German tourists in Majorca fume after being 'targeted' by local criminals

Large swathes of  German tourists in Majorca are being increasingly frustrated by being targeted by local criminals in the holiday hotspot. Anti-German incidents are becoming more popular, with pockets of incidents occurring in towns where Germans flock to during the summer months.

On August 24, numerous cars with German number plates were scratched in a car park in Santanyí, a secluded medieval walled village which is renowned for its laid-back way of life and large German population. The incident took place at the Parking Es Pontas, near Cala Santanyí, a small resort that boasts a blue flag beach, which is a food lover's paradise, boasting glorious restaurants, popular with tourists. A German holidaymaker told the Majorca Daily Bulletin that when he returned to the car park at 7:10 pm, he found four vehicles with German number plates – including his own – had been deliberately scratched.

The agitated tourist fumed: “This is such a disgrace, it makes me so angry!”

The German tourist, who rents a property on the island, added: “When we are here, we spend all our money in Majorca – shopping, restaurants, the vet, doctor, petrol station, garage, the beach, beach bars – and then this happens!”

Majorca risks deterring German visitors; last year, approximately four million German holidaymakers flocked to the island.

Germany has been a major player in Majorca's tourism market for many years, with Germans making up a significant portion, around 40%, of total tourist traffic.

Several resorts like Playa de Palma and Peguera have even been dubbed 'Little Germany'.

“How much longer are we supposed to put up with this?”, added the tourist.

The German, who estimates that between 6,000 and 8,000 euros of damage was caused, claimed that despite the spike in crimes, the police“do nothing. The case is recorded, and that’s it!”

It comes after it was revealed that Germans may already be turning their backs on Majorca. They are enjoying summer breaks in Turkey, which has a large expat population in Germany. 

In Germany itself, the latest figures show incoming tourism is down partly due to last year's figures taking into account the arrival of international football fans for the UEFA European Football Championship. 

According to the latest monthly figures from the Federal Statistical Office for June 2025, there were 7.6 million international overnight stays – a decrease of 12.7 per cent compared with the previous year.