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Top European holiday destination wipes public transport route on Google Maps to stop tourists using it
And the other other little-known rules Brits need to follow when in Spain
A CITY in Europe has removed a public transport route on Google Maps to prevent tourists from using the popular bus.
In recent years, countries across Europe have been introducing anti-tourism measures.
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From banning new hotels to enforcing additional taxes on tourists, European officials have attempted to reduce the impact holidaymakers have on local communities.
Now, an area in Barcelona has become the latest destination to introduce a brand-new rule measure aimed at tackling tourists.
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The city has removed a well-used bus route from Apple and Google Maps.
The 116 bus route has been wiped from the digital maps in a bid to stop crowds of tourists from using the bus.
It comes after elderly locals, many of whom use walking aids, were unable to board the bus.
Luz López, 75, told elDiario.es: "Before, the bus was so full even people with walking sticks couldn’t get on."
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According to Euronews Travel, the 116 bus is a compact 20-seater minibus that's small enough to squeeze through La Salut's narrow streets.
City council officials have yet to confirm they asked for the bus route to be removed from the digital maps.
Albert Batlle, the deputy mayor of security and coexistence on the city council, told the Guardian: "We needed to eliminate references to the 116 on the internet."
While Mr Batlle refused to confirm that the council was behind the move, a spokesperson from Google said bus routes could only be deleted following requests made by the council.
Sagrada Familia Selfie Ban
Local activist César Sánchez told the Guardian: "We laughed at the idea at first. But we’re amazed the measure has been so effective."
The bus route has become popular with tourists who use it to reach Park Güell - one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions.
Covering 17 hectares of outdoor space, Park Güell attracts nine million holidaymakers each year.
The Spanish park is most well-known for its collection of colourful mosaics, which were designed by architect Antoni Gaudí.
Gaudí was also responsible for the design of several other famous buildings in the city, including Casa Batlló, La Pedrera-Casa Milà and the Sagrada Familia.
Earlier this month, holidaymakers in Barcelona were banned from snapping pictures outside the Sagrada Familia after a dangerous trend went viral online.
The TikTok trend saw tourists attempt to take photos and videos of the Sagrada Familia while on moving escalators.
Posters that banned visitors from taking social media snaps on the escalators appeared around the attraction in a bid to stop tourists from hurting themselves.
And it's not just Barcelona that's introducing new rules aimed at cracking down on overtourism, with other resorts and provinces in Spain also following suit.
Little-known rules in Spain
Earlier this month, San Sebastián limited the maximum number of people on guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and overcrowding.
The local council has warned tour guides that they face a fine of up to €1,500 (£1,287) if they are found flouting the rules.
Last summer, San Sebastián also introduced new guidelines aimed at tourist guides, including:
- The use of individual audio systems
- Avoiding the occupation of public places of passage
- Avoiding the busiest areas in summer and peak hours.
San Sebastián has already banned the construction of new hotels.
Meanwhile, the Spanish government has allowed restaurants to charge customers more for sitting in the shade in Andalucia.
The visitors will be warned before ordering about extra costs for sitting outside.
And tourists heading to Benidorm's beaches need to be aware of the time restrictions, as swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am can cost beachgoers a whopping £1,000.
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The tourist mistakes that are costing you money
Travel writer Lee Bell recently revealed how holidaymakers heading to Barcelona can make their trip a whole lot cheaper.
First off, Lee recommended swapping the airport taxi for a local bus, which will save solo travellers around €20.
He added: "Dodge the pricey cocktails before a night out and instead head down to Can Paixano - or what the locals call “La Xampanyeria” (champagne bar) where you’ll find a “copa de cava” for just €1 a pop."
Ask for a 'clara' - essentially a Spanish shandy made with Fanta Limón - at practically any bar. It’s not only cheaper but it’s a tasty, more refreshing option for when the temperatures soar."
Read more of Lee's money-saving tips, here.
Outside of Barcelona, tourists can also visit the town of Comillas to see Gaudi's El Capricho villa.
And The Sun's Sophie Swietochowski recently visited Barcelona - here's how to find £14 flights and secret tapas bars.
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