Latest news with #BalearicIslands
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Another holiday hotspot cracks down on overtourism
From 1 June to 30 September, Ibiza is capping the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents at 20,168 to combat overtourism. Of the vehicle permits, 16,000 are for rental cars, and 4,168 are for private tourist vehicles arriving by ferry, which require a €1 (84p) daily permit obtained online. Caravans must show proof of campsite booking and are banned from wild camping or unauthorised parking. The Ibiza Island Council introduced the cap to promote sustainable tourism, aligning with Balearic government goals. Motorcycles are exempt. Mallorca has also introduced restrictions, with Soller implementing "residents only" traffic zones, prohibiting hire cars from driving through its historic centre.
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Ibiza caps tourist cars and caravans to control crowds this summer
Holidaymakers using hire cars will face new restrictions in Ibiza this summer amid an island crackdown on overtourism. From 1 June to 30 September, the daily number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. According to Euronews, 16,000 of the 20,168 vehicle permits will be given to rental cars operating on the island. The other 4,168 permits are reserved for private tourist vehicles arriving via ferry from ports including Barcelona, Palma and Valencia. These vehicles will need to apply for a permit – €1 (84p) per day – online before they travel to Ibiza during peak season. Caravans are also included in the new rules, with travellers required to show proof of a campsite booking before they enter. The vehicles will no longer be allowed onto the island for wild camping or unauthorised parking. Consell Insular d'Eivissa, the Ibiza Island Council, introduced the cap in line with Balearic government goals to promote more sustainable tourism. As it stands, motorcycles are exempt from Ibiza's seasonal vehicle restrictions. The popular Balearic island has around 160,000 residents but welcomes more than 3.6 million tourists annually. As of 2023, there were 160,835 vehicles on the island – over a vehicle per person – which is a 78.1 per cent increase since 2003, according to the Ibiza Sustainability Report 2023. Ibiza isn't the first Balearic island to show a red light to rental vehicles. Tourists visiting one of Mallorca 's most popular towns will no longer be allowed to drive through its historic centre after 'residents only' traffic zones were introduced. The local council in Soller aims to ease traffic with designated areas exclusively for vehicles registered to residents across 12 of its busiest streets.
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Ibiza launches new ban to combat overtourism - as thousands of Brits risk being affected
Ibiza has introduced a major new rule designed to combat overtourism on the popular Spanish island. The island is now limiting the number of tourist cars and caravans that can visit. In place from June 1, the rule is set to run until September 30 throughout peak season in Ibiza. During the four-month period, only 20,168 vehicles used by non-residents will be allowed on the island. Up to 16,000 of these can be rental cars while the other 4,108 will be for tourists who travel by ferry to the island with their own vehicle. Tourists who want to take their own car to Ibiza will need to obtain a permit at a cost of €1/84p per day. Caravan owners will need to provide evidence of a campsite booking and won't be allowed into Ibiza if they plan to wild camp at the side of the road. The rule has been introduced in an attempt to combat overtourism in Ibiza. The island is now limiting the number of tourist cars and caravans that can visit to combat overtourism Although Ibiza has just 160,000 residents, it gets more than three million tourists per year. As the number of tourists has risen, more cars have hit the road, causing congestion across the island. Ibiza has recently seen protests against tourism with locals complaining that the industry has caused housing to become unaffordable. Last year, more than 1,000 protestors took to the streets in Ibiza to rage against mass tourism. Ibiza has already introduced tough rules to curb rowdy and drunken behaviour around the island. In San Antonio, one of the island's main party destinations, people are no longer allowed to drink on the street. Shops that sell alcohol have to close between 9:30pm and 8am and people can be fined up to €1,500 /£1,266 if their drinking disrupts the peace. The tough drinking rules are also in place in popular party destinations in Majorca, another Balearic island. Up to 16,000 of the cars allowed can be rental vehicles while the other 4,108 will be for tourists who travel by ferry to the island with their own vehicle It's thought that Majorca will also introduce restrictions on tourist vehicles with a ban possible from summer 2026. And a similar scheme is already in place on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. The region uses an alternate number plate scheme where vehicles that end in odd numbers can be driven on odd days and those that end in even numbers can hit the road on the others. The restrictions are in place during peak season in the popular Italian destination to combat congestion.
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Destino Five Ibiza Hotel debuts five-star transformation
Destino Five Ibiza reopens June 2025 as a five-star luxury icon, blending Bohemian spirit, world-class entertainment, and sustainable, conscious hospitality. IBIZA – Destino Five Ibiza, a jewel of The Pacha Group's legendary hospitality empire, announces its elevation to prestigious Five-Star status following a transformative winter renovation. Reopening its doors on 1 June 2025, the iconic hotel emerges reborn, redefining luxury, sophistication, and unforgettable experiences along Ibiza's breathtaking coastline. The hotel is a shimmering hotspot where Ibiza's untamed, free-spirited soul collides with irreverent hedonism in a heady blend of effortless Bohemian vibes and high-gloss opulence, conjured by The Pacha Group's storied, shape-shifting legacy. Destino Five Ibiza's extensive transformation encompasses a complete redesign of its 159 rooms and suites, each meticulously crafted with refined contemporary aesthetics. Long admired for their expansive private terraces and XL pools, the iconic Cherry Vista and Cherry Suites continue to offer panoramic views of Ibiza's sparkling shores and lush landscapes, a signature blend of luxury and island charm that remains timeless. Enhancing the experience even further, Destino Five Ibiza now features a fire pit for starlit evenings, a fantastic outdoor gym, and an iconic open-air stage that will host blockbuster performances under the open sky. Destino Five Ibiza's culinary scene is as vibrant as the island itself, with standout destinations designed to delight the senses. Set on a breezy finca-style terrace, Cielo serves vibrant flavours from breakfast through lunch, with live music to enhance the mood. Mornings begin with a lavish breakfast spread, featuring live cooking stations and Mediterranean favourites, while lunches offer light, flavourful salads, grilled seafood, artisanal flatbreads, and shareable plates that include the signature paella. Elia, the Greek dining experience on a gorgeous terrace by the sea, unfolds with sweeping views and front-row seats to Ibiza's most iconic sunsets. From the freshest catch of the day to expertly grilled meats and vibrant small plates, each dish is a celebration of Mediterranean culinary tradition, elevated by a curated selection of fine wines, signature cocktails and sultry soundtracks. Playa Pacha at Destino Five Ibiza is a decadent, poolside playground complete with loungers, signature cocktails, and Mediterranean bites. Embracing a family-friendly spirit by day, the resort invites sunseekers of every age, with guests of the Pacha Hotel also welcome to enjoy themselves and make a splash. Entertainment, a cornerstone of Destino Five Ibiza, is elevated with a spectacular open-air stage hosting some of the world's most celebrated artists. Guests booking their stays directly with the hotel also receive complimentary access to all Pacha ICONS events at Destino Five Ibiza as well as all events at Pacha Ibiza, the island's legendary nightclub, home to electrifying events including residencies with Sonny Fodera, CamelPhat, Blond:ish, Mau P, Defected, Marco Carola, Robin Schulz, Flower Power with Bora Uzer and Solomun. And while the sonic experience stays true to its electric spirit, new and elevated adult-only VIP spaces promise an even more exclusive vantage point for Ibiza's most talked-about destination. Pacha ICONS officially begins on Thursday, 19 June 2025 with a thunderous grand opening, headlined by techno master Marco Carola and Grammy-nominated house alchemist CamelPhat returning to command the decks. Carola's Music On residency also returns to the venue in full force as an unmissable ritual of rhythm and connection on; June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28 and Solomun closes out Pacha ICONS on September 25. Guests of Destino Five Ibiza receive complimentary access to all Pacha ICONS events, ensuring an exclusive front-row experience to the island's most iconic music nights. Beyond its gorgeous suites, world-class music, and hypnotic vistas, Destino Five Ibiza continues to lead as a beacon of conscious luxury. The hotel now runs on 100% Green Power, conserves millions of litres of water through state-of-the-art recycling and reduction measures, and has achieved a 46% reduction in carbon footprint. Upholding a commitment to local suppliers, Destino Five Ibiza enables The Pacha Group's sourcing of fresh produce from the island through Ibiza's 0 KM program. In step with The Pacha Group's commitment to sustainability, Destino Five Ibiza is proudly registered with the US Green Building Council, targeting LEED Gold or Higher certification – proof that this reborn icon thoughtfully impacts the island of Ibiza with an eye to the future. Booking a stay at Destino Five Ibiza grants complimentary access to Pacha Ibiza, subject to availability and venue capacity. Access is restricted to guests aged 18 and over. To enhance your experience, we recommend arriving before 1AM. Complimentary access does not include VIP entry, reserved seating, or additional benefits. Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations at Destino Five Ibiza now offer exclusive flexibility with 'Book Now, Pay Later' options, complemented by personalised enhancements including private airport transfers, champagne on arrival, and bespoke wellness experiences.
Travel Daily News
5 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
TUI Airways takes flight from Southampton Airport for first time in 15 years
TUI Airways resumes Southampton to Palma flights after 15 years, supporting summer travel demand and enhancing Marella Cruises' Mediterranean itineraries. TUI Airways has resumed its flights from Southampton Airport to Palma De Mallorca, marking the first departure in 15 years. The inaugural full flight took off yesterday (Tuesday, 27th May), reconnecting travellers with the largest and sunniest of the Balearic Islands. This weekly service will operate until the end of September, perfectly complementing Marella Cruises' eagerly awaited summer program. The reintroduced route offers holidaymakers and cruise enthusiasts a seamless connection to Mallorca's stunning beaches, vibrant cultural attractions, and delightful Mediterranean climate Gavin Williams, Managing Director at Southampton Airport, said: 'Our passengers were hugely excited when the return of TUI was first announced last year. It was fantastic to see our passengers on the first services which provides an exciting new travel opportunity for the Central South region. We look forward to welcoming more passengers on this flight as we continue to expand and enhance our travel options.' TUI UK's Director of Flight Capacity Management Aviation Planning Karen Switzer said: 'We are extremely excited to see the return of TUI Airways to Southampton Airport to reconnect travellers with the vibrant corner of the world that is Palma. We understand how important it is for customers to have access to flights from their local airports, and this latest addition brings the number of regional airport that TUI Airways fly from to 24. We look forward to welcoming customers on board from May next year and taking them away on their dream Mallorcan holiday.' For those looking to set sail soon, Marella Cruises sailings will include Mediterranean itineraries aboard Marella Discovery, 'Cosmopolitan Classics' departing from Palma, Majorca and calling at Cagliari, Sardinia, Naples (for Pompeii and Capri), Italy, Piombino (for Siena and Pisa), Italy, Villefranche (for Monaco and Nice, France, Palamos, Spain and finishing up once again in Palma.
