Who is the “Spanish Mykonos” that is preparing to ban tourists from entering it forever?

It was back in April when the residents of the coastal resort of Binibeca Vell in Menorca decided to allow tourists into their village during… hours. Specifically, they decided they didn’t want “outsiders” before 11am and after 8pm. The reason? Visitors to the village were entering their backyards and making a lot of noise, trying to find the perfect spot to take Instagram photos. This infuriated them, so they declared “tourist hours.”

Binibeca Vell, a picturesque coastal village on the Balearic island of Menorca, was built in the 1960s by Catalan architect Francisco Joan Barba Corsini and has over the years become one of the most popular destinations for travellers. It is estimated that around 800,000 tourists visit it every year, while the British call Binibeca Vell the “Spanish Mykonos”.

With its beautiful beaches, Menorca has become a popular tourist destination. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

However, despite the schedule, the permanent residents of the village of Binibeca Vale were unable to find peace until this summer. They recently posted photos on social media where tourists can be seen climbing onto balconies, jumping into yards and climbing private ladders, looking for the best spot to take a photo.

So, on Friday, August 16, the village’s permanent residents will vote on whether they need to ban tourists altogether.

A picturesque Spanish village is fed up with selfie-seeking tourists and will hold a vote on whether to ban visitors altogether. https://t.co/SBFVJW5Ave

– LBC (@LBC) August 16, 2024

But the move has sparked backlash, particularly from businessmen in the region who say such a ban would be disastrous for their jobs and finances.

However, the whole island of Menorca seems to have a similar problem with tourists. A few weeks ago, locals “occupied” a beach, forming with their bodies the phrase “SOS, Menorca”, in this way they want to protest against overtourism.

🇪🇸 Residents of Benítez Vell in Menorca are frustrated by the crowds of noisy and disrespectful visitors to their coastal town. https://t.co/10jV1ENSD7

— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 15, 2024