Menorca locals impose visiting hours as tourist behavior worsens

Residents of a tiny town on Menorca claim that tourists' behavior is getting out of control. They even peek into private homes and go onto balconies. Locals have had enough, so they have decided to impose restrictions.

The town of Binibeca Vell is famous for its white houses, reminiscent of those on the Greek island of Mykonos. With a population of about 1,000, the city is flooded with tourists from various countries, and their behavior often leaves much to be desired.

Tourists vacationing in the Balearic Islands and visiting the town of Menorca make life miserable for the local population. Tourists enter homes, sit on chairs, on balconies, take things, climb on walls, and throw outdoor alcohol parties, said one of the residents, quoted by the information portal ElDiario.es. According to local media, there have even been incidents of petty theft.

The authorities did nothing about it, so the locals decided to take matters into their own hands and impose restrictions. Since the beginning of May, residents have been appealing for visits to their town only between 11 AM and 8 PM Eastern Time.

On social media, residents warn that the village could be entirely closed to visitors if tourists do not adhere to the visiting hours. If tourists decide to ignore the imposed bans and the situation does not improve, in August, residents will vote on closing the place entirely to tourist traffic.

Residents unanimously agree that their situation is not the fault of the tourists but the authorities' neglect of local interests.