Thousands of sunbeds removed from Majorca beaches amid local backlash
As Majorca tackles an anti-tourist backlash, almost 2,000 sun loungers are being removed from some of the island's most popular beaches, including the famous Playa de Palma.
The move comes after local residents expressed frustration over overcrowded beaches, struggling to find space for their own towels amidst rows of pay-per-use loungers and umbrellas.
Playa de Palma, a six-kilometre-long hotspot, has seen its sun lounger numbers cut significantly, from 6,000 in 2024 down to 4,436 in 2025, with further reductions planned for 2026. Pic:Other beaches like Cala Major and Cala Estància are also seeing sunbed and parasol numbers trimmed, while Cab Pere Antoni city beach is facing a drastic halving of its sun lounger availability.
The changes come at a time when tensions between tourists over limited sunbathing spots have already been rising, as videos of holidaymakers vying for prime positions frequently surface on social media.
Adding to the mix, there are plans to introduce more expensive 'Premium loungers' on Playa de Palma and Cala Major – but of course, at a cost.
This crackdown on beach furniture is part of a wider anti-tourism campaign gaining momentum in Palma, with up to 60 organizations set to stage a large-scale protest in the city this week.
Irish holidaymakers heading to Majorca this summer should prepare for fewer sun loungers and a changing beach experience.
Elsewhere, Irish holidaymakers heading to Portugal this summer are being warned they could face fines of up to €1,800 for wearing bikinis or swimwear in the streets of Albufeira.
The popular Algarve resort has introduced stricter regulations to crack down on rowdy tourist behaviour, particularly during weekends, when the area sees an influx of partygoers.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this week, Air and Travel magazine editor Eoghan Corry said locals have 'had enough' of what they view as disrespectful conduct by visitors. Beachgoers sunbathe and swim at Oura beach in Albufeira, Algarve region, Portugal. Pic: Getty
'What they've done is taken existing regulations, beefed them up a little, and introduced a few new ones.
'The main focus is on drunkenness and absolutely obnoxious behaviour late at night.'
Among the rules being more strictly enforced is a ban on wearing bikinis and swimwear away from the beach, with penalties starting at €500 and rising to as much as €1,800.
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