A popular city loved by Brits will be doubling its tourist tax from next month, ranking it among Europe’s priciest for such a charge. Following new legislation approved by the Catalan Parliament, the Barcelona City Council has announced that the tourist tax will double this year and gradually increase across the rest of Catalonia, reaching twice the current rate by 2027.

Effective from April 1, the doubling of Barcelona’s tourist tax will coincide with Holy Week (Semana Santa) during Easter when the city hosts traditional processions and sees a surge in visitors. During this time, Barcelona comes alive with processions throughout the city centre, the fair and blessing of palms on Rambla de Catalunya, and the custom of giving ‘palmes’ and laurel branches to be blessed, alongside the seasonal treat Mona de Pasqua (Easter cake).

In addition to the standard regional tax, municipalities can apply a local surcharge. In Barcelona, the City Council has increased this surcharge from €4 (about £3.5) to €5 (£4.3) per night. The council also decided that this surcharge will increase by one euro every year until 2029 reaching a maximum of €8 (£6.9) per night.

Guests at five-star hotels will now pay a total of €12 (£10.40) per night, up from €7.50 (£6.50) with the new regional tax and the municipal surcharge.

Four-star hotels will see the total fee increase from €5.70 (£4.90) to €8.40 (roughly £7.30) per night while holiday rentals will rise to €9.50 (£8.20) per night.

Other establishments will now pay €7 (£6) per night, and cruise passengers will face a tax of €9 (£7.80) for stays longer than 12 hours and €11 (£9.50) for shorter stays. A special category for youth hostels registered with the Generalitat keeps the regional tax at €1 (about £0.90).

Revenue from the tourist tax will be split, with 25% earmarked for housing policies and 75% allocated to a Tourism Promotion Fund managed by local authorities. The fund will support initiatives ranging from economic development to industry promotion and efforts to reduce the seasonality of tourism, the council said.

Barcelona welcomed 16 million visitors in 2025, marking a 2.9% increase compared with the previous year. Last June, thousands of local residents took to the streets to protest against overtourism, chanting slogans such as “Your holidays, my misery” and highlighting the strain on infrastructure, environmental damage, and housing shortages.

Many say they have been pushed and priced out of their neighbourhoods and criticised political inaction in addressing the impact of uncontrolled mass tourism.

In September, Barcelona also marked World Tourism Day with protests at several landmark sites, highlighting local frustrations over overcrowding and housing pressures. Local residents chanted slogans such as “tourists go home,” and displayed signs and a large banner reading “mass tourism kills the city.”

However, hotel owners have expressed concerns that the increased costs could deter tourists and significantly impact the industry. Direct spending linked to tourism activity was estimated at €10.375 billion (almost £9 billion) in 2025, according to the city council.

Jordi Clos, president of Barcelona’s hoteliers’ association, warned that the measure could negatively impact key visitor segments. He said there is “widespread concern in the industry about how the increase in the tourist tax and the municipal surcharge in Barcelona might affect the sector.”

He added: “It will be necessary to monitor the impact this measure may have on business activity and on the most strategic segments [such as business and conference tourism], and to prevent a qualitative and widespread decline.”

A delightful Cornish fishing village is capturing visitors’ affections with its picturesque harbour, ancient cobbled lanes, charming tidal pool and welcoming sandy beach.

And the cherry on top? Cars are banned from the village, generating a nostalgic ambience evocative of bygone days.

This Cornish gem, decorated with quaint cottages and compact fishermen’s dwellings, is an absolute must-visit. Situated along the South West Coastal Path, the main village is home to approximately 572 people, according to the 2021 census.

The village boasts a substantial fishing legacy and features a traditional harbour, whilst a flourishing artistic community adds to its distinctive appeal.

Its narrow, cobbled lanes are off-limits to cars, meaning drivers must leave their vehicles in the main car park or further away in surrounding areas before continuing on foot or by bus into the village.

There’s an abundance of activities in the scenic village of Polperro. This enchanting hamlet provides numerous attractions for guests, from browsing quirky local shops and museums to discovering the extensive history and dynamic arts scene that pervades its many attractions.

The Polperro Harbour Heritage Museum is a must-see, documenting the village’s fascinating heritage steeped in smuggling and fishing customs. Another site worth visiting is the Polperro Arts Foundation, a charitable body committed to promoting and exhibiting local artistic talent.

They operate a gallery within the Polperro Village Hall, featuring pieces by their members.

While there, set aside time for the village’s beloved pubs, The Three Pilchards and Blue Peter Inn, where you can sample hearty fare accompanied by a cooling pint or glass of wine.

The striking coastline surrounding Polperro provides abundant possibilities, from taking a plunge in the Victorian Chapel Rock Tidal Pool (accessed by steps) to discovering rocky beaches and concealed inlets scattered along Polperro Beach. Positioned near the harbour, it’s an ideal spot for swimming and paddling, particularly at low tide.

Guests can also enjoy a leisurely walk along the South West Coast Path, which offers delightful rambles with panoramic vistas. A haven for ramblers, this coastal route delivers spectacular views across the sea and neighbouring landscape, meandering past dramatic clifftops, stunning scenery, and isolated sandy bays along its course.

What travellers are saying

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Unique little Cornish village with tiny passageways between quaint houses. Feels like stepping back in time. Lovely little harbour but sadly very few fishing vessels still working here. Few nice shops selling handmade goods.”

In contrast, another tourist shared in a recent review: “We stayed in Polperro for our Cornwall trip and it was a good choice. Quiet and some very scenic walks around. It’s like a mini Venice.

“Lovely little shops, galleries and the Blue Peter Inn and the Three Pilchards are bustling with good food, drink and good company. On weekends there will be live music in the evening too. People here are lovely and laid back. “.

Another fan of the coastal village posted on Tripadvisor: “Polperro is absolutely lovely …we are at the end of a week here, and are already making plans to come back. Done the coastal walks to both Looe, and to Lansallos .. stunning .. Every evening we walk down to the harbour, just to sit and take it in.”

While another , describing it as “out of this world”, wrote: “I will start by saying that Polperro itself is out of this world. It can only be described as a quaint little fishing village with a harbour that offers boat trips to nearby Looe with stunning views aplenty. You can take a walk along the cliffs and beach, and the harbour has plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to stop in.”

Another visitor commented on the delightful village: “It’s a bit of a trek from the car park into town, but it’s well worth it when you get there, with quirky little alleyways, adorable smugglers’ cottages, a working harbour offering boat trips and plenty of traditional Cornish pubs. You’ll find ample pubs and cafes to replenish with fresh fish dishes, Cornish pasties or cream teas, as well as numerous independent retailers. You can also embark on boat trips from the harbour and access the south west coast path.”