Balearic Islands Braced for Summer of Anti-Tourism Protests
The Balearic Islands, a beloved destination for millions of British tourists, could be hit by a new wave of anti-tourism protests this summer. Local activist groups are gearing up for potential demonstrations, citing frustrations over overcrowding and unsustainable tourism practices.
Growing Unrest Among Residents
In recent years, the islands have witnessed a surge in anti-tourism protests, with locals demanding caps on visitor numbers and more affordable housing. The summer of 2026 may see even larger crowds taking to the streets, building on momentum from previous years.
Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), a prominent group behind protests in Majorca, is set to hold an assembly on Friday, February 20, to discuss planning further actions, including protests. This meeting comes in response to what they perceive as the Balearic Government's failure to implement an effective sustainability pact and control overcrowding.
A press release from the group stated: "the constant increase in overtourism in Mallorca can only be confronted through grassroots organisation."
Government Inaction and Rising Visitor Numbers
Margalida Ramis of the environmental group GOB (Grup Balear d'Ornitologia i Defensa de la Naturalesa) told Majorca Daily News that the government "has not done anything and will not do anything" to tackle overtourism. This sentiment is fueling local discontent.
Visitor numbers to the Balearic Islands have been steadily climbing, with 18.7 million tourists in 2024 and over 19 million in 2025. In contrast, the islands have a population of just 1.2 million, including around 18,000 British expats. Numbers are expected to follow a similar upward trend in 2026.
In a recent development, the opposition party PSOE presented a motion in the Balearic parliament to cap tourist numbers at 17.8 million per year. However, the motion was rejected this week, offering some relief to UK travellers but likely intensifying local frustrations.
History of Protests and Broader Impact
Groups like Menys Turisme Més Vida have been involved in numerous protests in Majorca in recent years, part of a wider movement against overtourism across Spain. In May 2024, around 10,000 protesters marched in Palma, and in July 2025, reports indicated up to 50,000 participants. The 2025 protest was strategically timed to coincide with the start of school holidays in England and Wales, when many families arrive on the island.
The group's Instagram account outlines a manifesto with demands including a ban on tourist rentals across Majorca, a 50% reduction in rental prices for locals, and more stable jobs in what has become a precarious labour market.
Industry Concerns and Economic Implications
Amidst the protests, there is growing concern in the hospitality industry over a reduction in customer numbers. A discount voucher scheme is being considered to encourage more people to dine at local restaurants, highlighting the economic tensions at play.
In 2025, Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy warned that "anti-tourism protests and derogatory comments from local administrations make tourists feel unwelcome." He noted rising tensions in the Canary Islands, where similar protests and signs asking tourists to stay away have emerged. Heapy added: "People don't come to the Canaries to be mistreated or to witness protests. Such incidents tarnish the region's image, pushing tourists toward destinations like Turkey and Morocco, where they feel valued."
As summer approaches, the Balearic Islands face a delicate balance between sustaining their tourism-driven economy and addressing the legitimate concerns of residents, with protests poised to disrupt the peak season.
