Ibiza Residents Protest Against Overtourism

In recent events on the island of Ibiza, approximately 100 residents staged an occupation of a popular beach. This demonstration was part of their protest against overtourism, a growing concern in Spain. The protest took place at Cala Saladeta, a tourist hotspot, and was organized by the Ibiza Youth Association, as reported by Balearic public broadcaster IB3.

Ibiza, known locally as Eivissa, is one of Spain’s Balearic Islands situated in the Mediterranean Sea. It attracts a significant number of tourists, causing the population to surge during summer months. Statistics from the Balearic Islands Statistics Institute indicate that nearly 1.2 million tourists visited Ibiza in the second quarter of 2025.

The protest aimed to voice against the overcrowding caused by tourism. Activists distributed watermelon as part of their demand for residents to have access to the island’s public spaces, according to IB3. The protest group expressed in their manifesto that local culture and land are being sidelined in favor of tourism, as per local outlet CadeNA SER.

The manifesto criticized a tourism model that caters mainly to wealthy foreigners and partygoers, claiming that it makes housing, food, and living expenses unaffordable for citizens. They emphasized that young residents are frustrated, unable to enjoy their home like tourists do because of the encroaching tourism model. This has resulted in a more precarious life for Ibiza’s residents.

Ibiza’s coves, popular during the busy summer season, were a significant aspect of the group’s appeal. The activists called for these coves to be restored to local use, clean and peaceful.

In addressing the protests, Ibiza Island Council President Vicent Marí stated the island has been ahead in addressing tourist overcrowding. The demonstration in Ibiza reflects broader concerns in Spain over mass tourism. In other parts of Spain like Barcelona, residents have protested against tourism by using water guns on visitors. Similarly, in Mallorca, viral incidents have shown pickpockets targeting tourists.