A group of around 100 residents occupied a popular beach in Ibiza, one of Spain's Balearic Islands, last week to protest against the island's growing problem with overtourism. The protest, organized by the Ibiza Youth Association, took place at Cala Saladeta, a well-known tourist destination.
The protesters expressed their frustration with the mass tourism that has been affecting the island, particularly during the summer months. According to data from the Balearic Islands Statistics Institute, Ibiza received nearly 1.2 million tourists in the second quarter of 2025, putting a strain on the island's resources and infrastructure.
The protesters handed out watermelon as part of their demands, which included the right for residents to enjoy the island's public spaces without being overcrowded by tourists. In a manifesto, the group criticized the tourism model that prioritizes wealthy foreigners and partygoers, arguing that it has made housing, food, and other living costs unaffordable for residents.
The protest is part of a broader trend of growing tensions surrounding mass tourism in Spain. Other regions, such as Barcelona, have also seen residents take to the streets to protest the impact of tourism on their communities. In response to the recent protests in Ibiza, the island's president, Vicent Marí, said that the island has been a "pioneer" in combating tourist overcrowding.
The protests in Ibiza highlight the complex issues surrounding mass tourism and the need for a more sustainable and balanced approach to tourism development.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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