Menorca residents take action to limit tourist intrusion in Binibeca Vell

Residents in Binibeca Vell, a town in Menorca, are upset with tourists coming into their private areas. They put up chains to keep visitors out before 11am and after 8pm. The residents feel that the local authorities are not controlling tourism well, so they took matters into their own hands. They are frustrated because they pay a lot for being a popular tourist spot but don't see many benefits. The Balearic Islands, where Menorca is located, had almost 18 million tourists in 2023, with 14.4 million being foreigners, mostly Germans and Brits. Some tourists have been disrespectful by entering locals' homes, climbing balconies, and taking photos without permission. This has led to tensions between residents and tourists. In response to the growing number of tourists, some residents in Ibiza and Majorca have protested, demanding limits on visitor numbers. They feel that mass tourism is pushing locals out and making it hard for families to afford living in these areas. The government is considering taking action to address the issue of too many tourists and unregulated rental properties. Overall, residents in popular tourist destinations like Menorca are feeling overwhelmed by the increasing number of visitors and the lack of control over tourism. They are taking steps to protect their privacy and quality of life, while also calling for better regulations to manage tourism more effectively.