Binibeca Vell: Menorca’s Charming Town Battles Overtourism

Binibeca Vell, a picturesque coastal village on the island of Menorca, is grappling with the challenges of overtourism as visitor numbers soar each year. With its narrow stone alleyways and whitewashed buildings reminiscent of Mykonos, the town attracts over 800,000 tourists annually, causing disruptions for its 1,000 residents.

Tourists’ noise, intrusive behavior, and the rubbish they leave on the streets have raised concerns. Residents have reported incidents of visitors entering homes, taking belongings, and climbing balconies, prompting calls for action to regulate tourism in the area.

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In response, the local homeowners’ association has implemented new visitor regulations, including designated visiting hours from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The association emphasizes that Binibeca Vell is a residential development that seeks to protect its residents’ well-being.

If disruptive behaviour persists, the village has threatened to close completely to tourism, with residents set to vote on the matter in August. Despite receiving some funding from local councils for maintenance, residents feel that the benefits of tourism promotion do not outweigh the challenges they face.

The situation in Binibeca Vell highlights the broader issue of overtourism in popular destinations, as well as the need for sustainable tourism management strategies to balance the interests of residents and visitors alike.

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