Mallorca residents protest against overtourism and housing crisis

Protesters in Sóller, Mallorca, marched through the streets on Saturday, August 8, to demonstrate against overtourism and the island's current economic model. Organized by Moviment Jove de Sóller and Menys Turisme, Més Vida, the demonstration drew between 1,000 and 2,500 participants.

Demonstrators expressed frustration over rising living costs, noting that property prices on Mallorca have increased by 45–50 percent over the last five years, with foreigners accounting for approximately one-third of real estate transactions. This trend has led to housing shortages for locals, including university students and essential workers such as those in the justice system.

Campaigners stated the protests are not directed against tourists personally, but rather against a “tourism-driven monoculture” that causes gentrification, saturates infrastructure, and threatens marine ecosystems through excess boat traffic. Protesters argued that the current model makes residents feel like strangers in their own homes and replaces local businesses with services designed exclusively for tourist consumption.