Mallorca residents are fed up with tourists, as well as their local government.
A group of organizations on the Spanish island of Mallorca has written an open letter to tourists with a simple message: don’t come. The letter begins by stating that this summer will be the worst in Mallorca’s history, with record-breaking numbers of visitors overwhelming the island.
A Mediterranean island in southern Spain, Mallorca is known for its stunning coastline and vibrant nightlife. However, for residents, the influx of tourists—far outnumbering the local population—has turned paradise into a nightmare. The letter expresses frustration over the problems caused by unchecked tourism. It recalls a time in the 1970s when tourists and residents coexisted peacefully but laments that the situation has drastically changed. “The island has been exploited to unimaginable limits, leading to the collapse we are now suffering,” the letter states. It criticizes those profiting from the island, calling them “parasites,” and points to the greed of hoteliers, politicians, and real estate investors.
The letter also outlines the consequences of overtourism, including a diminished quality of life, lack of affordable housing for residents, and environmental degradation.
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With politicians prioritizing profits over residents’ concerns, locals have taken to the streets in protest, aiming to “prevent a major disaster.” The letter also condemns the use of the term “sustainable” to describe tourism growth on the island, noting that officials maintain 100% occupancy during peak season while promoting off-season tourism as well.
“Our leaders do not listen to us, so we, the residents, ask you: DO NOT COME. We do not need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem,” the letter concludes. It is signed by environmental and local organizations, including SOS Residents, Menys Turisme Més Vida, Gob, Gadma, Alternativa per Pollença, Brunzit, and Amics de la Vall de Coanegra.
In a follow-up article, the Majorca Daily Bulletin shared reactions from its readers. Many tourists acknowledged the issues, noting that they, too, have faced high prices and overcrowding. However, some expressed disappointment, saying they have supported local businesses and cherished sentimental memories of the island. One reader wrote, “Though the letter in today’s Bulletin has both deeply saddened yet also sadly annoyed me. I am now wondering if booking this ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday has been a mistake.”
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Mallorca is not alone in facing the negative effects of overtourism. Across Spain, locals are being displaced by short-term visitors, losing their communities in the process. Public transportation is stretched thin, and many services are operating at full capacity year-round. More critically, residents are being priced out of their homes and neighborhoods.
Protests have gained momentum in popular destinations such as Barcelona, Malaga, Ibiza, and Tenerife. Locals have blocked beaches and attractions, posting signs that read, “Tourists Go Home.” In response, some cities are implementing new policies to address the crisis. Barcelona plans to phase out short-term rentals by 2028. In Mallorca, tourists are banned from driving rental cars in the town of Sóller, while the Balearic Islands have introduced alcohol bans and dress codes to curb unruly behavior.
Due to these challenges, destinations like Barcelona, Mallorca, and the Canary Islands were included in Fodor’s No List 2025. While locals are calling for a reduction in tourism, the numbers tell a different story. In 2024, Spain welcomed a record 94 million visitors, underscoring the uphill battle residents face in reclaiming their communities.
Related: British Media Keep Saying Spain Is Banning Tourists. But Is It Really?
