UK tourists heading to Ibiza and Majorca this summer have been warned of severe overcrowding, with beaches so packed that visitors struggle to find space for a towel. The Balearic Islands, once renowned for serene shores and vibrant nightlife, are buckling under the weight of overtourism.
Travel expert Lucia Polla of Viva La Vita described her experience on a trip to Majorca in August: 'The beaches were so full you could barely find a spot to lay your towel.' Many holidaymakers are now facing similar scenes, as the islands' infrastructure struggles to cope with the influx.
The crisis extends beyond the beaches. Locals in Palma de Majorca have seen rents soar, pushing residents out of the housing market. Wayne Kast, CEO of Always On The Shore, recalled a conversation with a shop owner who said the tourist influx had made it impossible to find affordable housing.
In May, residents took to the streets of Ibiza to demand limits on tourist numbers. Rafael Jimenez of protest group Prou Ibiza said: 'A side effect of mass tourism is that house prices are rising. More restaurants require more workers, but these workers require places to live, and there are ten looking for every place.'
Jimenez has since moved to mainland Spain, disillusioned by the relentless tide of visitors. He added: 'We feel that tourism is taking public places. It is very expensive.' The situation highlights growing tensions between the tourism industry and local communities.
