Popular vacation hot spots slap limits on tourist rentals, driving and more to protect 'stunning' spaces

The Balearic Islands have seen a surge in tourism, with over 19 million visitors in 2025. That intensifies pressure on housing, infrastructure and the environment, Majorca Daily Bulletin reported.

"You used to have to read about places in a magazine or see them on a travel show. Now it's all instant," she added. "When something looks beautiful or unique, it spreads fast - especially on Instagram or TikTok."

"Places that might have been more hidden before can suddenly become must-visit spots," she added.

The Balearic Islands welcomed millions of visitors in 2025, with Mallorca accounting for around 13.5 million. 

Ibiza draws roughly more than 3 million annually, while Menorca visitors remain under one million, according to numerous sources.

At the time, demonstrators marched with signs saying, "One more tourist, one less resident."

Authorities are maintaining strict caps on tourist accommodations and cracking down on illegal rentals, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.

Ibiza has faced significant congestion on roads and in natural spaces. 

The blogger, who has visited Ibiza several times, said tourists are drawn to the destination for many reasons.

"Ibiza is a stunning island," Louise said. 

Menorca is trying to avoid the same breaking point. 

"Once a place goes viral, it can get flooded with visitors really quickly. There's kind of a fine line. It's great that people want to explore new places, but those places aren't always set up to handle that kind of attention," Lippe-McGraw said.

"That's when you start to see overcrowding, higher costs for locals and more pressure on the area overall."