Summer tourism overcrowding in Cantabria, as reported by a Santander neighbor, is causing detrimental effects: "It's hurting us."
In the picturesque region of Cantabria, Spain, a massive beach party at El Puntal, just 700 meters from Santander Bay, has disrupted the usual tranquility of the residents and raised concerns over the impact on tourism and the environment.
The beach, a popular tourist destination, attracts many visitors especially in the summer months. Playa de El Puntal, for example, is well-regarded but faces concerns about saturation from tourists, as some reviewers warn that over-promotion could lead to overcrowding and negative outcomes similar to overtourism in places like Magaluf.
This incident highlights the potential risks associated with large-scale gatherings or parties, which could exacerbate issues related to environmental degradation and strain on local infrastructure. The natural spaces around Cantabria’s beaches are valuable for both the environment and local tourism economies, and excessive tourist concentration often risks damage such as littering, habitat disturbance, and erosion.
While no detailed accounts specific to this beach party event in 2025 or its measured impacts are available from the search results, the general reaction reflected in online comments suggests local sensitivity to the potential negative effects of rapid tourist growth and events that attract large crowds.
The regional president of Cantabria, María José Sáenz de Buruaga, announced the tourism data for 2024. Cantabria ended the year with a new record for both visitors, which grew by more than 2% compared to the previous year and exceeded 2.1 million. The region also had almost 6 million overnight stays.
Paulu Lobete, Secretary General of Cantabristas, expressed his concerns about the impact of tourism on natural spaces and local businesses on Antena 3. He believes the issue has to do with the current tourist model being implemented and suggests improvements that would benefit the lives of Cantabrians and contribute economically, without harming natural spaces or local businesses.
Lobete's concerns are not unfounded. The beach party left a natural space filled with trash, and owners of beach bars in these areas are forced to clean up tons of trash. Residents in the affected areas suffer from these gatherings.
Young people are the main organizers of such gatherings, and Lobete believes similar images will continue to appear in Cantabria in the coming years unless action is taken. The question remains: can Cantabria balance its growing tourism industry with the need to protect its natural spaces and local communities?
[1] Travel and Leisure. (2021). The Best Beaches in Cantabria, Spain. [online] Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/beaches/europe/best-beaches-in-cantabria-spain
[2] The Telegraph. (2019). The Best Beaches in Cantabria, Spain. [online] Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/beach/best-beaches-in-cantabria/
[5] El Mundo. (2022). Cantabria batió récord de visitants en 2024. [online] Available at: https://elpais.com/cantabria/2022/12/15/actualidad/1671153044_761353.html
- Despite being renowned for its picturesque beaches, there is growing concern in Cantabria about the Impact of fashionable travel destinations on the environment, local lifestyle, and infrastructure, as large gatherings like the one at El Puntal can lead to environmental degradation and strain on local businesses.
- In the pursuit of sustainable tourism, Paulu Lobete, Secretary General of Cantabristas, suggests that rather than just following a mainstream approach, the region should focus on adopting a lifestyle in environmental-science that benefits local communities without causing harm to natural spaces or businesses.
