Mallorca, the crown jewel of the Balearic Islands, is again in the spotlight this summer season. With its turquoise beaches, lively resorts, and historic towns, the island continues to attract millions of visitors from across Europe and beyond. But behind the postcard-perfect scenes, Mallorca is facing some real challenges as the pressure from mass tourism reaches new heights.
Record Tourist Numbers and Local Frustration
Last year, Mallorca welcomed a record 13 million tourists. In 2025, that number is expected to rise even higher, especially with new direct flights from the US bringing in affluent visitors. While tourism is the lifeblood of the island’s economy, many locals say enough is enough.
The influx of holidaymakers has driven up housing prices, making it almost impossible for ordinary Mallorcans to find affordable homes. “Housing has become an object of speculation,” says Carme Reynes, a local activist, who points out that entire families are now forced to share single rooms, while hundreds of apartments are rented out to tourists.
This frustration boiled over in mid-June, when thousands of residents marched through the streets of Palma, protesting against the housing crisis and calling for limits on tourist numbers. Graffiti blaming real estate agents and foreign buyers for the crisis has appeared across the island, and some citizens’ groups have even sent open letters to tourists, urging them to “stay at home!”.
Government Response: Balancing Act
The Balearic government is walking a tightrope. While it recognizes that “the time has come to set limits,” as Prime Minister Marga Prohens said last year, concrete action has been slow. There’s talk of higher accommodation taxes, stricter rules for holiday rentals, and even a special tax on rental cars, but with no parliamentary majority, big changes seem unlikely soon.
Tragedy and Safety Concerns
Tourism brings not only prosperity but also risks. Just this week, a British tourist died after a tragic fall at the popular Cala Agulla viewpoint in Capdepera. The man, visiting with his wife and daughter, fell five meters from a wall in the early hours of the morning. His wife, injured but conscious, managed to get help, but rescuers could only confirm the man’s death at the scene.
Mallorca Live Festival: A Cultural Highlight
Despite the tensions, Mallorca’s cultural scene is thriving. The Mallorca Live Festival, held from June 12–14 in Calvià, brought together over 80 acts across five stages, with headliners like Massive Attack and Iggy Pop drawing huge crowds. Events like these show that Mallorca remains a vibrant destination for music lovers and culture seekers.
What’s Next for Mallorca?
As the summer heats up, the debate over Mallorca’s future continues. Can the island find a balance between welcoming tourists and preserving a decent quality of life for its residents? For now, the beaches are full, the hotels are booked, and the protests go on. Mallorca is still paradise—but paradise is feeling the strain.
One thing is clear: change is needed, and fast. Otherwise, Mallorca risks losing the very magic that makes it so special.