More than 100 young people gathered at Cala Saladeta in Sant Antoni on Sunday, September 6, in a protest against mass tourism and what organisers describe as increasingly difficult living conditions on Ibiza.

The demonstration was organised by the Ibiza Youth Association, which used the gathering to call for greater limits on tourism and to highlight concerns over overcrowding, housing costs and access to public spaces.

Cala Saladeta Becomes the Setting

The protest took place on one of Ibiza's best-known beaches, where participants gathered with banners and messages calling for restrictions on mass tourism.

The choice of Cala Saladeta was symbolic for the organisers, who said that public spaces increasingly feel dominated by visitor numbers during the summer.

The gathering combined a protest with a community event, allowing participants to spend time together while presenting their concerns about the island's current tourism model.

Concerns Over the Cost of Living

Housing was among the main issues raised by the young protesters.

The group argues that Ibiza has become increasingly unaffordable for residents, particularly younger people trying to establish themselves on the island.

They also criticised an economic model they believe leaves many young residents dependent on tourism-related employment while simultaneously making housing and leisure increasingly inaccessible.

Tourism Under Scrutiny

The protesters called for measures to reduce the pressure created by mass tourism.

Their demands include limits on the number of visitors and stronger controls over the scale of tourism development.

The group argues that the island's infrastructure and public spaces are under growing pressure during the summer and that the benefits of tourism are not distributed equally among residents.

Ibiza's Tourism Debate Continues

The Cala Saladeta gathering forms part of a wider debate over the future of tourism in Ibiza and the Balearic Islands.

Recent years have seen growing calls for limits on tourist numbers, restrictions on tourist accommodation and measures aimed at reducing pressure on housing, roads, beaches and essential services.

Those supporting the current tourism model continue to point to the sector's importance to the island's economy, while critics argue that continued growth is becoming increasingly difficult for residents to absorb.

Airport Expansion Also in the Spotlight

The youth association has also turned its attention towards the planned expansion and refurbishment of Ibiza Airport.

The group is calling for further action against the project, arguing that increasing airport infrastructure could facilitate additional tourism growth.

A further demonstration has been announced for Sunday, September 20 in Ibiza Town, with organisers planning to march from Vara de Rey and present a manifesto at the Consell de Ibiza.

Environmental and neighbourhood groups are also expected to participate.

A Growing Voice Among Ibiza's Youth

For the organisers, the protest is ultimately about who Ibiza is designed for.

They argue that young residents are increasingly struggling with the cost of living, housing and access to spaces that were once primarily used by the local community.

Their message is that tourism can remain an important part of the island's economy without continuing to grow at the expense of residents' quality of life.

The Debate Moves Forward

The Cala Saladeta protest has added another voice to Ibiza's increasingly active discussion about tourism limits.

With further demonstrations planned and the airport project remaining under scrutiny, the debate is likely to continue well beyond the end of the summer season.

For the Ibiza Youth Association, the message from Cala Saladeta was clear: the island's future tourism model must take the needs of its residents, particularly