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The picturesque town of Binibeca Vell, one of Menorca’s most popular destinations, has voted against a complete tourist ban, opting instead for less restrictive measures.
Despite growing concerns and protests about overtourism, the village’s residents chose to extend public visiting hours rather than impose a total ban on tourists.
The decision comes after a referendum was held by the residents of Binibeca Vell, a private complex known for its iconic white houses.
The town had been considering more stringent restrictions to combat the rising tide of visitors, with three options on the table.
The least restrictive option – keeping the town open to the public from 10am to 10pm – was ultimately favored by 73 percent of voters, a decision that has left some feeling the town has surrendered to tourist pressures.
While 27 percent of residents pushed for a total ban on public access, the majority agreed on extending the visiting hours by three hours, allowing more time for tourists to experience the charm of the town, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
The current hours, from 11am to 8pm, were deemed too limited, and no residents voted to maintain them.
Óscar Monge, president of the Binibeca Vell owners’ association, voiced concerns over the increasing challenges of maintaining a peaceful environment in the face of growing tourism.
He said: “We have been a private urbanization for 52 years, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to enjoy a quiet holiday, as we pay dearly for being the most porpular tourist attraction in Menorca.”
He also highlighted the declining property values due to the overwhelming number of visitors, comparing the situation to the overcrowded Greek island of Mykonos.
Despite the outcome, the town’s residents remain committed to the ongoing campaign to curb “uncivic attitudes” among tourists and to preserve the town’s tranquility.
The local government and the Council of Menorca have supported these efforts, providing financial aid in the form of just over €25,000 a year to help maintain the town’s iconic whitewashed houses.
This decision comes as an anti-tourism gathering of 500 people took place on the island just two days ago, delcaring the island is “not for sale”.
In a statement to Express.co.uk, organisers GOB Menorca said: “The combination of thousands of houses that have been allocated to tourists in recent years, added to the arrival of people with high purchasing power, has caused a very serious loss of access to housing, which is holding back expectations of a whole generation of young Menorcans.”
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