Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza want to cap visitor numbers as overtourism surges
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Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, three of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean destinations, are among the top destinations in Europe dealing with overtourism issues, as authorities consider imposing strict limits on visitor numbers and other restrictions.
The Balearic Islands have seen a surge in tourism, with more than 19 million visitors expected in 2025, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported. This increases the pressure on housing, infrastructure and the environment.
In response, politicians have called for a formal cap on arrivals to halt further growth and ease pressure on local people, potentially putting annual visitor numbers at around 17.8 million, roughly in line with 2023 levels, according to the YorkshireLive website.
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“Social media has made it much easier for people to discover places that used to be overlooked.” Jordi Lippe-McGrawa New York-based travel expert and influencer told Fox News Digital.
“You used to have to read about places in a magazine or see them in a travel program. Now everything happens instantly,” he added. “When something looks beautiful or unique, it spreads quickly — especially on Instagram or TikTok.”
Europe’s hot holiday spots such as Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are among the locations facing serious problems caused by overtourism. (iStock)
“Places that were previously more hidden can suddenly become must-visit spots,” he added.
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The Balearic Islands welcomed millions of visitors in 2025; The number of visitors to Mallorca was around 13.5 million.
According to multiple sources, Ibiza attracts around 3 million visitors a year, while visitors to Menorca remain under one million.
The Balearic Islands welcomed more than 19 million visitors in 2025; Mallorca had around 13.5 million visitors. (iStock)
Cruise ships are adding to the pressure, according to reports. They bring in more than a million additional visitors each year, TravelPulse reports, which is often not included in headline figures; thousands of them arrive at ports such as Palma and Ibiza Town at the same time.
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Conflict with residents is particularly notable in Mallorca, where thousands of people took to the streets in June 2025 to protest the growth of tourism on the island, as Fox News Digital reported at the time.
At that time, demonstrators marched with banners reading “One more tourist, one less resident.”
“Ibiza has always been known for music, but I think social media has brought Ibiza into the mainstream,” said one travel expert. (iStock)
Authorities are imposing strict restrictions on tourist accommodation and cracking down on illegal rentals, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
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Ibiza faced serious traffic congestion on roads and in natural areas.
The island has started limiting the number of vehicles during peak season, Time Out reported.
Authorities are imposing strict restrictions on tourist accommodation and cracking down on illegal rentals in some holidaymaker hotspots. (iStock)
“Ibiza has always been known for music, but social media has brought Ibiza into the mainstream. Fifteen years ago you rarely saw Americans on the island.” JQ LouiseThe Boston-based travel influencer and author told Fox News Digital:
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The blogger, who has visited Ibiza several times, said that tourists are attracted to this destination for many reasons.
“When a place goes viral, it can get flooded with visitors very quickly.”
“Ibiza is a gorgeous island,” said Louise.
“There are gorgeous pristine beaches, breathtaking views and a rich local food and wine scene.”
Often marketed as a quieter alternative to its neighbours, Menorca imposes restrictions on tourists. (iStock)
Menorca is trying to avoid the same tipping point.
The island, often marketed as a quieter alternative to its neighbors, imposes restrictions on tourists, according to GOB Menorca, a nonprofit environmental organization.
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“When a place goes viral, it can get flooded with visitors very quickly. There’s a fine line. It’s great that people want to explore new places, but those places aren’t always designed to handle that kind of attention,” Lippe-McGraw said. he said.
“That’s when you start to see overcrowding, higher costs for local people and more pressure across the region.”
