per resident.
It was expected to feature cities like Paris and Athens, but we also found that less obvious destinations like Fuerteventura were also taking the brunt.
Travel experts at Lonely Planet describe Fuerteventura as the oldest and driest of the Canary Islands, known for their soft volcanic mountains, desert landscapes and lush oazés.
They say resorts like Coralejo in the north and Jandia in the south are busy all year round, with temperatures still around 20c even in winter.
Fuerteventura is also popular for water sports such as beaches, hiking routes, surfing, kayaking and windsurfing.
According to Lonely Planet, towns like Corralejo are famous for their nightlife and sand dunes, attracting surfers from all over the world.
The far-flung Cofete Beach on the Jandia Peninsula is another highlight, known for its eight miles of golden sand.
For those looking to explore more than just the coastline, the island has mountains, historic villages, and even workshops where visitors can get acquainted with traditional cheese making.
But while the tourism industry continues to be an important part of the island's economy, the vast number of visitors has become difficult to manage, and locals have protested in the past.
