Ibiza Residents Protest Against Overtourism

Recently, around 100 residents gathered at a beach in Ibiza to express their frustration over overtourism. The protest took place at Cala Saladeta, a well-known tourist spot, and was organized by the Ibiza Youth Association. The local protest aims to address growing concerns about mass tourism in Spain.

Known locally as Eivissa, Ibiza is part of Spain’s Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. During the summer, the island attracts a significant number of visitors. According to the Balearic Islands Statistics Institute, Ibiza welcomed nearly 1.2 million tourists in the second quarter of 2025.

Protesters voiced their discontent with tourist overcrowding. Some even distributed watermelon during the event, advocating for local residents’ access to public spaces. The Ibiza Youth Association highlighted that local culture and land are increasingly being reduced to mere tourist attractions.

The group criticized a tourism model that primarily caters to affluent foreigners, claiming that it makes housing and living costs unaffordable for island residents. Activists emphasize that local youth are frustrated about losing access to spaces typically enjoyed by tourists.

“We want our coves to be ours again, clean and peaceful,” the manifesto stated.

They emphasized a desire to reclaim tranquil spaces, particularly during the busy summer months. The Ibiza Island Council President, Vicent Marí, acknowledged the island’s leadership in challenging tourist overcrowding.

Mass tourism has also sparked protests in Barcelona, where residents have sprayed tourists with water guns. On Mallorca, another Balearic Island, viral videos reveal pickpockets targeting tourists near Palma’s capital.