Published on
November 29, 2025
Spain’s Pinar de Can Camins Forest has implemented a unique approach to combat overtourism by restricting access to just 25 visitors per day. This initiative aims to preserve the forest’s pristine Mediterranean ecosystem, ensuring that its natural beauty and biodiversity remain intact for future generations. By limiting visitor numbers and offering guided tours, Spain showcases how sustainable tourism can coexist with nature conservation, offering an exclusive experience while minimizing the environmental impact that mass tourism often causes.
A coastal forest in Spain has implemented a unique system to manage the growing pressures of tourism by limiting access to just 25 visitors at a time on select days throughout the year. This initiative offers a rare example of how a natural space can be preserved amid rising concerns over overtourism.
Globally, hiking has become one of the most popular outdoor activities, with millions flocking to trails across the world each year. In many countries, some trails attract massive numbers of hikers, especially during the transition from winter to spring and summer. For example, the Seven Sisters Walk in southern England is particularly crowded during these peak seasons. Similarly, Spain is home to many renowned hiking trails, but there is one route where the number of visitors is intentionally kept to a minimum.
The Pinar de Can Camins, a Mediterranean forest along the Spanish coast, stands as a striking example of a natural haven shielded from mass tourism. With only 25 people allowed in at a time, this forest offers tranquility in stark contrast to the overcrowding found elsewhere. Part of the Natura 2000 Network, the Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few remaining forests in Spain that retains its original form, making it a rare gem in the Mediterranean.
Access to this 30-hectare forest is highly restricted. The forest is only open on the first Sunday of each month, excluding the summer months of July and August. Even more stringent is the limit on the number of visitors, with only 25 people permitted to enter on those select days. These fortunate few are guided through the forest by expert guides free of charge. The guided tours begin at 11 AM from Puerta del Delta, and reservations are required, which can be made either by phone, in person, or via email.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect the forest’s delicate ecosystem. The restriction on visitor numbers ensures that the forest can be preserved without the damaging impact that mass tourism can have on sensitive environments. The Pinar de Can Camins offers an idyllic escape for those fortunate enough to experience its beauty, providing a rare opportunity to connect with nature in a peaceful, undisturbed setting.
While the Pinar de Can Camins is a model of sustainable tourism, other parts of Spain are grappling with the negative effects of overtourism. In particular, the Canary Islands have experienced growing tensions between tourists and locals. In recent years, the islands have seen a surge in visitors, leading to increasing concerns about the strain on local communities and natural spaces.
In 2025, the Canary Islands welcomed approximately 7.8 million tourists, while the region processed around 27 million airport passengers. The overwhelming number of visitors has raised alarms about the long-term impact of such high tourism traffic. As a result, the Canary Islands have been included in Fodor’s Travel’s 2026 “No List,” which highlights destinations suffering from the adverse effects of overtourism.
Echoing these concerns, the Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN), an environmental group in Tenerife, has warned that the natural spaces of the islands are being severely degraded. In a statement, the group lamented the loss of biodiversity and the erasure of peaceful spaces once cherished by locals and visitors alike. The increasing commercialization of tourism has resulted in the loss of authentic cultural experiences, they argued. “Overcrowding has erased peaceful places where we could once enjoy life. There are no truly local spaces left,” said ATAN. They also pointed out that the rise of mass tourism has led to the dominance of low-cost party tourism, which detracts from the islands’ true cultural identity.
This situation underscores the urgent need for more sustainable approaches to tourism. While the Canary Islands face challenges related to overcrowding, the Pinar de Can Camins provides a hopeful example of how natural spaces can be protected and enjoyed without succumbing to the pressures of mass tourism. The experience in this Spanish forest demonstrates that limiting access can not only preserve the environment but also offer visitors a more authentic and meaningful connection with nature.
Ultimately, this balance between conservation and tourism is crucial in ensuring that future generations can experience Spain’s rich natural heritage without compromising the integrity of its landscapes. As overtourism continues to be a global issue, more destinations may need to follow the example set by the Pinar de Can Camins and adopt measures that prioritize sustainability over short-term gains. Through careful planning and responsible tourism practices, it is possible to preserve the beauty and authenticity of natural spaces while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
