Locals protest mass tourism in Mallorca’s Sóller

Hundreds of protesters marched through the cobbled streets of Soller, Mallorca on Saturday against mass tourism, chanting slogans like “Tourists go home” and “This is not a hotel, it’s our home.”

The protest reflects growing frustration among locals who say the island’s economy has become dangerously reliant on tourism, pushing up rents, crowding out services, and making daily life harder. Home prices in Mallorca have soared over the past decade, with short-term holiday rentals outstripping long-term housing supply. Residents told local media that landlords prefer to rent to tourists for higher profits, leaving fewer homes for locals. Soller, a picturesque town in the Tramuntana mountains, has seen a surge in visitors drawn by its hiking trails and old-world charm, but locals say the influx has disrupted their way of life.

Organizers said the march was peaceful but forceful, drawing support from unions, environmental groups, and housing activists. They called for stricter limits on holiday rentals, a tourist tax increase, and policies to protect local housing. Some residents carried signs reading “Mallorca belongs to Mallorquins,” echoing a broader movement across Spain’s coastal regions. Similar protests have flared in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, where anti-tourism sentiment has grown alongside rising living costs.

The regional government has pledged to review housing and tourism policies, but activists warn that without bold action, the island’s character and affordability could vanish. With summer travel season approaching, the tension is likely to rise. The protest in Soller signals a turning point: locals are no longer just complaining—they’re organizing.