Ibiza’s residents are taking a stand against overtourism. Recently, around 100 residents occupied Cala Saladeta, a well-known beach, expressing growing frustration with mass tourism in Spain.
Organized by the Ibiza Youth Association, the protest aimed to highlight the issues faced by locals due to the influx of tourists. Statistics show that Ibiza, known locally as Eivissa, attracted nearly 1.2 million tourists in the second quarter of 2025, causing concerns about overcrowding.
The demonstrators handed out watermelon to emphasize their demand that residents should have the right to enjoy public spaces. They expressed worry that local culture and land are being repurposed solely for tourism purposes, pushing residents out of spaces they once freely accessed.
The manifesto, relayed by local news outlet Cadena SER, criticized the tourism framework for catering mostly to wealthy tourists and partygoers. It highlighted the increasing cost of living on the island, covering housing and food, which has become unaffordable for many.
The statement underscored young residents’ frustration over the lack of accessibility to the island’s attractions. During summer months, tourists overwhelmingly occupy coves and beaches, which locals argue should be peaceful retreats, even when tourist season peaks.
In response, Ibiza Island Council President Vicent Marí noted the island’s proactive measures against tourist overcrowding.
This protest is not isolated. Cities like Barcelona have witnessed residents confront tourists, sometimes with water guns, as a form of protest. Similarly, in Mallorca, another Balearic Island, events such as pickpocketing near Palma, the capital, reflect the broader issues surrounding mass tourism in Spain.
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