Is Mallorca losing tourists?

Mallorca experienced a dip in tourist numbers and significantly lower, sluggish spending in 2025, largely driven by anti-tourism protests, increased prices, and a shift in demand away from traditional areas like Soller and Capdepera. While some reports indicated a slight 0.1% decrease in passenger traffic at Palma airport in July 2025, industry representatives noted a more significant drop in visitors from the UK and Germany.

Is Majorca struggling for tourism?

Mallorca sees record tourism despite protests. The Mediterranean island looks set to hit a new visitor record in 2025 — despite growing anti-tourist sentiment. In the scorching heat, a long line of rental cars stretching for kilometers struggles up a winding road.

Is Mallorca protesting tourists?

The president of the Balearic Islands, Marga Prohens, criticised relevant tourism authorities for trying to expand tourism volume instead of aiming for sustainable quality tourism. Protestors in Mallorca called on the government to prevent new residents from buying property and new tourist spots being opened.

Why is Spain turning tourists away?

Spain has been a tourist destination for decades. The recent anti-tourism protests are due to the ongoing rise in the cost of living. This cost is exacerbated by middle class people buying apartments for the sole purpose of renting to tourists. As a side effect of this, property costs and rent have both increased.

Are Brits avoiding Majorca?

While the decline in visitation is not isolated to Brits, the loss of their custom is reportedly having the largest impact. Biel Moragues, representing one of Majorca's taxi associations, said: "British tourists are the most upset by the protests and have changed their holiday destination."

Mallorca and Mass Tourism: Can you Still Visit the Popular Spanish Island?

Are tourists unwelcome in Majorca?

Tourists have never been a popular group. They can be annoying, messy, and they don't always respect the local culture, but some places are now facing a much bigger consequence of mass-tourism than mild annoyance: actual housing shortages and stagnant wages are pushing residents out of their homes.

Where are Brits flocking to instead of Spain?

Naturally, British holidaymakers are not exclusively visiting North Africa. While the full data for last year's outbound tourism has yet to be released, information from 2023 shows holidaymakers heading to perennial favourites like Greece, Italy and the US.

Which is nicer, Ibiza or Mallorca?

Ibiza is better for a vibrant party scene, bohemian vibes, and stylish beach clubs, ideal for younger crowds or those seeking nightlife; Mallorca is better for a diverse, balanced holiday with stunning mountains, historic towns, family-friendly resorts, and a mix of relaxation and exploration, suiting families, hikers, and culture enthusiasts. Choose Ibiza for world-class DJs and boho-chic, Mallorca for historic charm, varied landscapes (Serra de Tramuntana), and broader appeal. 

What should I be careful of in Majorca?

Drink spiking and alcohol

Be alert to the possible use of 'date rape' and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.

Are less Brits going to Spain?

Report data from August 2025 shows Spain's British tourist visits declined by 9% year-on-year due to rising living costs and anti-tourism protests. UK travelers are increasingly choosing new and long-haul destinations like the US (17%), Canada (9%), Thailand (5%), and Australia (5%) over traditional European spots.

Is Majorca still worth visiting?

Mallorca still offers budget vacations and beautiful beaches; however, the island is transforming, emerging as a destination renowned for luxury, cultural depth, and outdoor adventure. Visitors today experience a sophisticated blend of old-world charm, natural beauty, and upscale indulgence.

What is the main income of Majorca?

Mallorca's produce includes wine, olives, oranges and almonds. However, tourism is Mallorca's main income attracting around 15 million visitors every year.

What is the fastest-growing tourist destination?

The world's fastest-growing travel destinations

• El Salvador – 80 percent.
• Puerto Rico – 75 percent.
• Bahrain – 72 percent.
• Saudi Arabia – 70 percent.
• Colombia – 58 percent.
• Curacao – 51 (50.86) percent.
• Turks and Caicos Islands – 51 (50.72) percent.
• Tanzania – 48 percent.

What countries have the friendliest people?

Southeast Asians are the friendliest, and this ranking is a testament to their exceptional hospitality and welcoming nature, with countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam showcasing their cultural warmth and openness to visitors and outsiders alike.

What is the least visited country in the world?

The Least-Visited Country in the World: Kiribati

This small island nation of 131,000 people welcomed only about 2,000 visitors in 2022. It is worth noting that this number has declined significantly since 2019 when this nation welcomed about 12,000 visitors.

Are tourists no longer welcome in Spain?

Is Spain banning tourists? No, not quite – but certain new rules and restrictions might impact your next trip to the country.

What is the Beckham loophole in Spain?

The "Beckham Loophole" (or Beckham Law) in Spain is a special tax regime for skilled foreign workers, named after David Beckham, allowing them to pay a flat 24% tax on Spanish income (up to €600k) for six years, treating them as non-residents to avoid higher progressive rates and generally exempting foreign income, with recent updates expanding eligibility to remote workers and entrepreneurs. This "loophole" allows expats to significantly reduce their tax burden by paying non-resident rates on Spanish income, while foreign earnings remain untaxed in Spain, a major advantage over standard resident taxation. 

Has anyone been fined for overstaying in Spain?

The possible consequences for staying in Spain or the Schengen Area for more than 90/180 days include: Fines – Depending on the country and how long you've overstayed, you could be made to pay a fine of anything from 500€ to 10,000€. This penalty may be combined with an entry ban.

What country loves British people the most?

Of the countries polled, Sweden is the non-Anglosphere country seen as friendliest to Britain, with 80% of the public seeing the UK and Sweden as having a positive relationship.

What Spanish town is paying Brits to move there?

The Spanish town paying Brits (and others) to move is Ponga, located in Asturias, offering around £2,600 (€3,000) for relocation and an extra £2,600 for each baby born there, provided you commit to living there for at least five years, as part of schemes to combat rural depopulation, alongside other regions like Extremadura offering grants for remote workers. 

What do Spanish think of British tourists?

“We call the British 'guiris' [an affectionate Spanish word for foreigners, comes from guirigay meaning festive chaos]. They're people who are out of place, disorientated, who come here looking for sunshine, food and the fiestas in Spain, who has no sense of the ridiculous,” says Luis.