Spanish protestors unleash fresh hell on tourists in Ibiza by blocking pretty views
Protesters on a popular Spanish island have taken dramatic action to stop tourists accessing the islands most-loved viewpoints in a bid to get authorities to act
Residents on a popular Spanish island have gone to the extreme to stop tourists accessing famous viewpoints.
Locals in the Cala d’Hort de Sant Josep area of Ibiza have blocked access to famous viewpoints with large boulders. The viewpoints include Es Vedra and the historic Torre de Savinar, where large boulders are now obstructing unofficial parking areas. Residents have also erected ‘No Entry’ signs to deter visitors.
Es Verda is an uninhabited limestone which rises 413 metres above the Mediterranean and is often visited by tourists for its mythical allure and picturesque sunsets. However, over time, overcrowding ahs become worse and environmental degradation has been seen.
In addition, residents near the viewpoint have reported a surge in illegal activities, including unauthorised alcohol sales and unpermitted DJ performances. Last summer, authorities also launched an investigation into an alleged illegal party, which involved the renowned DJ, Diplo, at one of the sites.
Wedding celebrations, commercial photoshoots and various filming projects have also been spotted in the area by locals. The surge in visitors has also warranted safety concerns. Over the years there have been multiple incidents, including deaths, at viewpoints such as Es Verda.
The residents have emphasised that by blocking the parking to these viewpoints, they aim to prompt authorities to implement regulated parking, establish protected pathways and create official viewpoints equipment with essential facilities, like toilets.
Also, recently in Tenerife, unidentified activists are alleged to have smashed and torched 20 hire cars in the popular tourist resort of Costa Adeje. A video circulating on social media shows a group of unknown individuals smashing windows and setting fire to Cicar rental cars, a Canary Islands-based company that is considered to be a key player in the archipelago’s tourism industry, reports The Express.
However, no one has claimed responsibility for the vandalism. Many Tenerife social media accounts managed by environmental and anti-tourism activists shared the video, stating: "We have received this video from Canary Islands activists, exhausted by mass tourism, overpopulation in their neighbourhoods, and the complete lack of redistribution of the so-called wealth generated by tourism."
Local media has reported that the National Police are investigating the case and whether the activists caused the damage. In May 2024, many Ibizans protested that they were being priced out of living on the island and called on authorities to limit the number of tourists beds at the destination.
According to The Guardian, tourism accounts for 84 per cent of Ibiza's economy and last year, a record 3.7 million tourists visited the island and its neighbouring island, Formentera, whose combined population is around 160,000. The Balearic Islands attracted 17.8 million tourists making it the second most popular destination in Spain after the Canary Islands.
