Armed riot police with shields clash with anti-tourism protesters in Mallorca as demonstrations turn violent

By PERKIN AMALARAJ, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 01:49, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 01:50, 27 July 2026 Armed riot police have clashed with anti-tourism protesters in Mallorca as demonstrations turned violent.  Over 25,000 people flooded the streets of Mallorca's capital, Palma, to fight against holidaymakers who flock to the island over the summer.  Protesters who claimed the holiday hotspot had 'reached its limit' fought with cops.  One clip saw a protester being whacked with a baton, before another jumped at a police officer.  Angry protesters were seen leaping over barriers. Police were seen hitting several people in response.  After rioters threw bottles at police, authorities fired rubber bullets into the crowd to disperse them.   Demonstrators held signs with slogans including 'tourists go home', 'tourism = destruction', 'save Majorca' and 'less tourism, more life'. One banner showed a picture of a gun with text reading: 'Forced to live in struggle.' Police officers and demonstrators clash during a protest against mass tourism and gentrification in the Balearic Islands, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, July 26, 2026 Protesters who claimed the holiday hotspot had 'reached its limit' fought with cops Policemen face protesters at the end of a demonstration against overtourism and housing prices in Palma de Mallorca, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, on July 26, 2026 They were pushing for an end to mass tourism on the island, claiming that the influx of visitors has made their lives worse.  It is the third summer in a row that mass protests have been seen on the island.  Earlier this month, anti-tourism groups in Mallorca faced backlash after publishing guidance encouraging protesters to target businesses in the tourism industry. Groups Menys Turisme, Més Vida, whose name translates to 'Less Tourism, More Life', and Arran Mallorca have released a 'Manual for Action Against Touristification'. The guide details how supporters can identify possible targets of 'non-violent direct action' against what it says is 'a system that is suffocating us'. Tourism signage, estate agents and hotels are all encouraged as potential places to act against – with guidance including suggestions to block key boxes for holiday rentals.  Protesters are recommended to plan out escape routes, scope out the area before they approach and avoid security cameras, Majorca Daily Bulletin reports. Clothing guidance is also mentioned, with anti-tourism members urged to cover their face and wear loose clothes in dark colours.  Protesters are also advised to cover up distinguishable features such as tattoos, birthmarks and piercings. The guide goes on to outline how participants should plan their roles beforehand, deciding carefully who might be a lookout, while another protester carries out the 'action'. Photographs of the acts of protests are also being encouraged so they can be shared on social media. However, the manual has received backlash from several tourism giants in the Balearics. Protesters take part in a demonstration against overtourism and housing prices in Palma de Mallorca, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, on July 26, 2026 Demonstrators take part in a protest against mass tourism and gentrification in the Balearic Islands, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, July 26, 2026 The Majorca Hoteliers Federation, the College of Estate Agents and the Confederation of Balearic Business Associations (CAEB) have all condemned the action. According to Majorca Daily Bulletin, the hotel federation said: 'There are many ways to defend an idea, but not all ways of doing so are valid.' It argued the guidance goes from a disagreement to 'vandalism and sabotage'. José Miguel Artieda Mean, president of the College of Estate Agents, added: 'This does not contribute to public debate; it fuels a climate of confrontation that benefits no one.' Meanwhile, the CAEB argues the guidance encourages intimidating action, describing it as unjustified.