Residents of the picturesque Spanish village of Binibeca Vell on the island of Menorca have publicly condemned tourists for trespassing on private property and engaging in disrespectful behavior, primarily to capture social media-worthy photographs. The village's official Instagram account has been used to share videos and images of crowds clogging narrow streets and visitors climbing on homes and walls without permission.
In a statement, the village's official Instagram account declared, 'TOURISTS, GO HOME...if you come here without respect.' The message clarified that while tourism is welcome, irresponsible behavior such as disrespecting the community, disturbing residents, entering private spaces, or treating homes like photo sets is not.
Footage shared by locals shows visitors posing in stairwells, perching on walls, and sitting in front of residents' doors. Some tourists have been documented climbing onto whitewashed, gated homes. The excessive stopping by visitors to take photos frequently obstructs residents' ability to move freely through the village.
Binibeca Vell, a private housing development designed to resemble a traditional Greek village, was built in 1964. It features narrow alleyways and 165 white properties. The village now attracts over 800,000 visitors annually, leading to strained conditions for its approximately 200 residents.
The residents' association, with the support of the Sant Lluís Town Council, has implemented measures to manage the influx of tourists. Visiting hours were previously restricted to between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., but currently, access is permitted from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Outside of these hours, residents often chain off the entrances to the private community.
Residents have voiced frustration over daily occurrences of people sitting on their steps, requiring them to ask individuals to move so they can access their homes. The village's tranquil atmosphere is also impacted, with signs requesting silence posted throughout the town. Residents have also posted pleas on social media, asking visitors not to climb walls or houses for photos and to help maintain the village's appearance by keeping the white walls clean and using bins.
Oscar Monge, President of the Community of Property Owners in Binibeca Vell, stated that the cost of maintaining the village's pristine white facades, which are frequently smudged by people touching them, amounts to approximately €100,000 annually. He suggested that without the high volume of visitors, this maintenance might only be necessary every two to three years.
The surge in popularity is partly attributed to social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where the hashtag #Binibeca generates significant engagement. In 2024, a referendum was held among residents regarding a potential complete ban on tourists, with one-third of the roughly 200 residents voting in favor of such a measure. However, this proposal did not gain majority support.
The community is reportedly considering hiring private security to manage the situation further. Despite the challenges, residents emphasize that they welcome responsible tourists but are determined to protect their community from the negative effects of disruptive visitor behavior.