Majorca crisis back again as UK tourists warned 'stay away'

Locals have said they are protesting against a housing crisis in Spain. (Image: Getty)

Tourists from the UK have been told to “stay away” from Majorca as a huge event is launched this weekend. Mass protests are planned for the island’s capital, Palma, on Saturday, April 5, as demonstrators call for tourists to stay away to combat a worsening housing crisis. Tourism and housing policy has been criticised as the cause of the crisis, which has forced locals out of their neighbourhoods. This weekend’s protest slogan is “Acabemos con el negocio de la Vivienda”, or “let’s end the housing business”.

Protestors from across Spain will join their Majorcan countrymen to put pressure on prime minister Pedro Sanchez’s Government. Last month, a letter signed by seven protest groups urged tourists not to come to the island. In the letter, they stated: “The greed and avarice of hoteliers, politicians, real estate investors, and all kinds of ‘parasites’ have brought us to an emergency situation”

They said problems included the deterioration of the island territory and ecosystem, infrastructure problems, overcrowded public services, gentrification, and the decline in quality of life.

In a further address to tourists, they added: “Mallorca is not the paradise they are selling you. The local population is angry, and we are no longer hospitable because the land we love is being destroyed, and many residents are having to emigrate."

The letter concluded: “It’s time to take a step forward. Our leaders aren’t listening to us; it’s time to ask you NOT TO COME.

"We don’t need more tourists; in fact, you are the source of our problem. At this moment, we have no choice but to ask for your understanding and for you to understand that we, the people of Mallorca, are saying: ENOUGH! STAY HOME!”

The angry letter was issued jointly by SOS Residents, Menys Turisme Mes Vida, GOB, GADMA, Alternative Per Pollenca, Brunzit and Amics De Le Vall De Coanegra.

A report by property portal pisos.com in February suggested that the average cost of renting across Spain has risen by over 20% in the last five years.

Canarian Weekly reported that figures suggested average rental prices rose from €898.34 (£748.36) per month in January 2020 to €1,125 (937.18) in January 2025, a national increase of 20.15%.

The report identified the causes of the crisis as population growth in major cities, property shortages, and a growing demand for holiday rental accommodation.

Hans Lenz, president of the Balearic property agency association ABINI, told the outlet that a 100% tax on the sale of Spanish homes to non-residents from outside the EU was a “silly law”.

He said Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s suggestion did not recognise that a lack of housing was the issue, not foreign interest in Spanish property.