Spanish Village Binibeca Vell Threatens Tourist Ban; Here’s why

Known for its ancient stone monuments and its rich history, the village of Menorca, Binibeca Vell of Spain is recently considering a complete ban on Tourists. As per the locals, this village has had enough of disorderly tourists, and they are seeking to preserve its tranquil environment from these disrespectful visitors who intrude into homes […]

Benibeca Vell Village
by Diksha Puri - May 14, 2024, 12:54 pm

Known for its ancient stone monuments and its rich history, the village of Menorca, Binibeca Vell of Spain is recently considering a complete ban on Tourists.

As per the locals, this village has had enough of disorderly tourists, and they are seeking to preserve its tranquil environment from these disrespectful visitors who intrude into homes and cause disturbances.

To deal with this issue, the village leaders have started restricting visiting hours, which are now between 11 am and 8:30 pm.

If it is not complied with, it will lead to a full-blown ban.

Representative of Binibeca Vell residents Oscar Monge, too has emphasized that this village isn’t an adventure park but a quiet community.

Menorca’s Tourism director too, supports the village’s decision, acknowledging, that they have the right to restrict tourism if they want to.

This threat is the culmination of the complaints they have made to the authorities over the years.

“If the authorities continue to neglect us… “we, the residents, will hold a vote in August to decide on closing the village to tourism. “Said one resident.

Another resident anecdotally shared her frustration with the news website ElDiario.es last month, she stated

“They went into homes, they sat on chairs, they took things, they climbed on our walls, and they had outdoor drinking parties,” she said. “If this isn’t regulated, it will happen every summer.”

This recent action of regulating tourists and discouraging disruptive behavior, especially from budget British tourists, widely aligns with the broader movement across the Balearic Islands, including Menorca.