Is Mallorca Still Tourist-Friendly in 2025? Here’s the Truth Behind the Headlines

Monday, July 28th, 2025

Are Tourists Facing Hostility in Mallorca?

We have all seen the sensational headlines: “Anti-tourism protests sweep Majorca”, “Furious Spaniards demand Brits go home”, or “Warning issued to Brit holidaymakers who plan on going to Mallorca this year.” But what is the reality behind these attention-grabbing stories? Will you be met by angry locals shouting abuse, or made to feel unwelcome?

The truth is, for the vast majority of holidaymakers, Mallorca remains as warm, relaxed and inviting as ever. While protests have made the news, they tend to be sporadic and highly localised. As a visitor to the island, you are unlikely to come across one. However, even if you do, it is important to remember that the demonstrations are not aimed at individual tourists. Instead, they are a way for residents to voice their frustrations about government policies concerning mass tourism.

So, what is really going on? Let’s take a closer look at what lies behind the headlines.

What Are the Anti-Tourism Protests Really About?

The protests in Mallorca are not about rejecting visitors but about tackling the pressures that come with the island’s popularity. Some of the main concerns include:

Housing costs spiralling out of reach for locals: Many homes are being converted into short-term holiday rentals, driving up rents and property prices.
Wages that lag behind rising living costs: Seasonal work dominates the tourism sector, often with precarious contracts.
Overcrowded public spaces in peak season: Palma’s old town, popular tourist spots like Formentor, and certain smaller towns can become very busy in midsummer.
Strain on public transport: Buses and other services can sometimes struggle to keep up with demand during July and August.
Environmental impacts: Cruise ship emissions, increased traffic, and growing pressure on limited water resources have sparked environmental concerns.

Are Tourists Being Blamed?

Not really. Most protesters are aware that visitors are not the enemy. Instead, their anger is directed at political and business decisions that prioritise tourism profits over residents’ quality of life.

Tourism is the backbone of the Balearic economy, accounting for a large share of GDP and employment. This economic dependence has made it tempting for authorities to focus on quantity rather than quality. Activists argue that while hotels and real-estate investors benefit, local wages remain stagnant and communities suffer from “tourism monoculture”, an overreliance on a single industry.

Ultimately, the debate is not about abolishing tourism but about rethinking how it is managed, distributed, and regulated.

What Solutions Are Being Proposed?

There is no quick fix, but several ideas have been put forward to ease the strain:

Tourism “degrowth”: This includes managing tourist bed numbers and limiting large cruise ships to one per day with a maximum of 4,000 passengers.
Housing reforms: Enforcement against illegal holiday rentals, managing the number of new tourist apartments, and, controversially, restricting property purchases by non-residents.
Tax changes: A higher eco-tax, with funds reinvested into housing and environmental protection, is being debated.
Economic diversification: Campaigners are calling for new industries that provide year-round, well-paid jobs, reducing the island’s dependency on tourism.

Have the Protests Affected Tourist Numbers?

The latest newspaper headlines would certainly suggest so. However, opinions are divided. Some hotel owners and restaurant operators state they have seen fewer bookings this summer, particularly in certain areas like Capdepera and Sóller. Taxi drivers and shopkeepers also report a decrease in customers. In other places, like Palmanova, there appears to be little visible impact, and the resort continues to enjoy strong visitor numbers.

The Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM) has noted slight downturns in several locations, prompting hoteliers to launch a campaign of their own, emphasising that visitors are welcome.

Government officials, on the other hand, suggest that any dip in numbers is part of a normal year-on-year fluctuation rather than a direct result of protests. As one official put it: “We cannot break records every year.”

Should You Still Visit Mallorca?

Absolutely. If you are worried about hostility towards tourists, rest assured that you are unlikely to experience anything but the warm hospitality for which Mallorca is renowned.

If your concern is about contributing to local issues, remember that these challenges are not unique to Mallorca and that they require policy changes and long-term planning; tourists simply staying away is not a solution. In fact, many Mallorcans depend on tourism for their livelihoods.

As the president of CAEB, the Balearic Islands’ main business organisation, recently stated:
“It is essential to make clear that tourism is the main source of economic growth and well-being for these islands, and that it deserves respect and consideration from everyone.”

Final Thoughts

Mallorca remains one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and welcoming holiday destinations. While the protests highlight real issues that need to be addressed, they are not aimed at holidaymakers and should not deter you from enjoying your trip. By visiting responsibly, supporting local businesses, respecting the environment, and exploring less crowded areas, you can help tourism remain a positive force for everyone.