Binibeca Vell, a quaint village on the island of Menorca, Spain, is drowning in its own tourist charm. Known for its picturesque whitewashed houses and clear turquoise waters, Binibeca Vell attracts nearly 800,000 visitors annually, a number that has become increasingly difficult for the small community of 200 residents to handle.
Oscar Monge, leader of a local residents’ association, expressed the frustration shared by many villagers. “That’s a lot,” he said, pointing out how the large number of tourists overpowers the small population and intrudes on their privacy.
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Incidents of tourists climbing walls and entering homes without permission have intensified tensions, prompting residents to enforce restricted visiting hours from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.
August 15 Voting
On August 15, the residents will vote on whether to implement a complete ban on visitors. This proposal has sparked a heated debate among locals, with some fearing that such a drastic measure could harm local businesses reliant on tourism. They advocate for a more balanced approach that allows tourism while preserving residents’ quality of life.
The challenge of overtourism is not confined to Binibeca Vell. The Balearic Islands, which include Menorca, Mallorca, and Ibiza, welcomed a record 17.8 million visitors last year.
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This surge has prompted various measures to mitigate the impact on local communities. For instance, certain towns in Mallorca and Ibiza have restricted alcohol sales after 9:30 pm and prohibited street drinking. Palma’s mayor plans to ban new tourist accommodations and limit cruise ship arrivals, while Ibiza aims to tighten regulations on party boats.
In late May, millions of residents from the Balearic Islands protested against overtourism under the slogan “Our islands are not for sale.” Their grievances include noise, traffic congestion, pollution, and the skyrocketing cost of housing as apartments are converted into tourist rentals.
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To address these concerns, the regional government has established a committee of experts to develop a “roadmap” for sustainable tourism. This initiative aims to find a balance between maintaining the region’s vital tourism industry, which accounts for 45 percent of its income, and ensuring a livable environment for residents.
As the residents of Binibeca Vell prepare to vote on the future of tourism in their village, the outcome will likely influence broader discussions on managing overtourism across the Balearic Islands.
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