"German expats facing backlash in Mallorca: Uncovering the roots of the discord"
In the sun-drenched islands of Mallorca, a multifaceted crisis is unfolding, as the delicate balance between tourism and sustainable living conditions becomes increasingly challenging. The issue, which is emblematic of broader problems facing popular tourist destinations in Southern Europe, has sparked a wave of activism, public protests, and government regulations aimed at addressing overtourism and the housing crisis.
The Balearic government has taken several measures to curb the influx of tourists and alleviate the strain on the housing market. A hard cap of 430,000 tourist beds has been set to limit accommodation capacity, with attempts to force hoteliers to provide accommodations for their own staff. Restrictions on certain tourist activities, such as group cycling, have been introduced to reduce overcrowding and nuisance. Enforcement actions are also being taken against illegal short-term rentals, following national directives such as Spain’s Consumer Affairs Ministry ordering the removal of illegal Airbnb listings across the country, including Mallorca.
However, these measures face significant implementation and enforcement challenges, and the government’s approach has been criticized as insufficient or influenced by hotel lobbies aiming to limit competition rather than genuinely solving problems.
In response, civil campaign groups like Menys Turisme Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) have emerged, demanding stricter regulation of the number of tourist beds, flights, passenger and cruise numbers, and rental vehicles on the island. They advocate for an end to mass tourism, emphasizing the importance of preserving local culture and quality of life. Activists also call for better working conditions for hospitality workers during the high season and more robust control of short-term rental platforms.
The movement aligns with local tenant unions to protest and advocate for housing rights, emphasizing the connection between tourism deregulation and housing unaffordability. In June 2025, thousands marched in Palma and other towns, expressing that daily life has become “unbearable” due to overcrowded streets, commercialized public spaces, and housing shortages. Symbolic acts like shooting water guns at tourists highlighted residents’ frustrations over mass tourism and rising living costs.
Balancing economic dependence on tourism with sustainable living conditions remains difficult, with ongoing protests highlighting dissatisfaction with official measures. The government plans not to issue any new licenses for holiday apartments and to increase tourist taxes up to six euros. Palma's mayor announced plans to crack down on illegal holiday apartments and to discuss converting abandoned hotel complexes into social housing.
However, the housing market in Mallorca remains one of the most expensive in Spain, with square meter prices increasing by 60% since 2021, while wages have only risen by 7% in the same period. Graffiti with anti-foreigner slogans, such as "Germans out" and "Foreign buyers go to hell," have been spotted in towns like Santanyi, sparking controversy and concern. The mayor of Santanyi, Maria Pons, defended foreign residents, stating they are an integral part of the community and pay taxes.
As the crisis deepens, the future of Mallorca's tourism-based economy hangs in the balance. The island set a new tourist record last year with 13.4 million visitors, and over 20 million guests are expected this year. The tourism sector accounts for 40% of Mallorca’s gross domestic product. Artificial intelligence is being used to help detect banned rentals in Palma, and the island administration plans to introduce a tax for temporary rental cars.
The initiative "Less Tourism, More Life" continues to demand a limitation of visitor numbers, a cruise ship moratorium, and an end to tourist rentals. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Mallorca's future will be shaped by the delicate dance between tourism and sustainability, a dance that will determine the island's quality of life for generations to come.
- The community policy in Mallorca is focusing on addressing overtourism and the housing crisis, with initiatives like the limitation of tourist beds, flights, and rental vehicles to preserve local culture and quality of life.
- In addition to vocational training programs for hospitality workers, activist groups like Menys Turisme Més Vida advocate for better working conditions and more robust control of short-term rental platforms to alleviate the strain on the housing market.
- The ongoing debate in Mallorca about the balance between tourism and sustainability extends to discussions on lifestyle and home-and-garden issues, as the high cost of housing and rental prices lead to concerns and controversies, especially with the presence of foreign buyers.
