Migrant Faces Backlash in Barcelona Amid Anti-Tourism Protests

A woman who relocated to Barcelona after a divorce now feels compelled to abandon her dreams due to escalating anti-tourism sentiment in the city. Karolina Wachowicz, 35, moved from her home country seeking a fresh start in sunny Spain, only to confront a wave of hostility aimed at foreign residents and tourists.

Wachowicz’s journey began after her marriage ended, prompting her to leave her job and explore a new life in a place she had long admired. She chose Barcelona, drawn by its affordable living costs and the allure of sandy beaches. The move represented more than just a change of scenery; it symbolized her quest to rediscover herself. “It was easier for me to be myself in Spain, and I was simply happier there,” she noted.

However, her idealistic vision soon faced harsh realities. Upon arrival, she struggled to adapt to a new environment, lacking friends, employment, and even proficiency in the language. Just as her employment contract was approved, COVID-19 lockdowns hit, adding to her challenges. Despite these setbacks, she remained determined, stating, “I decided to stay and focus on my work.”

Over the years, Wachowicz invested in her new life, purchasing an apartment in Barcelona, despite concerns from friends about the decision. “My friends called it reckless – I bought an apartment with a mortgage,” she explained. Although locals questioned her ability to manage a mortgage without speaking Spanish, she remained steadfast in her belief that establishing roots in Barcelona was essential for her stability.

Yet, the warm welcome she initially received faded as anti-tourism protests intensified. In 2022, demonstrations against the influx of tourists began to surge, culminating in a peak of unrest in 2025. Streets filled with protest posters and graffiti highlighted growing discontent among locals who felt overwhelmed by visitors.

Wachowicz began to feel alienated in her adopted city. Friends visiting from abroad faced hostility, often being referred to as “guiri,” a derogatory term for foreigners. She reflected on her isolation, stating, “Those who stand out because of their appearance immediately draw attention and unfriendly looks.”

In her residential building, Wachowicz was often excluded from community discussions, as she was the only foreign resident among a group of Catalans. “They wouldn’t add me to the community WhatsApp group and did not always inform or consult with me about building and community matters,” she shared, emphasizing the divide she experienced.

The circumstances unfolding in Barcelona mirror broader tensions surrounding immigration and tourism in various parts of the world, including the recent anti-immigrant protests in the UK. As cities grapple with the effects of tourism on local communities, stories like Wachowicz’s highlight the personal toll of such societal shifts, revealing the complexities faced by those seeking to create a new life in foreign lands.

Wachowicz’s experience raises important questions about the balance between tourism and community, and the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of cultural and economic conflicts.