Tourist Attraction: Binibeca Vell, often compared to "the Spanish Mykonos," attracts nearly 800,000 tourists annually. This small, picturesque village on Menorca island is known for its whitewashed houses, quaint alleys, and clear blue waters, making it a popular spot in Spain's Balearic Islands.

 Tourists walk in the village of Binibequer on the coast of Menorca. Binibequer Vell, Spain, June 25, 2023; Tourists walk in the village of Binibequer on the coast on the Spanish island of Menorca. Binibeca Vell, stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
source: istock

Impact on Local Residents

  • Overwhelmed Community: The influx of tourists is overwhelming for the village’s 200 residents. Oscar Monge, leader of a local residents' group, expresses the community’s desire for a quieter environment. Some visitors disturb locals by climbing walls and entering homes without permission.
  • New Visiting Hours: To manage the situation, residents have restricted visiting hours for tourists from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. On August 15, they will vote on whether to ban visitors entirely, which has sparked a debate among locals about the potential impact on businesses.

 

Broader Over Tourism Issues

  • Growing Tourist Numbers: The Balearic Islands saw a record 17.8 million visitors last year, with numbers expected to rise. This has led to concerns about the negative social impacts of tourism, such as noise, traffic, and pollution.
  • Local Protests: In late May, residents of Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza protested against overtourism, using the slogan "Our islands are not for sale." They highlighted issues like rising housing costs due to apartments being converted into tourist accommodations.

 dawn over fishing village an early morning shot of the famous white village of Binibeca Vell in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) which is a popular tourist destination. A ginger cat stands guard in the foreground. This image could also represent "holiday home", "apartment", "a place by the sea", and "mediterranean". Binibeca Vell, stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
source: istock

Measures to Control Tourism

  • Local Restrictions: Various measures have been implemented across the Balearic Islands to control tourism. Some towns in Mallorca and Ibiza have restricted alcohol sales after 9:30 pm and banned street drinking. Palma’s mayor plans to ban new tourist accommodations and limit cruise ship arrivals, while Ibiza is tightening rules for party boats.
  • Expert Committee: The regional government has set up a committee of experts to create a sustainable tourism plan. This is challenging in a region where tourism accounts for 45 percent of the income, but it’s seen as necessary to maintain residents' quality of life.

 Picturesque village of Binibequer on the coast on the Spanish island of Minorca. Binibequer Vell, Spain, June 25, 2023; Picturesque village of Binibequer on the coast on the Spanish island of Minorca. Binibeca Vell, stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images
source: istock

Future of Tourism in Binibeca Vell

  • Upcoming Vote: The residents of Binibeca Vell are preparing to vote on the future of tourism in their village. The outcome will likely influence broader strategies for managing tourism across the Balearic Islands.
  • Seeking Balance: Both lawmakers and locals agree that finding a balance is essential to preserve the region's natural beauty and ensure a good quality of life for its residents.