Locals in Spain resort use fake tips and warnings to scare off tourists

Anelya Kupbayeva Correspondent

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Tengrinews.kz – Residents of Spain’s popular resort island of Mallorca have begun resorting to unusual tactics to reduce the growing influx of tourists.

Facing overcrowded beaches, traffic congestion, and overwhelmed infrastructure, some locals have launched a protest movement — using misleading social media posts and fake warning signs to push back against mass tourism.

On TikTok and Instagram, videos promoting so-called "hidden gems" are gaining traction. These posts claim to reveal secluded beaches for tourists to explore — but many of the suggested locations are nowhere near the coast.

For instance, Son Gotleu and Son Roca are residential areas in Palma, with the former known as a troubled neighborhood and the latter as a densely populated working-class district. Son Banya Korea and La Soledad, also listed as "must-see spots", are far from idyllic — one of them is even linked to local drug activity.

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Offline, activists have taken things a step further. On real beaches, signs have appeared in English warning tourists of supposed dangers: toxic jellyfish, collapsing cliffs, and contaminated water.

But a closer look reveals small print in Catalan clarifying that there’s no real threat — and that the beach remains open, "only for locals".

Some residents have even posted videos alleging crocodile sightings in the sea, hoping to deter potential visitors.

@mallorcaentiktok Hacía rato que no veíamos cocodrilos por Mallorca #mallorca #cocodrilos #palma #palmademallorca ♬ Fake Shark Attack - TikTok

What’s driving the protests?

Local media report that Mallorca is on the brink of environmental and social exhaustion. During peak season, popular beaches like Platja de Palma and Caló des Moro become packed to the point where finding a spot to sit is nearly impossible, and public transport often struggles to cope.

@mallorcaentiktok Es lo mismo cada año pero aún así me me sorprenden los nuevos recursos que usan para delimitar su territorio #mallorca ##palmademallorca##santjoan##sanjuan ♬ Theme from the Walking Dead - Bear McCreary

Activists are now calling for policy changes — including restrictions on access to natural sites. They cite the example of Amelia, a town in Italy’s Umbria region, where entry to some beaches is only possible through advance booking.

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