Thousands of people took to the streets in Mallorca on Sunday afternoon, participating for the third consecutive year in demonstrations against overtourism, as the Balearic Islands continue to record historically high numbers of visitors.

According to Spanish police, approximately 25,000 people took part in the march, while organizers claimed attendance reached 70,000.

The protest was organized by the platform “Menys Turisme, Més Vida” (“Less Tourism, More Life”), a coalition of dozens of social, labor, and environmental organizations. This year’s central slogan was “Mallorca al límit” (“Mallorca at Breaking Point”).

La manifestación contra la masificación turística en Mallorca ha culminado con momentos de tensión. La Policía ha arremetido contra manifestantes con la porra. Hay al menos un herido https://t.co/BJMZuegRG3 pic.twitter.com/UHNxePEszl— elDiario.es (@eldiarioes) July 26, 2026

Protest Over Quality of Life and Housing Crisis

Demonstrators argued that the continuous increase in tourism has overwhelmed infrastructure and public services, negatively affecting the daily lives of permanent residents.

Among the movement’s main demands were measures to address the housing crisis, prevent residents from being pushed out of their neighborhoods by rising property prices, protect natural areas, and reduce pressure on water resources.

Throughout the march, protesters carried banners reading “Mallorca Is Not for Sale,” “I No Longer Recognize My Home,” and “Mallorca Is Not for Rent,” highlighting the growing difficulty of finding affordable housing.

Clashes at the End of the March

The demonstration remained peaceful for most of the day, but tensions escalated shortly before it concluded when police blocked access to Ses Voltes Square, where organizers had planned to read the main manifesto.

Arguments broke out between protesters and police officers. Later, in the Parc de la Mar area near Palma Cathedral, objects were thrown at police, who responded by firing rubber bullets and moving in to disperse the crowd.

Emergency services reported that eight people were injured. Two were taken to hospital with more serious injuries, while the remaining six received first aid at the scene and were treated for minor injuries.

“Mallorca at Breaking Point”: Clashes and Eight Injured in Anti-Overtourism Protest, Watch the Video

“Mallorca at Breaking Point”: Clashes and Eight Injured in Anti-Overtourism Protest, Watch the Video

“Mallorca at Breaking Point”: Clashes and Eight Injured in Anti-Overtourism Protest, Watch the Video

Controversy Even Before the Protest Began

This year’s demonstration had already sparked controversy before it took place. Organizers published an action guide against overtourism that included proposals for symbolic interventions targeting tourism-related businesses.

Meanwhile, two activists were arrested and brought before the courts, accused of participating in a group that vandalized the windows of real estate agencies.

The protests come as Mallorca and the Balearic Islands continue to experience record-breaking tourism levels. In 2025, the archipelago welcomed approximately 18.9 million visitors—a record for a region with a permanent population of around 1.2 million residents.

Despite measures introduced in recent years—including restrictions on tourist accommodation, regulations on cruise tourism, and controls on vehicle traffic—public dissatisfaction remains high. The main concerns continue to be the shortage of affordable housing and the growing strain on the island’s infrastructure.