I swapped Costa del Sol for this local Spanish beach spot – it's cheaper, calmer and there's no Brits in sight
AFTER years of bouncing between the usual Spanish hotspots like Barcelona, Madrid, and the Costa del Sol, there's one beach town I keep going back to - and hardly any Brits know about it.
Called El Palmar de Vejer - or just El Palmar by locals - this little surf town on the south-west coast in the province of Cádiz, is one of Spain's best-kept secrets.
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It's laid-back, raw, and totally free of the usual Brits-abroad buzz. And that's exactly why it's so good.
It's not easy to get to, but that's exactly why it still feels like a secret.
Spanish locals love it - especially those from Madrid, who drive down for the summer holidays.
But it's rare you'll hear anyone speaking English, and I've never once seen a big group of British tourists here.
If you want sun, space, proper Spanish food and a bit of surf, this is the place.
El Palmar is all about the beach - and it's a big one. It's long, wide and open, with soft golden sand and a breeze that rolls in off the Atlantic.
Locals even call the area 'Cádizfornia' because it's got that same laid-back, surfy vibe you get in California.
And they're not wrong - it really does feel like Spain's answer to the west coast of the US. Just less polished - and no loud Americans. Phew.
What's more, there's no high-rise developments, no big hotel chains, no resorts. Instead, you'll find only small holiday apartments, beachside glamping sites and independent surf lodges.
A lot of the accommodation is low-key - think bungalows behind the dunes or boutique guesthouses a short walk from the beach.
One of Spain's oldest beach bars that was loved by A-List stars forced to close — as fans say goodbye to €4 beers and sea views
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The town itself is more of a strip - a few shops, surf schools, and beach bars, all built into the landscape. There's no real centre, but that's part of the charm.
It's the kind of place where you can go barefoot all day and no one would batter an eyelid.
The whole of El Palmar feels peaceful and raw in the best way. It's not overly polished or fancy, but that's the appeal.
You wake up to the sound of waves, stroll out to a café for breakfast, hit the beach, maybe do a surf lesson or just lie in the sun, then head to one of the chiringuitos for lunch.
These chiringuitos are what make it for me. These are beach bars right on the sand, serving cold drinks and some of the best seafood I've had in Spain.
You can get a table with your feet in the sand, order a plate of prawns or tuna tartare, and just sit watching the waves roll in and the sun in your face.
Most places also do proper Andalusian paella, fried fish, grilled sardines - all cooked fresh and served with a side of salty air. It's not expensive, either. You can get a great meal with drinks for under €20 if you know where to go.
In the evenings, some bars have live music - usually acoustic, sometimes a bit of flamenco. It's never full-on party mode, but it's sociable and fun.
You won't find bar crawls or club reps here - just locals and in-the-know visitors enjoying the sunsets, which are nearly always amazing.
El Palmar's great for doing absolutely nothing. But if you fancy mixing things up, there's a lot to explore nearby.
About 15 minutes inland is the whitewashed hill town of Vejer de la Frontera.
Here you'll find quaint narrow streets, flower-filled balconies and sweeping views.
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You can head up for lunch or dinner, wander the old quarter, and enjoy a change of scenery without going too far.
Further down the coast is Tarifa - Europe's southernmost town and the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Med. It's more built-up, with a mix of surf shops, Moroccan cafés and tapas bars.
It's a great spot if you want something a bit more lively for a day or two - or even to bolt onto your El Palmar trip.
And just up the coast is Cádiz city, one of the oldest cities in Europe.
Cadiz is full of history, with colourful buildings, crumbling castles, seafood markets and buzzing tapas bars. You could easily spend a day there before heading back to your beach base.
How to get there
El Palmar's not the easiest place to reach - but that's why you don't see many tourists there, adding to its charm.
Hiring a car from airports Seville or Malaga is probably your easiest option. It's under two hours from Seville, and about 2.5 from Málaga. The roads are easy, the views are decent, and once you're there, you'll be glad you didn't mess about with transfers.
But if you're lacking a driving licence but have plenty of patience, you can still get there by public transport.
From Seville, take a train to San Fernando Bahía Sur station, which is about 1.5 hours away and costs about €17 (£14). From there, it's a 35-minute taxi ride to the beach, which will cost about €70 (£60).
You can also go via Cádiz, which has a direct bus to El Palmar run by Transportes Generales Comes. It takes just over an hour and is fairly cheap, between €5–€14. However, buses aren't super frequent and can be even more limited outside of summer.
Coming from Málaga? You'll need to train it to Cádiz first (about 3 hours), then catch the same bus down to the coast.
All doable, but if you want to avoid the faff, just hire a car.
Where to stay, when to go
You're not going to find anything super lux at El Palmar, but that's part of its appeal.
If you want somewhere stylish but low-key, look at Nexo Surf House, it's got spacious, airy rooms, a restaurant and surf lessons all rolled into one.
For something more rustic, the glamping options at Kampaoh are worth a look. Here you'll find safari-style tents with proper beds and private bathrooms, all a short walk from the beach.
There are also plenty of local Airbnbs scattered along the coast, many within walking distance to the beach. Some are simple studios, others are bigger houses that are ideal for groups or families.
Wherever you stay, you're never far from the sea - and that's the whole point.
In the busier summer months of July and August, however, be sure to book well in advance as rooms do get booked up fast by locals.
Even then, it's mostly Spanish families, not hordes of tourists. The beach is big enough that it never feels rammed. It's not built for mass tourism, and that's why it's so good.
If you want a quieter vibe, I'd opt to go in June or September. The weather's still hot, the sea's warm, and there's lots of space.
Flights to Seville from the UK start from around £25 return if you book early enough.
If you want a break that's off the beaten track, full of charm, and free from the usual Brit holiday clichés, this is the place to go.
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Tim Dowling: Why are my friends erasing me from their holiday memories?
After a sometimes fraught four-hour car journey, my wife and I and three friends arrive at a remote, sea-facing house in Greece. I've been here once before, a couple of years ago, but my memory of the place is fragmentary. I've remembered, for example, that you can't get the car anywhere near the house – you have to lug your stuff across a beach and over some rocks – and have packed accordingly. But the view from the top of the rocks still comes as a disheartening surprise. 'I forgot about the second beach,' I say, looking at the house in the distance. 'I didn't,' my wife says. 'Press on.' As we trudge along the sand, I think: how could I not remember this? Along with my bag I am carrying my wife's suitcase – whose wheels have never been less use – just as I did two years ago. It's precisely the sort of personal hardship I pride myself on being able to relate in numbing detail. Once we're in the house my brain serves me no better: I've retained a memory of the layout, which turns out to be back-to-front. This will cause me to lose my way over and over again in the course of the coming week: seeking a terrace, I will end up on a balcony, and vice versa. 'It's not that I don't remember it,' I say to my wife the next morning. 'It's that I'm remembering it wrong.' 'Do you remember getting up in the middle of the night to stand in the cupboard?' she says. 'Yes, I do remember that,' I say. 'And I wasn't trying to stand in the cupboard, I just thought it was the bedroom door.' A few days later more friends arrive. We have all been on holiday together many times before, in varying configurations, with and without children. These memories form the basis of a lot of the conversation. One evening I walk into the kitchen where a few people are preparing supper. They're talking about an Easter weekend in Dorset long ago, and laughing about egg-rolling in terrible weather. 'I was there,' I say. Everyone stops talking and turns to look at me. 'Were you?' says Mary, dubiously. 'Yeah,' I say. 'The weather was bad, as you say, and we went egg-rolling.' I try to think of another detail from the weekend that will convince them of my presence, but absolutely nothing comes to mind. Maybe, I think, I wasn't there. My wife walks in. 'What are we talking about?' she says. 'Easter in Dorset,' says Chiara. 'I remember that,' my wife says. 'Egg-rolling in the rain.' 'That's right!' says Mary. 'When I said that, everybody looked at me as if I had dementia,' I say. Everybody looks at me again, in a way that makes me want to go and stand in a cupboard. I recently read that to retrieve a memory is also, in some way, to rewrite it. Frequently recalled episodes are particularly fragile – the more you remember them, the more fictionalised they become. But to be honest, I'm not even sure I'm remembering this correctly. The next day everyone spends the afternoon reading on the terrace. At some point I fall asleep. When I wake, my book is resting on my face, the sun has set, and I am alone. I find everyone else in the kitchen, cooking. I open a beer and listen as my wife tells a story about a holiday in Portugal from 20 years ago. She is recounting the part about the hired van getting a flat tyre while going down a hill. This, at least, I remember. 'The tyre came right off the wheel and started rolling ahead of us,' she says. 'We watched as it rolled all the way down, and halfway up the next hill, till it slowed and stopped. Then it started rolling back down towards us.' 'Well, almost,' I say. 'What?' she says. 'Am I telling it wrong?' 'No, you're being remarkably accurate,' I say. 'Which is weird, because you weren't there.' 'Yes I was,' she says. 'No, it was just me and him,' I say, pointing to a friend whom I'll call Paul, because his real name is Piers. 'Yeah, it was just us,' says Paul. 'But I remember the wheel coming off,' she says. 'I can see it.' 'It's because he's told you the story so many times,' says Paul. 'My memory has infiltrated your brain to become your memory,' I say. 'That's so sweet,' says Paul. 'If you've got any more of mine,' I say, 'I'd quite like them back.'
![In an area of shrubland near to the main public hospital, a shanty town of wooden huts draped with tarpaulins heats up in the Ibiza sun. The backdrop of the island's beautiful Old Town is just a mile or so in the distance, but feels like a world away. Here at this makeshift camp in Sa Joveria, not far from the popular beach and party resort of Playa d'en Bossa, dozens of people are living with no electricity, no running water, no waste services, sharing spaces covering just a few square feet. It is the side to Ibiza most do not see. Behind the island's glitz and glamour lies a growing inequality crisis; reports of essential workers such as police officers among those staying in camps, living with friends or family, or even commuting from Majorca due to spiralling living costs fuelled in part by record-high tourism. This weekend, protests against over-tourism are planned across Ibiza, Majorca and areas of mainland Spain, following similar demonstrations last year. "We say enough to the destruction of the territory, to the precariousness, to the housing crisis, to the loss of rights," says the Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism More Life) campaign group. Protests in Ibiza in September 2024 Protests in Ibiza in September 2024"I know one person working two different jobs but living in a tent. Someone else paying 850 euros for a single room, now possibly having to share it because the landlord wants to put a bunk bed in... People sleeping on balconies, paying 500 euros a month. There are key workers desperate for accommodation, doctors pleading - I work in a hospital saving lives and I have nowhere to live." Ibiza resident In the camps in Ibiza, many people are nervous about speaking out. But Mohammed, from the territory of Western Sahara, invites us in. He tells us he works in construction and has been on the island for two-and-a-half years. He never expected to be living like this in Ibiza, he says. "It is hard. But it is better than living on the street." The 32-year-old is just one of an increasing number of local and foreign workers the island relies on, unable to afford space in a bedroom, let alone an apartment or a house. A friend pours out small glasses of traditional tea for us to sip as they huddle around a small table. The disparity between the wealth surrounding the area and the conditions they are living in is obvious, Mohammed acknowledges. "But what are you going to do?" Image captions HIPPIES TO THE SUPER RICH Millions of tourists head to the Balearic Islands each year. Like its neighbours Majorca and Menorca, Ibiza has the sun, sea and sand, but most who visit will tell you there is something more that draws them here. From the creatives escaping Franco's Spain in the 1930s to the hippies who set up in the 1960s, the White Isle has long been a haven for the unconventional, and many still come for the anything goes ethos. People are also here to party. Pacha, the island's first nightclub, opened in 1973 - and Wham!'s Club Tropicana video in 1983, filmed at the famous Pikes Hotel, cemented its party reputation. In recent years, Ibiza has increasingly become a luxury playground for the rich, with superyachts worth millions among the boats in the waters of Ibiza Town's port, and Instagrammable superclubs boasting VIP tables costing thousands of euros to secure. Tourism accounts for about 84% of the economy and is vital for the island, with tourist spending reaching 4.3bn euros in 2024, according to the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT) - an increase of 62% since 2016. The number of tourists reached a record high of more than 3.7m for Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera in 2023 – an increase of almost 25% since 2016. Flights have also increased dramatically since the turn of the millennium, from just over 25,000 in 2000 to a record 66,000 scheduled this year, according to flights database OAG. Almost a fifth (18%) of these are from the UK - the biggest share after internal flights from the rest of Spain. Many residents and workers say the numbers have become unsustainable - that the island is at "breaking point". Environmental campaigners highlight beach closures due to sewage in recent years, while housing is a major issue across Spain generally as it struggles to balance a key driver of its economy with concerns over high rents due to gentrification, landlords shifting to more lucrative, short-term rentals or even leaving properties empty, and illegal sub-letting. Ibiza seems to be one of the places feeling this acutely. On property site Idealista, rooms in shared apartments have been advertised for 1,500 euros a month - we even found one advertised for the month of August for 4,000 euros. In the peak summer months in 2024, the cost of renting in the Balearic Islands was up by more than 20% year on 2023, according to the site, and the trend looks set to continue this summer. A recent Bank of Spain report said the country has a shortfall of 450,000 homes - and in the tourist hotspots such as the Balearics and Canary Islands, half the housing stock is tourist accommodation or properties owned by non-residents, it found. Authorities are putting measures in place to try and curb the problem. Heavy fines have reportedly been introduced for those not complying with laws, and in February, Consell d'Eivissa (Ibiza's island council) announced a deal with AirBnB to crack down on unregulated holiday lettings on its platform. Sky News understands more than 450 listings have been removed already as a result. A plan to limit cruise ship arrivals was announced last year, and new rules restricting the numbers of tourist cars and caravans during peak months also came into force at the beginning of June. But is it enough? Image captions 'MORE LUXURY, MORE EXPENSIVE' Jane Cull, an English teacher in a language school who has lived on the island for several years, has been staying with a friend while she finishes the term, after being told to leave her apartment at short notice."I've been running around almost begging and feeling really humiliated, asking everybody I've ever known on the island if they can help me," she says. "Over the last few years, it's become increasingly difficult, because what you'd pay before for a whole apartment is what a lot of people are [now] paying for a room. And if you do find a room that's reasonably priced in the winter time, then you're kind of pushed out in the summer season, which has happened to me and many other teachers I know." Teacher Jane Cull Teacher Jane Cull She now faces a search for somewhere more permanent for the new term in September, which she says will be difficult as it is still a busy month for tourism. The island has changed, she says, but there is still much about it she loves."I love the hippie kind of vibe and the history... but as time has gone on it's got very commercial," she says. "More fast-moving, more expensive, more luxury. It's changed a lot. I think that's part of life, around the world, but it's difficult to accept, especially if you planned your life until retirement here.""I am nearly 30 and live with my grandmother, husband and two children. We are used to tourists here and like tourists, but in the last few years things have become much more expensive. My friend still lives with her parents. We cannot be independent because we cannot afford to rent." Ibiza resident Dean Gallagher, who works several jobs - in teaching, property management, DJing and, most famously , snake catching - has been living here for 22 years."There's lots of colourful people here and it's very liberal and laid-back, very progressive. You can walk down the street and bump into literally anyone - celebrities, hippies, DJs, and [in the north] it's very calm and quiet and peaceful. It's not all about intense hedonism." But he says the housing problem needs to be addressed. He rents a "humble" property but says he would find it impossible to buy even a studio flat, despite working several jobs."Over the last six or seven years, I've seen rents literally double... I know people, key workers, affected by this, people we really need for security, for healthcare, and they're living in terrible conditions, some of them... Ibiza's a popular island, I understand that, but key workers need a place to live.""People are really struggling. I think there needs to be a balance. Wealthy people can come here and buy, but they also need to give something." Even the invasive snakes he is known for catching on the island are a symptom of the problem, he says. "When people move here... they've brought palm trees and moreover olive trees from the mainland, which unfortunately had a few stowaways. Those stowaways were snake eggs. They hatched here, multiplied, and now the island is plagued with them." Property manager and snake catcher Dean Gallagher Property manager and snake catcher Dean Gallagher Many property owners choose to rent to tourists or even keep homes empty over letting long-term, he says, to avoid the risk of tenants potentially not paying rent, and the complications that come with that. AirBnB, which is working with authorities on lettings breaking rules, also says empty homes are the biggest problem. Short-term lets have decreased by almost 29% in the last four years, a spokesperson said - " whereas there are now four times more empty homes than tourist homes in Ibiza". Ibiza, like most other small islands, has a "very delicate ecosystem", Dean adds. "And over-building and over-decadence can cause problems in very delicate ecosystems. If [Ibiza] gets too up to date with the rest of the world, [it becomes] a lot like a rich neighbourhood in a big city, then it's kind of losing its specialness. I think everyone is entitled to progress and make money, but we do need to conserve what's really special about this place." Image captions ' WEALTH, FAME - IT ATTRACTS CRIME' For police officer Rafael Gimenez, who was born and raised in Ibiza, the spiralling cost of living became too much. After three years of policing here, he moved to Aragon, in mainland Spain, at the end of 2023, with his wife and two sons."The quality of life has dropped dramatically for residents especially," he says. "I have two children and I believe that for the moment, how Ibiza is, I cannot give them a good quality of life here." Police officer Rafael Gimenez Police officer Rafael Gimenez The island is not big enough to sustain the level of tourism it sees now, he says."I think the core issue is [tourism] massification because along with massification comes everything – the rising prices, the collapse of infrastructures, environmental issues, like a lack of water supply for people, the destruction of the natural environment." He says he also felt there were issues with tackling crime. In recent years, there have been reports of criminals targeting the wealthy and luxury accommodation - such as in 2024, when three people suspected of being part of a criminal gang targeting villas, including one rented by British broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, were arrested by Spanish authorities."Ibiza is attracting a lot people who are very wealthy, a lot of famous people, and of course that attracts the attention of criminal organisations. I was experiencing a lot of alerts regarding breaking into houses, violent robberies of watches, and of course this means that Ibiza as well is becoming like a criminal organisation's place of operations." Protests in April 2025 Protests in April 2025 Gimenez and his mother, Xaquelina Ana Perry, are members of Prou Eivissa (Enough Ibiza), a campaign group calling for an end to overtourism. She says the accommodation crisis is now "really out of control", and like others we spoke to, says she is aware of hotel workers, sanitary workers and even police officers living in camps in recent years."The island relies on these workers, doesn't it?" she says. "We need people to serve the restaurants, clean the hotels, we need teachers. But if there's no accommodation, [some have] got no choice but to live like this, to earn a living." Prou Eivissa, she stresses, is not about against the tourism that for many years ran in sync with the island. "What we are is against the [current] model of tourism and the massification of tourism, because this island is beautiful." Image captions WHAT IS BEING DONE? Fines In April, the island's council said it continued its "unprecedented fight" against illegal tourist lettings. More staff are being hired to pursue and process sanctions against illegal rentals, it said - with potential fines going up to 500,000 euros. AirBnB deal AirBnB has said implementing mandatory registration for all new short-term rental listings is a testament to its commitment to Ibiza, "promoting responsible accommodation and ensuring locals share in the tourist economy". Booking.com The site says it works with authorities in Ibiza to combat illegal listings "and foster a transparent tourism ecosystem". A spokesperson said this would continue to "make tourism a positive force for the island". Cruise ships According to IbizaPreservation, 188 cruise ships arrived at Ibiza port in 2023. In September 2024, the island's council said it would limit numbers to allow no more than two to dock at any one time. Vehicle limit A cap of 20,168 on non-resident vehicles is now in force until September, to "correct an unsustainable situation" of exponential growth over the last 25 years, the island council has said. 'I SERVE THE RICH' At a camp in Es Gorg, also near to Playa d'en Bossa and the OId Town, the scene is different to Sa Joveria. Here, dozens of people are living in vans, caravans and campervans, rather than huts. One man, Charlie, 48, from Seville, is a children's entertainer by day and cleans the streets overnight, working until about 4am. With his little dog entertaining with tricks, he tells us he does not want to pay "really expensive rent" - having seen balconies rented for people to sleep on for 700 euros - and is happy here in his caravan, living a more nomadic lifestyle."Ibiza has a kind of special energy," he says. "What makes me happy is I don't have to pay 700 euros. I can go and spend my money wherever I want, and this is what makes me feel happy. I don't have any trouble." Victor (pictured below), a 28-year-old father who lives in a van nearby with his wife and young daughter, says his situation is more complicated. He is Colombian, but has lived here for a year. "I work here in the Old Town, serving the rich," he says. "My question is: if we are not here, who will serve these people?" He is keen to tell us there are no "bad people" at the camp - something workers at Sa Joveria were also keen to stress - and that he pays taxes. He has solar panels that provide a little power "to charge your phone", he says, and has to collect and carry water "every day"."We would have wanted to be in an apartment for the sake of my daughter," he says. "But this is the only option." He says he is in touch with authorities to see if there is anything that can be done to help his living situation, but he is not optimistic. "I need an alternative," he says. "But I'm not going to leave the island when my daughter was born here." Image captions SEWAGE On the other side of the island, at a beach opposite the famous party resort of San Antonio, a different problem is highlighted by IbizaPreservation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the conservation of Ibiza and its neighbouring smaller island of Formentera - which has also become a celebrity hotspot (landing Katy Perry in trouble) in recent years. IbizaPreservation's Sustainability Observatory co-ordinator Elisa Langley, who was born and raised in San Agustin, not far away, highlights recent closures of beaches due to sewage."In one year, we have had 21 episodes of pollution [across the island]," she says. "Waste waters directly to the sea or to the area of the beach." In 2010, 41 water sampling points at beaches around the island were classified as excellent, according to the foundation. However, in 2023, the number of points rated excellent quality had reduced by half to 21 - with 15 rated good and five rated sufficient. The island's sewage system is old and simply cannot cope during the peak months, IbizaPreservation says. There is currently not enough data to say for certain that increasing tourism is causing the problem of spills, Langley says, but it can't be helping. There are several key solutions that could make "a real difference", she adds, including setting capacity limits - restricting the number of flights, hotel beds and holiday rentals. "Ibiza also needs to protect its natural spaces by limiting access to fragile areas and investing in sustainable transport." Salvem Sa Badia de Portmany, an association dedicated to protecting the Bay of Portmany - the coastal section on the west of the island that includes San Antonio - says the island's sewage system becomes "overwhelmed when there is heavy rainfall and large amounts of greywater from showers and sinks being discharged"."The situation has consistently worsened," a spokesperson says. "As the infrastructure continues to age and the island grows more crowded each summer, the pressure on the system increases. Beaches are suffering - increasing signs of sewage contamination, foul odours, and decaying marine ecosystems are becoming common in the Bay of San Antonio."Seagrass meadows – vital for clean water and biodiversity – are being destroyed, mainly because of lack of controls on the nautic activities and because of the deficient sewage infrastructure. This is all at odds with Ibiza's public image as a pristine, luxury nature destination."Residents are constantly urged to save water, while tourists enjoy unlimited pools, showers, and daily towel services – a model of consumption that is completely unsustainable." While there have been "steps in the right direction" in terms of the tighter controls on short-term rentals, Langley says stricter regulation is also "essential" to help ease the housing crisis for residents and workers. "The main thing is that there is sufficient inspection activity and that cases are brought to a conclusion with exemplary fines for those who do not comply with the law." Langley says the island is near breaking point. "Without urgent action, Ibiza's fragile ecosystems and quality of life are at serious risk." Image captions WHAT NEXT? One person who has been vocal about the pressures is The Secret DJ – an anonymous British DJ and author who started working in Ibiza's clubs in the early 1990s, and moved permanently after Brexit. The problems are global problems, he says, but are magnified on a small island. "Ibiza is a microcosm... it's very wealthy, quite powerful in its own way. There's a lot of money here. It experiences the same problems as somewhere like London or New York, but it experiences them more intensely." There are many positives, he says, and cautions on "aggressive nostalgia" for past eras. "People talk of a golden era – 'oh, Ibiza's over'. They've been saying that for the entire time I've been here... when people idolise a place, they expect it to be frozen in amber. Each generation finds the Ibiza they're looking for." Privilege 2005 Privilege 2005 However, he says the problems created by increasing tourism can't be denied. "We have a very limited resource of water. It's desalinated, reclaimed water. An island that's barely 20 miles across does not have the resources for millions and millions of people." Roads have become increasingly clogged with traffic in recent years, he says, and there are pressures on the health service. "It's a tiny place that's hugely over-subscribed." But the DJ is keen to stress he loves the island, and his criticism is not the same as complaining. "I don't believe it's wrong to speak of difficulties, especially when they're now at almost like a fulcrum point, a turning point, where it's unsustainable. We're at the point where there's simply too many people." Of course, tourism is vital for Ibiza, creating thousands and thousands of jobs each year. Authorities are implementing measures to ease the pressures, but it's clear there is a problem, a housing crisis that appears to be getting worse, and a strain on the island's infrastructure. The island has always embraced its visitors, but with protests ramping up in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands, as well as in parts of mainland Spain - many are saying enough is enough. Image captions CREDITS Written and produced by: Gemma Peplow, culture reporter Saskia Lumley, video journalist Design Simona Pedrali Noy Amira Mutiara Pictures: Europa Press via AP iStock Paul Underhill/Pymca/Shutterstock Top Built with Shorthand 'I serve the rich but live in a van': Is Ibiza at breaking point? This content is provided by 'I serve the rich but live in a van': Is Ibiza at breaking point?, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. 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![In an area of shrubland near to the main public hospital, a shanty town of wooden huts draped with tarpaulins heats up in the Ibiza sun. The backdrop of the island's beautiful Old Town is just a mile or so in the distance, but feels like a world away. Here at this makeshift camp in Sa Joveria, not far from the popular beach and party resort of Playa d'en Bossa, dozens of people are living with no electricity, no running water, no waste services, sharing spaces covering just a few square feet. It is the side to Ibiza most do not see. Behind the island's glitz and glamour lies a growing inequality crisis; reports of essential workers such as police officers among those staying in camps, living with friends or family, or even commuting from Majorca due to spiralling living costs fuelled in part by record-high tourism. This weekend, protests against over-tourism are planned across Ibiza, Majorca and areas of mainland Spain, following similar demonstrations last year. "We say enough to the destruction of the territory, to the precariousness, to the housing crisis, to the loss of rights," says the Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism More Life) campaign group. Protests in Ibiza in September 2024 Protests in Ibiza in September 2024"I know one person working two different jobs but living in a tent. Someone else paying 850 euros for a single room, now possibly having to share it because the landlord wants to put a bunk bed in... People sleeping on balconies, paying 500 euros a month. There are key workers desperate for accommodation, doctors pleading - I work in a hospital saving lives and I have nowhere to live." Ibiza resident In the camps in Ibiza, many people are nervous about speaking out. But Mohammed, from the territory of Western Sahara, invites us in. He tells us he works in construction and has been on the island for two-and-a-half years. He never expected to be living like this in Ibiza, he says. "It is hard. But it is better than living on the street." The 32-year-old is just one of an increasing number of local and foreign workers the island relies on, unable to afford space in a bedroom, let alone an apartment or a house. A friend pours out small glasses of traditional tea for us to sip as they huddle around a small table. The disparity between the wealth surrounding the area and the conditions they are living in is obvious, Mohammed acknowledges. "But what are you going to do?" Image captions HIPPIES TO THE SUPER RICH Millions of tourists head to the Balearic Islands each year. Like its neighbours Majorca and Menorca, Ibiza has the sun, sea and sand, but most who visit will tell you there is something more that draws them here. From the creatives escaping Franco's Spain in the 1930s to the hippies who set up in the 1960s, the White Isle has long been a haven for the unconventional, and many still come for the anything goes ethos. People are also here to party. Pacha, the island's first nightclub, opened in 1973 - and Wham!'s Club Tropicana video in 1983, filmed at the famous Pikes Hotel, cemented its party reputation. In recent years, Ibiza has increasingly become a luxury playground for the rich, with superyachts worth millions among the boats in the waters of Ibiza Town's port, and Instagrammable superclubs boasting VIP tables costing thousands of euros to secure. Tourism accounts for about 84% of the economy and is vital for the island, with tourist spending reaching 4.3bn euros in 2024, according to the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT) - an increase of 62% since 2016. The number of tourists reached a record high of more than 3.7m for Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera in 2023 – an increase of almost 25% since 2016. Flights have also increased dramatically since the turn of the millennium, from just over 25,000 in 2000 to a record 66,000 scheduled this year, according to flights database OAG. Almost a fifth (18%) of these are from the UK - the biggest share after internal flights from the rest of Spain. Many residents and workers say the numbers have become unsustainable - that the island is at "breaking point". Environmental campaigners highlight beach closures due to sewage in recent years, while housing is a major issue across Spain generally as it struggles to balance a key driver of its economy with concerns over high rents due to gentrification, landlords shifting to more lucrative, short-term rentals or even leaving properties empty, and illegal sub-letting. Ibiza seems to be one of the places feeling this acutely. On property site Idealista, rooms in shared apartments have been advertised for 1,500 euros a month - we even found one advertised for the month of August for 4,000 euros. In the peak summer months in 2024, the cost of renting in the Balearic Islands was up by more than 20% year on 2023, according to the site, and the trend looks set to continue this summer. A recent Bank of Spain report said the country has a shortfall of 450,000 homes - and in the tourist hotspots such as the Balearics and Canary Islands, half the housing stock is tourist accommodation or properties owned by non-residents, it found. Authorities are putting measures in place to try and curb the problem. Heavy fines have reportedly been introduced for those not complying with laws, and in February, Consell d'Eivissa (Ibiza's island council) announced a deal with AirBnB to crack down on unregulated holiday lettings on its platform. Sky News understands more than 450 listings have been removed already as a result. A plan to limit cruise ship arrivals was announced last year, and new rules restricting the numbers of tourist cars and caravans during peak months also came into force at the beginning of June. But is it enough? Image captions 'MORE LUXURY, MORE EXPENSIVE' Jane Cull, an English teacher in a language school who has lived on the island for several years, has been staying with a friend while she finishes the term, after being told to leave her apartment at short notice."I've been running around almost begging and feeling really humiliated, asking everybody I've ever known on the island if they can help me," she says. "Over the last few years, it's become increasingly difficult, because what you'd pay before for a whole apartment is what a lot of people are [now] paying for a room. And if you do find a room that's reasonably priced in the winter time, then you're kind of pushed out in the summer season, which has happened to me and many other teachers I know." Teacher Jane Cull Teacher Jane Cull She now faces a search for somewhere more permanent for the new term in September, which she says will be difficult as it is still a busy month for tourism. The island has changed, she says, but there is still much about it she loves."I love the hippie kind of vibe and the history... but as time has gone on it's got very commercial," she says. "More fast-moving, more expensive, more luxury. It's changed a lot. I think that's part of life, around the world, but it's difficult to accept, especially if you planned your life until retirement here.""I am nearly 30 and live with my grandmother, husband and two children. We are used to tourists here and like tourists, but in the last few years things have become much more expensive. My friend still lives with her parents. We cannot be independent because we cannot afford to rent." Ibiza resident Dean Gallagher, who works several jobs - in teaching, property management, DJing and, most famously , snake catching - has been living here for 22 years."There's lots of colourful people here and it's very liberal and laid-back, very progressive. You can walk down the street and bump into literally anyone - celebrities, hippies, DJs, and [in the north] it's very calm and quiet and peaceful. It's not all about intense hedonism." But he says the housing problem needs to be addressed. He rents a "humble" property but says he would find it impossible to buy even a studio flat, despite working several jobs."Over the last six or seven years, I've seen rents literally double... I know people, key workers, affected by this, people we really need for security, for healthcare, and they're living in terrible conditions, some of them... Ibiza's a popular island, I understand that, but key workers need a place to live.""People are really struggling. I think there needs to be a balance. Wealthy people can come here and buy, but they also need to give something." Even the invasive snakes he is known for catching on the island are a symptom of the problem, he says. "When people move here... they've brought palm trees and moreover olive trees from the mainland, which unfortunately had a few stowaways. Those stowaways were snake eggs. They hatched here, multiplied, and now the island is plagued with them." Property manager and snake catcher Dean Gallagher Property manager and snake catcher Dean Gallagher Many property owners choose to rent to tourists or even keep homes empty over letting long-term, he says, to avoid the risk of tenants potentially not paying rent, and the complications that come with that. AirBnB, which is working with authorities on lettings breaking rules, also says empty homes are the biggest problem. Short-term lets have decreased by almost 29% in the last four years, a spokesperson said - " whereas there are now four times more empty homes than tourist homes in Ibiza". Ibiza, like most other small islands, has a "very delicate ecosystem", Dean adds. "And over-building and over-decadence can cause problems in very delicate ecosystems. If [Ibiza] gets too up to date with the rest of the world, [it becomes] a lot like a rich neighbourhood in a big city, then it's kind of losing its specialness. I think everyone is entitled to progress and make money, but we do need to conserve what's really special about this place." Image captions ' WEALTH, FAME - IT ATTRACTS CRIME' For police officer Rafael Gimenez, who was born and raised in Ibiza, the spiralling cost of living became too much. After three years of policing here, he moved to Aragon, in mainland Spain, at the end of 2023, with his wife and two sons."The quality of life has dropped dramatically for residents especially," he says. "I have two children and I believe that for the moment, how Ibiza is, I cannot give them a good quality of life here." Police officer Rafael Gimenez Police officer Rafael Gimenez The island is not big enough to sustain the level of tourism it sees now, he says."I think the core issue is [tourism] massification because along with massification comes everything – the rising prices, the collapse of infrastructures, environmental issues, like a lack of water supply for people, the destruction of the natural environment." He says he also felt there were issues with tackling crime. In recent years, there have been reports of criminals targeting the wealthy and luxury accommodation - such as in 2024, when three people suspected of being part of a criminal gang targeting villas, including one rented by British broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, were arrested by Spanish authorities."Ibiza is attracting a lot people who are very wealthy, a lot of famous people, and of course that attracts the attention of criminal organisations. I was experiencing a lot of alerts regarding breaking into houses, violent robberies of watches, and of course this means that Ibiza as well is becoming like a criminal organisation's place of operations." Protests in April 2025 Protests in April 2025 Gimenez and his mother, Xaquelina Ana Perry, are members of Prou Eivissa (Enough Ibiza), a campaign group calling for an end to overtourism. She says the accommodation crisis is now "really out of control", and like others we spoke to, says she is aware of hotel workers, sanitary workers and even police officers living in camps in recent years."The island relies on these workers, doesn't it?" she says. "We need people to serve the restaurants, clean the hotels, we need teachers. But if there's no accommodation, [some have] got no choice but to live like this, to earn a living." Prou Eivissa, she stresses, is not about against the tourism that for many years ran in sync with the island. "What we are is against the [current] model of tourism and the massification of tourism, because this island is beautiful." Image captions WHAT IS BEING DONE? Fines In April, the island's council said it continued its "unprecedented fight" against illegal tourist lettings. More staff are being hired to pursue and process sanctions against illegal rentals, it said - with potential fines going up to 500,000 euros. AirBnB deal AirBnB has said implementing mandatory registration for all new short-term rental listings is a testament to its commitment to Ibiza, "promoting responsible accommodation and ensuring locals share in the tourist economy". Booking.com The site says it works with authorities in Ibiza to combat illegal listings "and foster a transparent tourism ecosystem". A spokesperson said this would continue to "make tourism a positive force for the island". Cruise ships According to IbizaPreservation, 188 cruise ships arrived at Ibiza port in 2023. In September 2024, the island's council said it would limit numbers to allow no more than two to dock at any one time. Vehicle limit A cap of 20,168 on non-resident vehicles is now in force until September, to "correct an unsustainable situation" of exponential growth over the last 25 years, the island council has said. 'I SERVE THE RICH' At a camp in Es Gorg, also near to Playa d'en Bossa and the OId Town, the scene is different to Sa Joveria. Here, dozens of people are living in vans, caravans and campervans, rather than huts. One man, Charlie, 48, from Seville, is a children's entertainer by day and cleans the streets overnight, working until about 4am. With his little dog entertaining with tricks, he tells us he does not want to pay "really expensive rent" - having seen balconies rented for people to sleep on for 700 euros - and is happy here in his caravan, living a more nomadic lifestyle."Ibiza has a kind of special energy," he says. "What makes me happy is I don't have to pay 700 euros. I can go and spend my money wherever I want, and this is what makes me feel happy. I don't have any trouble." Victor (pictured below), a 28-year-old father who lives in a van nearby with his wife and young daughter, says his situation is more complicated. He is Colombian, but has lived here for a year. "I work here in the Old Town, serving the rich," he says. "My question is: if we are not here, who will serve these people?" He is keen to tell us there are no "bad people" at the camp - something workers at Sa Joveria were also keen to stress - and that he pays taxes. He has solar panels that provide a little power "to charge your phone", he says, and has to collect and carry water "every day"."We would have wanted to be in an apartment for the sake of my daughter," he says. "But this is the only option." He says he is in touch with authorities to see if there is anything that can be done to help his living situation, but he is not optimistic. "I need an alternative," he says. "But I'm not going to leave the island when my daughter was born here." Image captions SEWAGE On the other side of the island, at a beach opposite the famous party resort of San Antonio, a different problem is highlighted by IbizaPreservation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the conservation of Ibiza and its neighbouring smaller island of Formentera - which has also become a celebrity hotspot (landing Katy Perry in trouble) in recent years. IbizaPreservation's Sustainability Observatory co-ordinator Elisa Langley, who was born and raised in San Agustin, not far away, highlights recent closures of beaches due to sewage."In one year, we have had 21 episodes of pollution [across the island]," she says. "Waste waters directly to the sea or to the area of the beach." In 2010, 41 water sampling points at beaches around the island were classified as excellent, according to the foundation. However, in 2023, the number of points rated excellent quality had reduced by half to 21 - with 15 rated good and five rated sufficient. The island's sewage system is old and simply cannot cope during the peak months, IbizaPreservation says. There is currently not enough data to say for certain that increasing tourism is causing the problem of spills, Langley says, but it can't be helping. There are several key solutions that could make "a real difference", she adds, including setting capacity limits - restricting the number of flights, hotel beds and holiday rentals. "Ibiza also needs to protect its natural spaces by limiting access to fragile areas and investing in sustainable transport." Salvem Sa Badia de Portmany, an association dedicated to protecting the Bay of Portmany - the coastal section on the west of the island that includes San Antonio - says the island's sewage system becomes "overwhelmed when there is heavy rainfall and large amounts of greywater from showers and sinks being discharged"."The situation has consistently worsened," a spokesperson says. "As the infrastructure continues to age and the island grows more crowded each summer, the pressure on the system increases. Beaches are suffering - increasing signs of sewage contamination, foul odours, and decaying marine ecosystems are becoming common in the Bay of San Antonio."Seagrass meadows – vital for clean water and biodiversity – are being destroyed, mainly because of lack of controls on the nautic activities and because of the deficient sewage infrastructure. This is all at odds with Ibiza's public image as a pristine, luxury nature destination."Residents are constantly urged to save water, while tourists enjoy unlimited pools, showers, and daily towel services – a model of consumption that is completely unsustainable." While there have been "steps in the right direction" in terms of the tighter controls on short-term rentals, Langley says stricter regulation is also "essential" to help ease the housing crisis for residents and workers. "The main thing is that there is sufficient inspection activity and that cases are brought to a conclusion with exemplary fines for those who do not comply with the law." Langley says the island is near breaking point. "Without urgent action, Ibiza's fragile ecosystems and quality of life are at serious risk." Image captions WHAT NEXT? One person who has been vocal about the pressures is The Secret DJ – an anonymous British DJ and author who started working in Ibiza's clubs in the early 1990s, and moved permanently after Brexit. The problems are global problems, he says, but are magnified on a small island. "Ibiza is a microcosm... it's very wealthy, quite powerful in its own way. There's a lot of money here. It experiences the same problems as somewhere like London or New York, but it experiences them more intensely." There are many positives, he says, and cautions on "aggressive nostalgia" for past eras. "People talk of a golden era – 'oh, Ibiza's over'. They've been saying that for the entire time I've been here... when people idolise a place, they expect it to be frozen in amber. Each generation finds the Ibiza they're looking for." Privilege 2005 Privilege 2005 However, he says the problems created by increasing tourism can't be denied. "We have a very limited resource of water. It's desalinated, reclaimed water. An island that's barely 20 miles across does not have the resources for millions and millions of people." Roads have become increasingly clogged with traffic in recent years, he says, and there are pressures on the health service. "It's a tiny place that's hugely over-subscribed." But the DJ is keen to stress he loves the island, and his criticism is not the same as complaining. "I don't believe it's wrong to speak of difficulties, especially when they're now at almost like a fulcrum point, a turning point, where it's unsustainable. We're at the point where there's simply too many people." Of course, tourism is vital for Ibiza, creating thousands and thousands of jobs each year. Authorities are implementing measures to ease the pressures, but it's clear there is a problem, a housing crisis that appears to be getting worse, and a strain on the island's infrastructure. The island has always embraced its visitors, but with protests ramping up in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands, as well as in parts of mainland Spain - many are saying enough is enough. Image captions CREDITS Written and produced by: Gemma Peplow, culture reporter Saskia Lumley, video journalist Design Simona Pedrali Noy Amira Mutiara Pictures: Europa Press via AP iStock Paul Underhill/Pymca/Shutterstock Top Built with Shorthand 'I serve the rich but live in a van': Is Ibiza at breaking point? This content is provided by 'I serve the rich but live in a van': Is Ibiza at breaking point?, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. 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Sky News
4 hours ago
- Sky News
In an area of shrubland near to the main public hospital, a shanty town of wooden huts draped with tarpaulins heats up in the Ibiza sun. The backdrop of the island's beautiful Old Town is just a mile or so in the distance, but feels like a world away. Here at this makeshift camp in Sa Joveria, not far from the popular beach and party resort of Playa d'en Bossa, dozens of people are living with no electricity, no running water, no waste services, sharing spaces covering just a few square feet. It is the side to Ibiza most do not see. Behind the island's glitz and glamour lies a growing inequality crisis; reports of essential workers such as police officers among those staying in camps, living with friends or family, or even commuting from Majorca due to spiralling living costs fuelled in part by record-high tourism. This weekend, protests against over-tourism are planned across Ibiza, Majorca and areas of mainland Spain, following similar demonstrations last year. "We say enough to the destruction of the territory, to the precariousness, to the housing crisis, to the loss of rights," says the Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism More Life) campaign group. Protests in Ibiza in September 2024 Protests in Ibiza in September 2024"I know one person working two different jobs but living in a tent. Someone else paying 850 euros for a single room, now possibly having to share it because the landlord wants to put a bunk bed in... People sleeping on balconies, paying 500 euros a month. There are key workers desperate for accommodation, doctors pleading - I work in a hospital saving lives and I have nowhere to live." Ibiza resident In the camps in Ibiza, many people are nervous about speaking out. But Mohammed, from the territory of Western Sahara, invites us in. He tells us he works in construction and has been on the island for two-and-a-half years. He never expected to be living like this in Ibiza, he says. "It is hard. But it is better than living on the street." The 32-year-old is just one of an increasing number of local and foreign workers the island relies on, unable to afford space in a bedroom, let alone an apartment or a house. A friend pours out small glasses of traditional tea for us to sip as they huddle around a small table. The disparity between the wealth surrounding the area and the conditions they are living in is obvious, Mohammed acknowledges. "But what are you going to do?" Image captions HIPPIES TO THE SUPER RICH Millions of tourists head to the Balearic Islands each year. Like its neighbours Majorca and Menorca, Ibiza has the sun, sea and sand, but most who visit will tell you there is something more that draws them here. From the creatives escaping Franco's Spain in the 1930s to the hippies who set up in the 1960s, the White Isle has long been a haven for the unconventional, and many still come for the anything goes ethos. People are also here to party. Pacha, the island's first nightclub, opened in 1973 - and Wham!'s Club Tropicana video in 1983, filmed at the famous Pikes Hotel, cemented its party reputation. In recent years, Ibiza has increasingly become a luxury playground for the rich, with superyachts worth millions among the boats in the waters of Ibiza Town's port, and Instagrammable superclubs boasting VIP tables costing thousands of euros to secure. Tourism accounts for about 84% of the economy and is vital for the island, with tourist spending reaching 4.3bn euros in 2024, according to the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT) - an increase of 62% since 2016. The number of tourists reached a record high of more than 3.7m for Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera in 2023 – an increase of almost 25% since 2016. Flights have also increased dramatically since the turn of the millennium, from just over 25,000 in 2000 to a record 66,000 scheduled this year, according to flights database OAG. Almost a fifth (18%) of these are from the UK - the biggest share after internal flights from the rest of Spain. Many residents and workers say the numbers have become unsustainable - that the island is at "breaking point". Environmental campaigners highlight beach closures due to sewage in recent years, while housing is a major issue across Spain generally as it struggles to balance a key driver of its economy with concerns over high rents due to gentrification, landlords shifting to more lucrative, short-term rentals or even leaving properties empty, and illegal sub-letting. Ibiza seems to be one of the places feeling this acutely. On property site Idealista, rooms in shared apartments have been advertised for 1,500 euros a month - we even found one advertised for the month of August for 4,000 euros. In the peak summer months in 2024, the cost of renting in the Balearic Islands was up by more than 20% year on 2023, according to the site, and the trend looks set to continue this summer. A recent Bank of Spain report said the country has a shortfall of 450,000 homes - and in the tourist hotspots such as the Balearics and Canary Islands, half the housing stock is tourist accommodation or properties owned by non-residents, it found. Authorities are putting measures in place to try and curb the problem. Heavy fines have reportedly been introduced for those not complying with laws, and in February, Consell d'Eivissa (Ibiza's island council) announced a deal with AirBnB to crack down on unregulated holiday lettings on its platform. Sky News understands more than 450 listings have been removed already as a result. A plan to limit cruise ship arrivals was announced last year, and new rules restricting the numbers of tourist cars and caravans during peak months also came into force at the beginning of June. But is it enough? Image captions 'MORE LUXURY, MORE EXPENSIVE' Jane Cull, an English teacher in a language school who has lived on the island for several years, has been staying with a friend while she finishes the term, after being told to leave her apartment at short notice."I've been running around almost begging and feeling really humiliated, asking everybody I've ever known on the island if they can help me," she says. "Over the last few years, it's become increasingly difficult, because what you'd pay before for a whole apartment is what a lot of people are [now] paying for a room. And if you do find a room that's reasonably priced in the winter time, then you're kind of pushed out in the summer season, which has happened to me and many other teachers I know." Teacher Jane Cull Teacher Jane Cull She now faces a search for somewhere more permanent for the new term in September, which she says will be difficult as it is still a busy month for tourism. The island has changed, she says, but there is still much about it she loves."I love the hippie kind of vibe and the history... but as time has gone on it's got very commercial," she says. "More fast-moving, more expensive, more luxury. It's changed a lot. I think that's part of life, around the world, but it's difficult to accept, especially if you planned your life until retirement here.""I am nearly 30 and live with my grandmother, husband and two children. We are used to tourists here and like tourists, but in the last few years things have become much more expensive. My friend still lives with her parents. We cannot be independent because we cannot afford to rent." Ibiza resident Dean Gallagher, who works several jobs - in teaching, property management, DJing and, most famously , snake catching - has been living here for 22 years."There's lots of colourful people here and it's very liberal and laid-back, very progressive. You can walk down the street and bump into literally anyone - celebrities, hippies, DJs, and [in the north] it's very calm and quiet and peaceful. It's not all about intense hedonism." But he says the housing problem needs to be addressed. He rents a "humble" property but says he would find it impossible to buy even a studio flat, despite working several jobs."Over the last six or seven years, I've seen rents literally double... I know people, key workers, affected by this, people we really need for security, for healthcare, and they're living in terrible conditions, some of them... Ibiza's a popular island, I understand that, but key workers need a place to live.""People are really struggling. I think there needs to be a balance. Wealthy people can come here and buy, but they also need to give something." Even the invasive snakes he is known for catching on the island are a symptom of the problem, he says. "When people move here... they've brought palm trees and moreover olive trees from the mainland, which unfortunately had a few stowaways. Those stowaways were snake eggs. They hatched here, multiplied, and now the island is plagued with them." Property manager and snake catcher Dean Gallagher Property manager and snake catcher Dean Gallagher Many property owners choose to rent to tourists or even keep homes empty over letting long-term, he says, to avoid the risk of tenants potentially not paying rent, and the complications that come with that. AirBnB, which is working with authorities on lettings breaking rules, also says empty homes are the biggest problem. Short-term lets have decreased by almost 29% in the last four years, a spokesperson said - " whereas there are now four times more empty homes than tourist homes in Ibiza". Ibiza, like most other small islands, has a "very delicate ecosystem", Dean adds. "And over-building and over-decadence can cause problems in very delicate ecosystems. If [Ibiza] gets too up to date with the rest of the world, [it becomes] a lot like a rich neighbourhood in a big city, then it's kind of losing its specialness. I think everyone is entitled to progress and make money, but we do need to conserve what's really special about this place." Image captions ' WEALTH, FAME - IT ATTRACTS CRIME' For police officer Rafael Gimenez, who was born and raised in Ibiza, the spiralling cost of living became too much. After three years of policing here, he moved to Aragon, in mainland Spain, at the end of 2023, with his wife and two sons."The quality of life has dropped dramatically for residents especially," he says. "I have two children and I believe that for the moment, how Ibiza is, I cannot give them a good quality of life here." Police officer Rafael Gimenez Police officer Rafael Gimenez The island is not big enough to sustain the level of tourism it sees now, he says."I think the core issue is [tourism] massification because along with massification comes everything – the rising prices, the collapse of infrastructures, environmental issues, like a lack of water supply for people, the destruction of the natural environment." He says he also felt there were issues with tackling crime. In recent years, there have been reports of criminals targeting the wealthy and luxury accommodation - such as in 2024, when three people suspected of being part of a criminal gang targeting villas, including one rented by British broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, were arrested by Spanish authorities."Ibiza is attracting a lot people who are very wealthy, a lot of famous people, and of course that attracts the attention of criminal organisations. I was experiencing a lot of alerts regarding breaking into houses, violent robberies of watches, and of course this means that Ibiza as well is becoming like a criminal organisation's place of operations." Protests in April 2025 Protests in April 2025 Gimenez and his mother, Xaquelina Ana Perry, are members of Prou Eivissa (Enough Ibiza), a campaign group calling for an end to overtourism. She says the accommodation crisis is now "really out of control", and like others we spoke to, says she is aware of hotel workers, sanitary workers and even police officers living in camps in recent years."The island relies on these workers, doesn't it?" she says. "We need people to serve the restaurants, clean the hotels, we need teachers. But if there's no accommodation, [some have] got no choice but to live like this, to earn a living." Prou Eivissa, she stresses, is not about against the tourism that for many years ran in sync with the island. "What we are is against the [current] model of tourism and the massification of tourism, because this island is beautiful." Image captions WHAT IS BEING DONE? Fines In April, the island's council said it continued its "unprecedented fight" against illegal tourist lettings. More staff are being hired to pursue and process sanctions against illegal rentals, it said - with potential fines going up to 500,000 euros. AirBnB deal AirBnB has said implementing mandatory registration for all new short-term rental listings is a testament to its commitment to Ibiza, "promoting responsible accommodation and ensuring locals share in the tourist economy". Booking.com The site says it works with authorities in Ibiza to combat illegal listings "and foster a transparent tourism ecosystem". A spokesperson said this would continue to "make tourism a positive force for the island". Cruise ships According to IbizaPreservation, 188 cruise ships arrived at Ibiza port in 2023. In September 2024, the island's council said it would limit numbers to allow no more than two to dock at any one time. Vehicle limit A cap of 20,168 on non-resident vehicles is now in force until September, to "correct an unsustainable situation" of exponential growth over the last 25 years, the island council has said. 'I SERVE THE RICH' At a camp in Es Gorg, also near to Playa d'en Bossa and the OId Town, the scene is different to Sa Joveria. Here, dozens of people are living in vans, caravans and campervans, rather than huts. One man, Charlie, 48, from Seville, is a children's entertainer by day and cleans the streets overnight, working until about 4am. With his little dog entertaining with tricks, he tells us he does not want to pay "really expensive rent" - having seen balconies rented for people to sleep on for 700 euros - and is happy here in his caravan, living a more nomadic lifestyle."Ibiza has a kind of special energy," he says. "What makes me happy is I don't have to pay 700 euros. I can go and spend my money wherever I want, and this is what makes me feel happy. I don't have any trouble." Victor (pictured below), a 28-year-old father who lives in a van nearby with his wife and young daughter, says his situation is more complicated. He is Colombian, but has lived here for a year. "I work here in the Old Town, serving the rich," he says. "My question is: if we are not here, who will serve these people?" He is keen to tell us there are no "bad people" at the camp - something workers at Sa Joveria were also keen to stress - and that he pays taxes. He has solar panels that provide a little power "to charge your phone", he says, and has to collect and carry water "every day"."We would have wanted to be in an apartment for the sake of my daughter," he says. "But this is the only option." He says he is in touch with authorities to see if there is anything that can be done to help his living situation, but he is not optimistic. "I need an alternative," he says. "But I'm not going to leave the island when my daughter was born here." Image captions SEWAGE On the other side of the island, at a beach opposite the famous party resort of San Antonio, a different problem is highlighted by IbizaPreservation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the conservation of Ibiza and its neighbouring smaller island of Formentera - which has also become a celebrity hotspot (landing Katy Perry in trouble) in recent years. IbizaPreservation's Sustainability Observatory co-ordinator Elisa Langley, who was born and raised in San Agustin, not far away, highlights recent closures of beaches due to sewage."In one year, we have had 21 episodes of pollution [across the island]," she says. "Waste waters directly to the sea or to the area of the beach." In 2010, 41 water sampling points at beaches around the island were classified as excellent, according to the foundation. However, in 2023, the number of points rated excellent quality had reduced by half to 21 - with 15 rated good and five rated sufficient. The island's sewage system is old and simply cannot cope during the peak months, IbizaPreservation says. There is currently not enough data to say for certain that increasing tourism is causing the problem of spills, Langley says, but it can't be helping. There are several key solutions that could make "a real difference", she adds, including setting capacity limits - restricting the number of flights, hotel beds and holiday rentals. "Ibiza also needs to protect its natural spaces by limiting access to fragile areas and investing in sustainable transport." Salvem Sa Badia de Portmany, an association dedicated to protecting the Bay of Portmany - the coastal section on the west of the island that includes San Antonio - says the island's sewage system becomes "overwhelmed when there is heavy rainfall and large amounts of greywater from showers and sinks being discharged"."The situation has consistently worsened," a spokesperson says. "As the infrastructure continues to age and the island grows more crowded each summer, the pressure on the system increases. Beaches are suffering - increasing signs of sewage contamination, foul odours, and decaying marine ecosystems are becoming common in the Bay of San Antonio."Seagrass meadows – vital for clean water and biodiversity – are being destroyed, mainly because of lack of controls on the nautic activities and because of the deficient sewage infrastructure. This is all at odds with Ibiza's public image as a pristine, luxury nature destination."Residents are constantly urged to save water, while tourists enjoy unlimited pools, showers, and daily towel services – a model of consumption that is completely unsustainable." While there have been "steps in the right direction" in terms of the tighter controls on short-term rentals, Langley says stricter regulation is also "essential" to help ease the housing crisis for residents and workers. "The main thing is that there is sufficient inspection activity and that cases are brought to a conclusion with exemplary fines for those who do not comply with the law." Langley says the island is near breaking point. "Without urgent action, Ibiza's fragile ecosystems and quality of life are at serious risk." Image captions WHAT NEXT? One person who has been vocal about the pressures is The Secret DJ – an anonymous British DJ and author who started working in Ibiza's clubs in the early 1990s, and moved permanently after Brexit. The problems are global problems, he says, but are magnified on a small island. "Ibiza is a microcosm... it's very wealthy, quite powerful in its own way. There's a lot of money here. It experiences the same problems as somewhere like London or New York, but it experiences them more intensely." There are many positives, he says, and cautions on "aggressive nostalgia" for past eras. "People talk of a golden era – 'oh, Ibiza's over'. They've been saying that for the entire time I've been here... when people idolise a place, they expect it to be frozen in amber. Each generation finds the Ibiza they're looking for." Privilege 2005 Privilege 2005 However, he says the problems created by increasing tourism can't be denied. "We have a very limited resource of water. It's desalinated, reclaimed water. An island that's barely 20 miles across does not have the resources for millions and millions of people." Roads have become increasingly clogged with traffic in recent years, he says, and there are pressures on the health service. "It's a tiny place that's hugely over-subscribed." But the DJ is keen to stress he loves the island, and his criticism is not the same as complaining. "I don't believe it's wrong to speak of difficulties, especially when they're now at almost like a fulcrum point, a turning point, where it's unsustainable. We're at the point where there's simply too many people." Of course, tourism is vital for Ibiza, creating thousands and thousands of jobs each year. Authorities are implementing measures to ease the pressures, but it's clear there is a problem, a housing crisis that appears to be getting worse, and a strain on the island's infrastructure. The island has always embraced its visitors, but with protests ramping up in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands, as well as in parts of mainland Spain - many are saying enough is enough. Image captions CREDITS Written and produced by: Gemma Peplow, culture reporter Saskia Lumley, video journalist Design Simona Pedrali Noy Amira Mutiara Pictures: Europa Press via AP iStock Paul Underhill/Pymca/Shutterstock Top Built with Shorthand 'I serve the rich but live in a van': Is Ibiza at breaking point? This content is provided by 'I serve the rich but live in a van': Is Ibiza at breaking point?, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. 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In an area of shrubland near to the main public hospital, a shanty town of wooden huts draped with tarpaulins heats up in the Ibiza sun. The backdrop of the island's beautiful Old Town is just a mile or so in the distance, but feels like a world away. Here at this makeshift camp in Sa Joveria, not far from the popular beach and party resort of Playa d'en Bossa, dozens of people are living with no electricity, no running water, no waste services, sharing spaces covering just a few square feet. It is the side to Ibiza most do not see. Behind the island's glitz and glamour lies a growing inequality crisis; reports of essential workers such as police officers among those staying in camps, living with friends or family, or even commuting from Majorca due to spiralling living costs fuelled in part by record-high tourism. This weekend, protests against over-tourism are planned across Ibiza, Majorca and areas of mainland Spain, following similar demonstrations last year. "We say enough to the destruction of the territory, to the precariousness, to the housing crisis, to the loss of rights," says the Menys Turisme Mes Vida (Less Tourism More Life) campaign group. "I know one person working two different jobs but living in a tent. Someone else paying 850 euros for a single room, now possibly having to share it because the landlord wants to put a bunk bed in... People sleeping on balconies, paying 500 euros a month. There are key workers desperate for accommodation, doctors pleading - I work in a hospital saving lives and I have nowhere to live." Ibiza resident In the camps in Ibiza, many people are nervous about speaking out. But Mohammed, from the territory of Western Sahara, invites us in. He tells us he works in construction and has been on the island for two-and-a-half years. He never expected to be living like this in Ibiza, he says. "It is hard. But it is better than living on the street." The 32-year-old is just one of an increasing number of local and foreign workers the island relies on, unable to afford space in a bedroom, let alone an apartment or a house. A friend pours out small glasses of traditional tea for us to sip as they huddle around a small table. The disparity between the wealth surrounding the area and the conditions they are living in is obvious, Mohammed acknowledges. "But what are you going to do?" HIPPIES TO THE SUPER RICH Millions of tourists head to the Balearic Islands each year. Like its neighbours Majorca and Menorca, Ibiza has the sun, sea and sand, but most who visit will tell you there is something more that draws them here. From the creatives escaping Franco's Spain in the 1930s to the hippies who set up in the 1960s, the White Isle has long been a haven for the unconventional, and many still come for the anything goes ethos. People are also here to party. Pacha, the island's first nightclub, opened in 1973 - and Wham!'s Club Tropicana video in 1983, filmed at the famous Pikes Hotel, cemented its party reputation. In recent years, Ibiza has increasingly become a luxury playground for the rich, with superyachts worth millions among the boats in the waters of Ibiza Town's port, and Instagrammable superclubs boasting VIP tables costing thousands of euros to secure. Tourism accounts for about 84% of the economy and is vital for the island, with tourist spending reaching 4.3bn euros in 2024, according to the Balearic Institute of Statistics (IBESTAT) - an increase of 62% since 2016. The number of tourists reached a record high of more than 3.7m for Ibiza and neighbouring Formentera in 2023 – an increase of almost 25% since 2016. Flights have also increased dramatically since the turn of the millennium, from just over 25,000 in 2000 to a record 66,000 scheduled this year, according to flights database OAG. Almost a fifth (18%) of these are from the UK - the biggest share after internal flights from the rest of Spain. Many residents and workers say the numbers have become unsustainable - that the island is at "breaking point". Environmental campaigners highlight beach closures due to sewage in recent years, while housing is a major issue across Spain generally as it struggles to balance a key driver of its economy with concerns over high rents due to gentrification, landlords shifting to more lucrative, short-term rentals or even leaving properties empty, and illegal sub-letting. Ibiza seems to be one of the places feeling this acutely. On property site Idealista, rooms in shared apartments have been advertised for 1,500 euros a month - we even found one advertised for the month of August for 4,000 euros. In the peak summer months in 2024, the cost of renting in the Balearic Islands was up by more than 20% year on 2023, according to the site, and the trend looks set to continue this summer. A recent Bank of Spain report said the country has a shortfall of 450,000 homes - and in the tourist hotspots such as the Balearics and Canary Islands, half the housing stock is tourist accommodation or properties owned by non-residents, it found. Authorities are putting measures in place to try and curb the problem. Heavy fines have reportedly been introduced for those not complying with laws, and in February, Consell d'Eivissa (Ibiza's island council) announced a deal with AirBnB to crack down on unregulated holiday lettings on its platform. Sky News understands more than 450 listings have been removed already as a result. A plan to limit cruise ship arrivals was announced last year, and new rules restricting the numbers of tourist cars and caravans during peak months also came into force at the beginning of June. But is it enough? 'MORE LUXURY, MORE EXPENSIVE' Jane Cull, an English teacher in a language school who has lived on the island for several years, has been staying with a friend while she finishes the term, after being told to leave her apartment at short notice. "I've been running around almost begging and feeling really humiliated, asking everybody I've ever known on the island if they can help me," she says. "Over the last few years, it's become increasingly difficult, because what you'd pay before for a whole apartment is what a lot of people are [now] paying for a room. And if you do find a room that's reasonably priced in the winter time, then you're kind of pushed out in the summer season, which has happened to me and many other teachers I know." She now faces a search for somewhere more permanent for the new term in September, which she says will be difficult as it is still a busy month for tourism. The island has changed, she says, but there is still much about it she loves. "I love the hippie kind of vibe and the history... but as time has gone on it's got very commercial," she says. "More fast-moving, more expensive, more luxury. It's changed a lot. I think that's part of life, around the world, but it's difficult to accept, especially if you planned your life until retirement here." "I am nearly 30 and live with my grandmother, husband and two children. We are used to tourists here and like tourists, but in the last few years things have become much more expensive. My friend still lives with her parents. We cannot be independent because we cannot afford to rent." Ibiza resident Dean Gallagher, who works several jobs - in teaching, property management, DJing and, most famously , snake catching - has been living here for 22 years. "There's lots of colourful people here and it's very liberal and laid-back, very progressive. You can walk down the street and bump into literally anyone - celebrities, hippies, DJs, and [in the north] it's very calm and quiet and peaceful. It's not all about intense hedonism." But he says the housing problem needs to be addressed. He rents a "humble" property but says he would find it impossible to buy even a studio flat, despite working several jobs. "Over the last six or seven years, I've seen rents literally double... I know people, key workers, affected by this, people we really need for security, for healthcare, and they're living in terrible conditions, some of them... Ibiza's a popular island, I understand that, but key workers need a place to live." "People are really struggling. I think there needs to be a balance. Wealthy people can come here and buy, but they also need to give something." Even the invasive snakes he is known for catching on the island are a symptom of the problem, he says. "When people move here... they've brought palm trees and moreover olive trees from the mainland, which unfortunately had a few stowaways. Those stowaways were snake eggs. They hatched here, multiplied, and now the island is plagued with them." Many property owners choose to rent to tourists or even keep homes empty over letting long-term, he says, to avoid the risk of tenants potentially not paying rent, and the complications that come with that. AirBnB, which is working with authorities on lettings breaking rules, also says empty homes are the biggest problem. Short-term lets have decreased by almost 29% in the last four years, a spokesperson said - "whereas there are now four times more empty homes than tourist homes in Ibiza". Ibiza, like most other small islands, has a "very delicate ecosystem", Dean adds. "And over-building and over-decadence can cause problems in very delicate ecosystems. If [Ibiza] gets too up to date with the rest of the world, [it becomes] a lot like a rich neighbourhood in a big city, then it's kind of losing its specialness. I think everyone is entitled to progress and make money, but we do need to conserve what's really special about this place." ' WEALTH, FAME - IT ATTRACTS CRIME' For police officer Rafael Gimenez, who was born and raised in Ibiza, the spiralling cost of living became too much. After three years of policing here, he moved to Aragon, in mainland Spain, at the end of 2023, with his wife and two sons. "The quality of life has dropped dramatically for residents especially," he says. "I have two children and I believe that for the moment, how Ibiza is, I cannot give them a good quality of life here." The island is not big enough to sustain the level of tourism it sees now, he says. "I think the core issue is [tourism] massification because along with massification comes everything – the rising prices, the collapse of infrastructures, environmental issues, like a lack of water supply for people, the destruction of the natural environment." He says he also felt there were issues with tackling crime. In recent years, there have been reports of criminals targeting the wealthy and luxury accommodation - such as in 2024, when three people suspected of being part of a criminal gang targeting villas, including one rented by British broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, were arrested by Spanish authorities. "Ibiza is attracting a lot people who are very wealthy, a lot of famous people, and of course that attracts the attention of criminal organisations. I was experiencing a lot of alerts regarding breaking into houses, violent robberies of watches, and of course this means that Ibiza as well is becoming like a criminal organisation's place of operations." Gimenez and his mother, Xaquelina Ana Perry, are members of Prou Eivissa (Enough Ibiza), a campaign group calling for an end to overtourism. She says the accommodation crisis is now "really out of control", and like others we spoke to, says she is aware of hotel workers, sanitary workers and even police officers living in camps in recent years. "The island relies on these workers, doesn't it?" she says. "We need people to serve the restaurants, clean the hotels, we need teachers. But if there's no accommodation, [some have] got no choice but to live like this, to earn a living." Prou Eivissa, she stresses, is not about against the tourism that for many years ran in sync with the island. "What we are is against the [current] model of tourism and the massification of tourism, because this island is beautiful." WHAT IS BEING DONE? Fines In April, the island's council said it continued its "unprecedented fight" against illegal tourist lettings. More staff are being hired to pursue and process sanctions against illegal rentals, it said - with potential fines going up to 500,000 euros. AirBnB deal AirBnB has said implementing mandatory registration for all new short-term rental listings is a testament to its commitment to Ibiza, "promoting responsible accommodation and ensuring locals share in the tourist economy". The site says it works with authorities in Ibiza to combat illegal listings "and foster a transparent tourism ecosystem". A spokesperson said this would continue to "make tourism a positive force for the island". Cruise ships According to IbizaPreservation, 188 cruise ships arrived at Ibiza port in 2023. In September 2024, the island's council said it would limit numbers to allow no more than two to dock at any one time. Vehicle limit A cap of 20,168 on non-resident vehicles is now in force until September, to "correct an unsustainable situation" of exponential growth over the last 25 years, the island council has said. 'I SERVE THE RICH' At a camp in Es Gorg, also near to Playa d'en Bossa and the OId Town, the scene is different to Sa Joveria. Here, dozens of people are living in vans, caravans and campervans, rather than huts. One man, Charlie, 48, from Seville, is a children's entertainer by day and cleans the streets overnight, working until about 4am. With his little dog entertaining with tricks, he tells us he does not want to pay "really expensive rent" - having seen balconies rented for people to sleep on for 700 euros - and is happy here in his caravan, living a more nomadic lifestyle. "Ibiza has a kind of special energy," he says. "What makes me happy is I don't have to pay 700 euros. I can go and spend my money wherever I want, and this is what makes me feel happy. I don't have any trouble." Victor (pictured below), a 28-year-old father who lives in a van nearby with his wife and young daughter, says his situation is more complicated. He is Colombian, but has lived here for a year. "I work here in the Old Town, serving the rich," he says. "My question is: if we are not here, who will serve these people?" He is keen to tell us there are no "bad people" at the camp - something workers at Sa Joveria were also keen to stress - and that he pays taxes. He has solar panels that provide a little power "to charge your phone", he says, and has to collect and carry water "every day". "We would have wanted to be in an apartment for the sake of my daughter," he says. "But this is the only option." He says he is in touch with authorities to see if there is anything that can be done to help his living situation, but he is not optimistic. "I need an alternative," he says. "But I'm not going to leave the island when my daughter was born here." SEWAGE On the other side of the island, at a beach opposite the famous party resort of San Antonio, a different problem is highlighted by IbizaPreservation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the conservation of Ibiza and its neighbouring smaller island of Formentera - which has also become a celebrity hotspot (landing Katy Perry in trouble) in recent years. IbizaPreservation's Sustainability Observatory co-ordinator Elisa Langley, who was born and raised in San Agustin, not far away, highlights recent closures of beaches due to sewage. "In one year, we have had 21 episodes of pollution [across the island]," she says. "Waste waters directly to the sea or to the area of the beach." In 2010, 41 water sampling points at beaches around the island were classified as excellent, according to the foundation. However, in 2023, the number of points rated excellent quality had reduced by half to 21 - with 15 rated good and five rated sufficient. The island's sewage system is old and simply cannot cope during the peak months, IbizaPreservation says. There is currently not enough data to say for certain that increasing tourism is causing the problem of spills, Langley says, but it can't be helping. There are several key solutions that could make "a real difference", she adds, including setting capacity limits - restricting the number of flights, hotel beds and holiday rentals. "Ibiza also needs to protect its natural spaces by limiting access to fragile areas and investing in sustainable transport." Salvem Sa Badia de Portmany, an association dedicated to protecting the Bay of Portmany - the coastal section on the west of the island that includes San Antonio - says the island's sewage system becomes "overwhelmed when there is heavy rainfall and large amounts of greywater from showers and sinks being discharged". "The situation has consistently worsened," a spokesperson says. "As the infrastructure continues to age and the island grows more crowded each summer, the pressure on the system increases. Beaches are suffering - increasing signs of sewage contamination, foul odours, and decaying marine ecosystems are becoming common in the Bay of San Antonio. "Seagrass meadows – vital for clean water and biodiversity – are being destroyed, mainly because of lack of controls on the nautic activities and because of the deficient sewage infrastructure. This is all at odds with Ibiza's public image as a pristine, luxury nature destination. "Residents are constantly urged to save water, while tourists enjoy unlimited pools, showers, and daily towel services – a model of consumption that is completely unsustainable." While there have been "steps in the right direction" in terms of the tighter controls on short-term rentals, Langley says stricter regulation is also "essential" to help ease the housing crisis for residents and workers. "The main thing is that there is sufficient inspection activity and that cases are brought to a conclusion with exemplary fines for those who do not comply with the law." Langley says the island is near breaking point. "Without urgent action, Ibiza's fragile ecosystems and quality of life are at serious risk." WHAT NEXT? One person who has been vocal about the pressures is The Secret DJ – an anonymous British DJ and author who started working in Ibiza's clubs in the early 1990s, and moved permanently after Brexit. The problems are global problems, he says, but are magnified on a small island. "Ibiza is a microcosm... it's very wealthy, quite powerful in its own way. There's a lot of money here. It experiences the same problems as somewhere like London or New York, but it experiences them more intensely." There are many positives, he says, and cautions on "aggressive nostalgia" for past eras. "People talk of a golden era – 'oh, Ibiza's over'. They've been saying that for the entire time I've been here... when people idolise a place, they expect it to be frozen in amber. Each generation finds the Ibiza they're looking for." However, he says the problems created by increasing tourism can't be denied. "We have a very limited resource of water. It's desalinated, reclaimed water. An island that's barely 20 miles across does not have the resources for millions and millions of people." Roads have become increasingly clogged with traffic in recent years, he says, and there are pressures on the health service. "It's a tiny place that's hugely over-subscribed." But the DJ is keen to stress he loves the island, and his criticism is not the same as complaining. "I don't believe it's wrong to speak of difficulties, especially when they're now at almost like a fulcrum point, a turning point, where it's unsustainable. We're at the point where there's simply too many people." Of course, tourism is vital for Ibiza, creating thousands and thousands of jobs each year. Authorities are implementing measures to ease the pressures, but it's clear there is a problem, a housing crisis that appears to be getting worse, and a strain on the island's infrastructure. The island has always embraced its visitors, but with protests ramping up in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands, as well as in parts of mainland Spain - many are saying enough is enough. CREDITS Written and produced by: Gemma Peplow, culture reporter Saskia Lumley, video journalist Design Simona Pedrali Noy Amira Mutiara Pictures: Europa Press via AP iStock Paul Underhill/Pymca/Shutterstock Top Built with Shorthand
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
'Totally unfair': Airbnb fights back over protests
A leading Airbnb executive has said it is 'totally unfair' to blame the firm for 'over-tourism' in Europe. Theo Yedinsky, vice-president for public policy at the American company, has accused regulators and residents of 'scapegoating' the app. The US giant, which allows jetsetters to book short-term home rentals, has been accused of causing overcrowding in holiday hotspots. But Yedinsky instead pointed the finger at hotels. Tourist levels have angered those living in major European cities, who complain that Airbnb has pushed up rents and reduced the permanent housing on offer for residents. It has even led to protests by locals in Barcelona, Amsterdam, Malaga and Santorini. Yedinsky told the Financial Times: 'We end up getting a lot of the blame, especially in city centres. The reality is overtourism is really driven by the hotels.' In Barcelona, where officials have ordered nearly 66,000 properties to be wiped from the app, Yedinsky told the newspaper the mayor should 'look at hotels' and 'build more housing'. 'They are scapegoating Airbnb. They are attacking a fraction of the problem and then wondering why it's not getting better,' he said. The app claims it helps local communities as it supports families who want to let their property to make ends meet, as well as boosting tourism to areas outside of main cities. But it has garnered many critics. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez earlier this year said 'there are too many Airbnbs and not enough homes'. Although most holidaymakers stay in hotels compared to short-term rentals, critics are concerned with the rapid growth of these properties. Visitors stayed in short lets for 715m nights compared to 1.9bn staying in hotels, according to data from the European Union. Apps such as Airbnb – founded in 2008 by Brian Chesky, Nathan Blecharczyk and Joe Gebbia – were effectively banned in New York in 2023. Closer to home, residents in tourist destinations incluyding Devon and Cornwall have complained that more landlords are letting properties to holidaymakers while locals struggle to find affordable homes. Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall Ben Maguire earlier this month claimed 'too many local families are being priced out while homes sit empty or churned through weekly rentals'.
