Armed riot police clashed with anti-tourism protesters in Mallorca on July 26, 2026, as demonstrations in the island's capital, Palma, turned violent. More than 25,000 people participated in the protest, voicing their opposition to the influx of holidaymakers. Protesters claim the popular tourist destination has reached its limit, arguing that the high volume of visitors has negatively impacted their quality of life.
During the demonstrations, protesters were seen leaping over barriers and throwing bottles at police. In response, authorities deployed riot police with shields and used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Footage from the event showed officers striking some protesters with batons. Demonstrators carried signs with messages such as "tourists go home," "tourism = destruction," "save Majorca," and "less tourism, more life." One banner depicted a gun with the text "Forced to live in struggle."
This marks the third consecutive summer with significant anti-tourism protests on the island. Earlier in July, anti-tourism groups faced criticism after releasing a guide that encouraged targeting businesses within the tourism sector. Groups identified as Menys Turisme, Més Vida (Less Tourism, More Life) and Arran Mallorca published a "Manual for Action Against Touristification," which suggested methods for "non-violent direct action" against what they described as a "system that is suffocating us."
The manual reportedly advised protesters to target tourism signage, estate agents, and hotels, and included suggestions for blocking access to holiday rentals. It also provided guidance on planning escape routes, scouting locations, avoiding security cameras, and adopting specific clothing and appearance to obscure identity. The guide encouraged participants to document their actions for social media sharing.
Following the publication of the manual, several prominent tourism organizations in the Balearic Islands condemned the proposed actions. The Majorca Hoteliers Federation, the College of Estate Agents, and the Confederation of Balearic Business Associations (CAEB) criticized the guidance. A statement from the hotel federation indicated that while defending ideas is valid, the methods suggested moved beyond disagreement toward "vandalism and sabotage." The president of the College of Estate Agents stated that such actions do not contribute to public discourse but instead foster a climate of confrontation. The CAEB characterized the guidance as encouraging intimidating and unjustified actions.