YOU might think that Spain is the destination for partying – but one city is taking action to ban a popular tourist activity.
On October 14, the Mayor of Palma has announced a new ‘package of measures’ to crackdown on badly behaved visitors in a bid to improve the destination.
One ban set to be enforced is on party boats[/caption]
The Mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, has announced new measures to stop tourists from behaving badly in the city.
Party boats will be completely banned from Palma’s sea front where they dock, starting next season.
Mr Martínez added that the local council is working with the Balearic Ports Authority (APB) to determine how the restriction will be enforced.
It was reported that party boats had generated significant complaints from locals and Mr Martinez said the measures were part of the city council’s commitment to the quality of the destination.
Another rule set to be put in place is a bid to stop overtourism, the mayor wants to stop applications for new holiday rentals.
It will also go back three months to prevent new permits from being approved.
Beforehand, rentals weren’t allowed in multi-family buildings, but the restriction will be extended to include single-family homes and room rentals.
Previously visitors would be able to book these on popular sites like Airbnb.
Palma mayor Mr Martínez said: “There are only 639 legal tourist rental licences in the municipality.
“Those are valid and will remain so, but if they are cancelled, no new permits will be issued.”
The Mayor of Palma has said he’s hoping to enforce the rules for next summer[/caption]
As part of the plans, there will also be a ban on the opening of any new hostels.
As for hostels that already exist in the city, these will be encouraged to be converted into hotels or residential housing instead.
Mr Martínez hopes the ban on holiday homes and rentals will increase housing for locals or create the opportunity for long-term lets.
The news comes after many new rules in Spain were enforced over summer 2025 to stop bad behaviour in popular cities.
For example in areas of Majorca, including Palma, Llucmajor and Magaluf, there were enforced drinking bans.
The sale of alcohol between 9.30pm and 8am – as stated on the government website.
Lots of public places like parks, streets and beaches put a stop to drinking alcohol with punishment of fines up to €3,000 (£2,612).
Here are more rules to consider before booking your next holiday to Spain.
And read more from one woman who’s dad tragically lost his life on a party boat with ‘clueless’ staff covering him with a towel.
