Activists complaining that beaches are getting too crowded with tourists are getting a boost from nature in Spain’s Palma da Mallorca in the Balearic Islands—shrinking beaches are doing away with many of the sunbeds and marquees that occupy much of the beachfront.
Rising sea levels over the past 20 years have reduced the size of beaches, but up to now, that’s meant squeezing out space for locals and others with just a blanket and towel, allowing the number of rented sun loungers and the like to remain steady or even grow. But now, local authorities are shifting the balance: Next year, there will be thousands fewer spots for sunbeds, and they will have less space between them.
Under the new rules, beach umbrellas will also be reduced, with one for every two lounges instead of one for each. To partly compensate operators for loss of income, they’ll be allowed to extend the season for three weeks into November, provided they pay for lifeguards for that time. For 2027, there will be an app allowing advance reservations, and possibly some premium-priced lounges with a bit more space.
Mallorca, of course, is not alone in losing beachfront; many other Spanish and other beaches are facing the same situation as climate change continues.
