Ibiza recently witnessed a protest from around 100 residents against overtourism, highlighting growing frustration over mass tourism in Spain. The demonstration, organized by the Ibiza Youth Association, took place at Cala Saladeta, a popular beach on the island, as reported by Balearic public broadcaster IB3.

Ibiza, known locally as Eivissa, is one of Spain’s Balearic Islands situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The island received nearly 1.2 million tourists in the second quarter of 2025, according to data from the Balearic Islands Statistics Institute. The influx of tourists swells the population significantly during summer months.

Organizers of the protest rallied against tourist overcrowding and distributed watermelon to emphasize their demand for residents’ enjoyment of the island’s public spaces.

The group’s manifesto expressed concerns that local culture and land are being displaced, turning them into mere tourist attractions. As reported by local outlet Cadena SER, it criticized a tourism model that favors wealthy foreigners and partygoers while making housing, food, and living costs unaffordable for residents.

The manifesto revealed the frustration of young people who feel they are unable to enjoy the island as tourists do. It pointed to an extractive tourism model that makes life in Ibiza increasingly precarious.

Another focus of the protest was the island’s coves, popular during the summer season. The manifesto called for these areas to become peaceful and clean again.

Ibiza Island Council President Vicent Marí responded by stating that the island is a pioneer in efforts to combat tourist overcrowding.

The protest in Ibiza aligns with broader tensions regarding mass tourism in Spain, such as demonstrations in Barcelona where residents sprayed tourists with water guns, and viral videos on Mallorca showcasing pickpockets targeting visitors.