'No entry!' Spanish hotspot blocked with boulders over fury at hoards of tourists

Tourists are trying to take in the Es Vedra views. (Image: Getty)

A Spanish island incredibly popular with British tourists is currently battling issues linked to overtourism, and some locals have taken action against visitors. Iconic viewpoints in Ibiza's Cala d’Hort de Sant Josep region have been blocked off amid mass tourism fears and environmental damage. The Es Vedrà area is famous for overlooking the calm blue waters that surround the island and contains an interesting rock formation, making it a popular area for tourists wanting to take in the sunset or sunrise. 

However, residents have reportedly had enough of holidaymakers littering, vandalising, causing excess traffic, and buying alcohol from unlicensed sellers. Local outlet Noudiari reported that they have attempted to block access to car parks and entryways to several lookout spots.

Es Vedra locals have tried blocking off entry to viewpoints. (Image: Getty)

They placed boulders in front of "unofficial" car parks, which are unregulated, but some determined tourists are just parking along the road instead.

One told the outlet they have "grown tired of allowing these car parks" that are "taking up more and more land". They added: "It is private land that they were giving up for this activity."

The sites are also under environmental protection, though there is nobody to enforce this status and they are not under surveillance. 

Another resident sad: "The property sees its land invaded every year and they do not receive any kind of support or compensation. It is a private property, in a protected area outside the public domain of Costas."

A third added: "There needs to be a public passage through the public domain, signposted and controlled, where there is security and cleanliness and people come but not to turn it into what it has become."

The Sant Josep Town Council told the outlet that it is trying to "solve the problems suffered on previous occasions with the best of intentions".

Last summer, the island's police launched in investigation into an alleged illegal rave held by renowned DJ Diplo at one of the viewpoints.

He urged fans to join him at the "surprise party" on a protected site by posting videos on his social media accounts, and he was subequently threatened with a €300,000 (£252,000) fine.