Mallorca to see 30,000 protesters ‘collapse the streets’ in anti-tourism rally tomorrow

More anti-tourism protests are expected on the popular Spanish island this weekend (Picture: Getty) On Sunday July 26, approximately 30,000 anti-tourism protestors are expected to flood the streets of Palma, Mallorca. Organised by grassroots collective Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), the streets of the capital will be effectively ‘shut down’ by the demonstration. Arguing that Mallorca is officially at ‘at its limit’, the group issued a declaration on social media last month criticising the government for prioritising tourism growth while ‘the resident population suffers an unprecedented housing crisis and a progressive decline in living conditions.’ ‘We refuse to be driven out of our own island,’ the statement continued. Anti-tourism has become an increasingly prevalent issue across Europe – with protests regularly held in hotspots like Barcelona, Venice, Lisbon, and the Canary Islands. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. However, much to the frustration of local residents, visitor numbers continue to climb. Spain is now on track to welcome a record-breaking 100 million international tourists in a single year. Port de Sóller and the wider Sóller Valley in Mallorca have swiftly become focal points for mass anti-tourism protests in the Balearic Islands. Last summer, tens of thousands of angry locals marched through the streets telling holidaymakers to ‘go home’ and brandishing signs declaring: ‘Everywhere you look, everyone is foreign’. Over in Barcelona, protestors were seen in 2024 using water pistols to spray outdoor diners. Across all of these demonstrations, the message remains the same: overtourism has led to a lack of affordable housing, a rise in short-term rentals and increasing pressure on local infrastructure. Galvanising support online Menys Turisme, Mes Vida has shared: ‘After two mass demonstrations in which tens of thousands of people filled the streets to demand a change of course and the right to a dignified life, we can confirm that those demands have not only gone unheard, but the situation has continued to worsen. ‘We declare that Mallorca has reached its limit – its ecological, territorial and social limits; the limit of human pressure and the limit of what its residents can endure.’ Having been witness to the mass protests some travellers have opted to spend their summer holidays exploring different locations. For example, Cape Verde, Montenegro, and Madeira have all seen a surge in British tourists over the past year. However, as the data suggests that, much like the Canary Islands, Mallorca’s popularity shows little sign of fading. The demonstration is expected to begin at 7 pm at Plaça d’Espanya, one of Palma’s busiest public squares. Protestors will then march along Avingudes, La Rambla and Passeig del Born before finishing with a closing rally at Ses Voltes. Local reports have encouraged tourists visiting Palma tomorrow evening to prepare in advance for possible street closures, bus route changes, and delays on the way to the airport. The march will be Menys Turisme, Mes Vida’s fifth protest in two years. Workers at Palma Airport due to strike this week Holidaymakers are also being advised to prepare for disruption at the airport. Swissport workers at Palma Airport have announced plans to walk out on Monday July 27, with more strikes planned for August 1, 4 and 8. Passengers travelling to Mallorca this summer are advised to be aware of potential delays (Picture: Shutterstock / Cloudy Design) This comes after the company ‘failed to address the main demands raised by the workers’ representatives.’ Encouraging passengers to be aware of potential disruptions to their flights, Air passenger rights group AirHelp shared that almost two in five passengers using the airport between May 1 and July 23 had already experienced delays or cancellations. Our Top Shopping Picks Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Arrow MORE: More than 250,000 evacuated as ‘apocalyptic’ wildfires spread across France and Spain Arrow MORE: ‘Unstoppable’ wildfires force 220,000 residents to flee their homes Arrow MORE: I’ve travelled the world and my favourite place is Europe’s ‘most misunderstood’ country The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.