Protesters in Mallorca Demonstrate Against Overtourism

The demonstration came two weeks after tens of thousands joined a march in the island’s capital. Organised by Moviment Jove de Sóller (Sóller Youth Movement) and Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), local people lined the streets with signs and placards in the town of Sóller on Saturday, 8 August. The protest came two weeks after tens of thousands joined a march in the capital, Palma de Mallorca.

Saturday’s turnout in Sóller was estimated to be around 1,000 protesters, according to the Guardia Civil, however the organisers put this number closer to 2,500. Protesters met at Plaça dels Estiradors before marching down Sóller’s main thoroughfare, Carrer de la Lluna, before ending outside the town hall, where the organisation’s manifesto was read aloud by campaigners. The manifesto said that university students are often late for class because the roads are saturated with visitors, working people cannot afford homes due to steep rent increases and small businesses are replaced by companies designed exclusively for tourist consumption.