The Impact of Overtourism on Barcelona’s Carmel Bunkers

Barcelona’s Bunkers: A Tale of Overtourism

On a sweltering August evening, a lively procession of young revelers, armed with boxes of pizza and bottles of inexpensive cava, began their uphill trek to the iconic Carmel Bunkers in Barcelona. Nestled atop a hill that offers a panoramic view of the Catalan capital, these concrete structures once served as antiaircraft installations, protecting the city during the tumultuous years of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. Over time, the site transformed into a popular destination for local residents seeking evening strolls and a favorite hangout for the youth.

However, the emergence of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has dramatically altered the landscape of this once-quiet refuge. In recent years, an influx of young tourists has flocked to the Bunkers, turning it into a hotspot for boisterous gatherings, excessive drinking, and the obligatory sunset selfies. In response to the escalating noise, litter, and overwhelming number of visitors, city officials erected fences around the area last spring.

Despite these efforts, hundreds of visitors now seek any available space among the surrounding scrub and rocky terrain, while others boldly leap over the barriers. “I used to play here as a child,” remarked Manoli Fernández, a 57-year-old lifelong resident, as she strolled with her daughter and her 87-year-old mother. “Now, we have intoxicated tourists urinating on our neighbor’s doorstep.”

For those looking to comprehend the intricate dynamics of overtourism in Barcelona, the situation at the Carmel Bunkers serves as a poignant case study. The frustrations felt by local residents resonate with those living in other popular areas: the Gothic Quarter where long-time inhabitants feel pushed out by throngs of visitors; the pollution along the waterfront, exacerbated by the docking of massive cruise ships; and a widespread sense of disregard for the rich local culture.

Even the renowned Boqueria market on Las Ramblas, once a leisurely haven for residents and chefs to procure fresh ingredients, has morphed into one of Barcelona’s most congested tourist traps.