25,000 Protesters March Against Mass Tourism in Mallorca as Police Clashes Leave Multiple Injured

On Sunday evening, central Palma de Mallorca was filled with approximately 25,000 people. According to National Police figures, this marks the largest anti-tourism protest on the island to date. Organised by the platform Menys Turisme, Més Vida (“Less Tourism, More Life”), this year’s slogan was “Mallorca al límit” (“Mallorca at the Limit”).

March Through Central Palma

The procession moved along the city’s central thoroughfares. Participants chanted “Tourists go home,” “Mallorca is not for sale,” and “Those who love Mallorca don’t destroy it,” while carrying placards reading “My home is not your hotel” and “I don't recognise my land.” This year’s march proceeded without confrontations with tourists, as restaurant owners proactively cleared outdoor dining terraces along the route in advance.

A total of 135 organisations joined the demonstration, bringing together participants of all ages, from university students to retirees. Many cited the impossibility of buying or renting housing at fair prices, noting that local residents cannot compete with wealthy buyers from Northern Europe. Protests were further heightened by the recent arrest of two young female activists, charged by the Civil Guard with belonging to a criminal group over alleged property vandalism at five real estate agencies.

“No Room Left”

In their closing manifesto, organizers declared: “Mallorca can no longer fit more cars, hotels, tourist apartments, cafes, fast-food chains, cheesecake shops, or tourists.” They demanded actual reductions in tourist beds and visitor arrivals, rather than mere crowd control. According to platform estimates, over 100,000 apartments across the archipelago—home to 1.2 million permanent residents—are currently allocated to holiday rentals (both legal and illegal). Last year, the Balearics set a record with nearly 19 million tourists, with a new record projected for this year.

Platform spokesperson Dani Comas criticized the island government's inaction and announced a follow-up protest scheduled for August 8 in Sóller. Balearic Islands President Marga Prohens (People’s Party) stated she understood residents’ discontent but attributed responsibility to previous left-wing administrations. During her term, regional authorities banned holiday rentals in multi-family apartment buildings and are currently drafting legislation to restrict car access to the island.

Clashes with Police

Tensions flared after the official rally concluded. Dozens of police officers—some equipped with shields and rubber-bullet launchers—stationed near a parking garage entrance were surrounded by thousands of protesters chanting “I’d be ashamed to be a police officer” and “Out with occupying forces,” believing officers were blocking the march from continuing.

Some demonstrators began throwing plastic bottles at police lines. In response, officers fired roughly twenty rubber bullets and deployed batons. Among those injured was a photographer who suffered a head blow. According to Menys Turisme, Més Vida, at least 10 people sustained injuries, while Government Delegate to the Balearic Islands Alfonso Rodríguez later cited eight injured. One arrest was made.

Rodríguez called the police response “unacceptable” and pledged a full internal review. Sumar-MÉS MP Vicenç Vidal and eco-sovereignist Palma mayoral candidate David Pujol demanded Rodríguez’s resignation, calling the police baton charges and rubber bullets entirely disproportionate.