Usually known for its wild nightlife and big crowds, especially during the warmest months of the year, Magaluf, on the Spanish island of Majorca, appears to be facing a major tourism downturn. This season, images of deserted sunbeds and sparsely populated restaurants began making the rounds online, raising concerns over the future of one of Europe’s most iconic party hotspots. The decline follows a government crackdown on unruly behaviour and overtourism protests.
Stricter rules have been introduced to curb “drunken tourism”, including fines of up to £50,000 for balcony jumping, limits on alcohol in all-inclusive resorts, and bans on late-night street drinking. Punta Ballena, the infamous party strip, has been slammed by former politician, José Ramón Bauzá as “500 metres of shame.”
Overtourism protests have erupted across the island. In June, 10,000 residents marched in Palma, calling for more sustainable tourism and affordable housing.
Many locals say the current model is putting too much pressure on resources, like water and infrastructure.
The impact of these protests, combined with new tourism restrictions, could reportedly be taking its toll on tourism numbers this summer.
Restaurant owners across the island have reported a sharp drop in customers, up to 40% in some cases, Majorca Daily Bulletin reported at the end of July.
A recent video shared by a long-time local reveals just how quiet the resort has become, even during this year’s peak summer season.
Alex, a British woman who’s lived in Majorca since 2005 and worked in tourism for over 20 years, captured the eerie calm of Magaluf’s famous strip.
The footage, taken around 11pm, shows nearly empty streets, unoccupied bars, and a nightlife scene that seems to have significantly changed.
In a TikTok video posted this week, Alex said: “Has Magaluf Strip changed forever in 2025? Not what I expected in August 2025.
“I thought it would be a lot busier than this, I am quiet suprised to see Magaluf like this. It looks more like April […] I can’t believe it. It’s not looking very busy at all.”
Another user noted: “Dead atmosphere, it’s a bit sad. It’s got an end of season feel about it. I remember going more than twenty years ago in August and the streets and bars were all packed.”
A third user commented: “Feel very sad to see the bars empty like that. If this continues a lot of bars will close the doors this season and not reopen next year.”
