The locals of this popular Balearic island have been driven to avoid four of the region’s major beaches as a direct result of overtourism, according to a new study
Spanish locals are now forced to avoid their favourite beaches as a direct result of overtourism. A new survey finds that many Mallorca residents are avoiding beaches that have become overrun with sunbeds, parasols and tourists.
Sergio Obrador of the Demographic and Tourism Studies Group at the University of the Balearic Islands, conducted a research project to determine the effects of overcrowding on the mobility of local residents. The survey involved a random sample of 404 residents. A total of 85% of those surveyed said they had stopped visiting certain places on the island due to overcrowding in the summer. Of all the places Mallorca locals are avoiding, the majority named were beaches and coves.
Four beaches were identified as the ones being the most heavily avoided by locals—Caló des Moro in Santanyi, Es Trenc, Sa Calobra and Magaluf. Es Trenc and Sa Calobra beaches were listed as one and two respectively.
Es Trenc being named proves that no matter how expansive a beach, locals do not feel there is room enough for them. Es Trence stretches for three kilometres but still suffers from overcrowding and difficult road access to the beach. The beaches of Sa Calobra and Caló des Moro also have access issues. Access in Caló des Moro became such a heated issue in fact, that last summer it became a hub for local protests against overcrowding.
Around 300 residents gathered on Caló des Moro cove in Santanyi protesting overcrowding on the Spanish island on June 16, 2024. The police were called after protesters began shouting “tourists go home” and officials called for the removal of protest banners from the beach.
The Mallorca Platja Tour demonstration was a response to a Vox politician saying that Mallorcans can no longer expect to go to beaches in July and August in the same way they did years ago. Caló des Moro beach’s popularity among influencers was cited as a contributing factor to the overcrowding. Following the protest, the Santanyi town hall vowed to undertake a study to address the overcrowding. The University of the Balearic Islands was commissioned to carry out this study over the coming summer to address the problem of overcrowding.
In addition to surveys, the study will involve sensors to count visitor numbers, observation by drones to study mobility and density patterns and analysis of environmental data to identify possible ecological impacts, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Mathematical models will then determine the optimal number of people without compromising the area’s conservation.
According to the deputy mayor Joan Gaspar Aguiló: “The university’s methodology will allow us to have a solid scientific basis for making future management decisions. The use of advanced technology, such as automated counting and aerial image detection, will help us to obtain very precise results.”
But while overtourism is the cause residents are avoiding Caló des Moro, that’s not the case for Magaluf, which was one of the four beaches residents have cited avoiding. Residents seem to be avoiding Magaluf simply because they aren’t fond of the destination itself. This is despite a recent resort transformation and the prominence of new upmarket beach clubs. Still the issue of beach overcrowding has fundamentally changed how Mallorcans experience their own island.
