Ibiza Residents Protest Overtourism, Citing Housing Crisis and Infrastructure Strain
Over 100 residents of Ibiza, led by the grassroots Ibiza Youth Association, staged a protest at Cala Saladeta beach to highlight the severe impact of overtourism on their island. The demonstration aimed to reclaim public spaces and draw attention to the socio-economic pressures faced by year-round residents. A significant issue is the housing emergency, driven by the proliferation of short-term holiday rentals and luxury real estate developments. This has priced out essential service personnel, including hospitality workers, drivers, and restaurant staff, with some individuals reportedly forced to live in their vehicles. Local families are struggling to compete with lucrative holiday apps and speculative investors who convert permanent homes into high-yield seasonal commodities, leading to the hollowing out of historic neighborhoods and impacting local schools and community centers. Additionally, the island's infrastructure, including water supplies, waste management, and roadways, is under severe strain d... 
