Anti-tourist sentiment appears to be ramping up in Spain, following on from last year's string of protests. who argue they've been priced out of the property market and are witnessing their homeland become saturated with rowdy holidaymakers flocked to the streets in 2024 to demand change.

Banners reading 'Let's change course and set limits on tourism' and 'This isn't tourism-phobia, it's numbers: 1,232,014 residents, 18 million tourists' were waved in front of sun-worshipping Brits undeterred by the rising tension. Just two months ago, one of the famous - an iconic Spanish landmark - was targeted by an angry resident, who wrote the words '' in vibrant red paint.

Over in Tenerife, the most popular Spanish-owned Canary Islands, anti-tourist sentiment has taken a violent turn. A s was spotted earlier this month, while reports emerged that activists have gone as far as to get their message across.

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Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) - which has been at the forefront of Spain's anti-tourism campaign - vowed to 'intensify' its ahead of the peak season. It is currently debating how campaigners should protest this summer, with popular tourist beaches being a likely target.

Pere Joan, a spokesperson and organiser for the group, previously told the Mirror: "We hope to do the same as occupy the beaches in places that have a mass of tourists. There will also be one big day of protests, although we don't know when this will be. It may be on 5 April when there will be national protests on housing prices. Our capacity to mobilise people was important last year. We had two protests of more than 20,000 persons and 40,000 in one of them."

In an exclusive interview with the , Alexandra Dubakova, CMO at , has therefore urged tourists to research their intended destination before parting with their money. "Search possible areas of protest and locations off-limits to avoid any safety issues and disruptions to your trip," she said. "Take less touristy places such as small towns on the northern coast since it is less crowded."

The travel expert also advised to 'check local updates' when you arrive at your destination and book tours with local guides. "The safer choice though, would be to consider other destinations until the unrest stops," she added. "If you must visit, book tours and hotels with cancellation policies so you won't lose your money."

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Despite planned protests and violent threats, many Spanish organisations have criticised anti-tourist sentiment and begged holidaymakers to still visit. In Lanzarote, many restaurants started emblazoning their windows with stickers reading 'Lanzarote loves Tourism'.

, who has lived in Spain for nine years, has also urged Brits to 'still visit Spain' - arguing most of the protests revolve around landlord greed as opposed to tourists themselves. "Local businesses, restaurants, and shops have built their success on welcoming tourists from all over the ," she told the Mirror.

"If you have a trip planned—don't let the headlines deter you. The Costa del Sol and other popular destinations are buzzing with life. The beaches are packed, the pueblos are alive with energy, and both locals and tourists are soaking up the sun, relaxing, and making the most of everything Spain has to offer." You can .

Have the anti-tourist protests put you off visiting Spain? Email liam.gilliver@reachplc.com for a chance to share your story