BARCELONA, Spain -- Protesters returned to the streets across Spain on Saturday in anger over high housing costs with no relief in sight. Thousands marched in the capital, Madrid, and over 30 other cities in a demonstration organized by housing activists and backed by Spain’s main labor unions. The housing crisis has hit particularly hard in Spain, where there is a strong tradition of home ownership and scant public housing for rent. Rents have been driven up by increased demand. Buying a home has become unaffordable for many, with market pressures and speculation driving up prices, especially in big cities and coastal areas.

Protesters took to the streets nationwide in Spain on Saturday, showcasing widespread discontent over escalating housing costs. Demonstrations swept through Madrid and over 30 other cities, rallying housing activists and major labor unions. Spain's housing crisis is acutely felt due to a cultural emphasis on home ownership coupled with insufficient public housing options. Skyrocketing rents and unaffordable property prices have left many, especially the youth, stuck in a financial bind. Despite stable employment, high living costs prevent young Spaniards from saving or investing in their futures.

THOUSANDS of anti-tourism protesters flooded the streets of Spain today as ringleaders called for sabotage against holidaymakers. Protesters were even urged to superglue the locks of holiday rentals to render them unusable and cause a nuisance. These were the first mass anti-tourist protests of the year, following on from a string of furious demonstrations last summer. Huge crowds across 40 different Spanish cities took to the streets to send a clear message that holidaymakers are not wanted. The main issue addressed today was soaring rents and a lack of affordable homes. Brits have been a particular target of the protests in the past, as they are amongst the most loyal visitors to sunny spots like Majorca and Malaga.