PALMA, MALLORCA — The Mediterranean tourism season reached a political and social boiling point in Palma on Sunday, July 26, when tens of thousands of residents marched through the capital of Mallorca against mass tourism, housing pressure, congestion, environmental damage, and an economic model they say no longer serves the island’s population.
Spain’s National Police estimated that approximately 25,000 people joined the demonstration. Organizers from the Menys Turisme, Més Vida — Less Tourism, More Life platform claimed participation was as high as 70,000. Even the lower figure would make it Palma’s largest overtourism protest in recent years, surpassing comparable demonstrations held in 2024 and 2025.
The march took place under the slogan “Mallorca al límit” — Mallorca at the limit.
It was supported by dozens of environmental, neighborhood, labor, and social organizations. Protesters demanded restrictions on vacation rentals, fewer tourist-accommodation licenses, limits on flights, protection of water and other natural resources, better working conditions, and the diversification of Mallorca’s economy away from what activists describe as a tourism monoculture.
The demonstration was largely peaceful during its route through Palma. Tensions developed near Parc de la Mar when police prevented part of the crowd from reaching the location where organizers intended to read their manifesto. Emergency services reported at least eight injured demonstrators, including two who were taken to hospital.
The confrontation risks dominating international headlines. But water pistols, graffiti, police shields, and street disruption are symptoms, not the underlying story.
The real story is that many Mallorca residents no longer believe record tourism numbers automatically represent progress. -eturbonews.com
Video -DRM News
