It’s not every day that a beloved holiday spot you’ve frequented gets flagged up as a no-go zone, but this week, American travel guide producer Fodor’s unveiled its annual ‘No List’, detailing all the destinations the publication advises against visiting in 2026.

Amongst the overpopulated cultural sites and natural beauty spots being marred by overtourism, there was a Spanish entry: the Canary Islands. Cherished by Brits due to a microclimate that has made them a prime winter sun destination, with nearly 18 million visitors last year, tourism is at the core of the Canaries.

This is one place I never imagined I’d see on a do-not-visit list.

Indeed, the islands have had their fair share of issues and negative press this year, from overtourism protests in the summer to reports of delays at airports due to new EU passport checks. But with balmy weather, relatively affordable living costs, and an abundance of natural beauty, will Brits really want to give up on the Canary Islands?

My latest trip to the Canaries was in March of this year, when I visited Lanzarote. The weather in the UK was bleak at the time, and Ryanair flights were inexpensive, so my travel partner and I decided it would be the perfect spontaneous getaway to escape the gloom.

It appears we weren’t the only ones with this idea. Our flight was packed, a fact that initially took me aback considering it was a midweek in March. However, the Canaries are an all-year-round destination, so like us, others were attempting to flee the frosty weather. Arriving late at night, thankfully, the airport queues moved swiftly.

The first sign of the island’s soaring popularity was the struggle to book a hotel and the corresponding price hike. Having visited during off-peak times previously, there’s usually an abundance of hotels and apartments available, even at the last minute. This time around, most of the budget-friendly options were fully booked, leaving us with either luxury accommodation beyond our budget or places with dreadful reviews.

Fortunately, we managed to secure a good deal at a hotel named Caybeach Sun in Playa Blanca. Despite its mixed reviews, which had me on edge, it turned out to be quite delightful. With a heated pool, generously sized apartments, and a stone’s throw away from the beach, it was a surprising gem at just over £60 per night.

The Canaries have recently experienced a clampdown on holiday lettings, and although this occurred before my arrival, the shifting regulations over the past year could have influenced the variety of options available and their prices. After depositing our luggage, we made our way to Playa Blanca’s seafront, which boasts numerous bars and eateries. Previously, the abundance of dining options meant securing a table was straightforward, but even during the late evening hours, we discovered many establishments operating at full capacity.

The sole venues with available seating were a handful of questionable bars with staff outside virtually attempting to drag you inside, which is rarely a positive indicator. This pattern persisted throughout our visit, whether we explored the town centre or the harbour area, every location appeared packed. Whilst it didn’t quite match the congestion you’d encounter in Venice or Santorini, it resembled the kind of throngs you’d typically only witness in Spanish holiday destinations during peak season.

It was encouraging to observe people patronising the local eateries and retailers, but I could understand how continuous year-round visitor numbers would be affecting island residents.

John Dale Beckley, founder of the sustainability platform CanaryGreen.org, told Fodor’s: “Residents have started protesting because they’re genuinely fed up. Traffic is one of the biggest issues. What used to be a 40-minute drive from the north can now take well over an hour each way. The government previously changed regulations that allowed residents to rent out their properties on Airbnb and Booking.com. This has driven up both rental prices and property values. Many young people now find it almost impossible to rent or buy a home.”

Reports suggest a rise in violent crime on the Canary Islands, with warnings that thefts escalate during the winter season. Organised gangs are said to target tourist hotspots like Tenerife, knowing they’ll be teeming with visitors. The surge in tourism has reportedly led to increased rents, causing locals to relocate from popular areas and leaving businesses struggling to find staff.

Many might argue that I should have expected this, having chosen such a popular destination. However, March is typically a quieter period on Lanzarote, with the winter sun crowds more prevalent in December and January, and the summer rush still far off. If the island is this bustling in March, one can only imagine how crowded it could get during peak months.

So, should Britons give the Canaries a miss?

Personally, if you’re someone who dislikes crowds and prefers a more tranquil break, I’d reconsider. There are plenty of emerging winter sun alternatives to the Canaries, such as the Azores and Cape Verde.

That being said, I did thoroughly enjoy my time in Lanzarote. Its unique volcanic landscape, stunning beaches, and consistently friendly welcome make me unsure about whether I’d return in 2026.