Illegal Tourist Rentals Surpass Legal Ones in Menorca, Raising Alarms

In a disturbing trend, illegal tourist rentals have now exceeded legal ones on the island of Menorca, a situation that is causing significant concerns among local authorities and residents.

As of October 20, 2024, the reality of tourist rentals on the island has become alarming, with profound effects on overcrowding and the cost of living. Miquel Camps, the coordinator of territorial policy for the environmental organization GOB Menorca, warned that if no action is taken, the situation could spiral out of control. Camps cited the nearby island of Ibiza as a stark example of what could happen if the issue is not addressed.

Currently, Menorca has approximately 30,000 legal tourist rental places. However, according to calculations by GOB Menorca based on data from the Balearic Institute of Statistics, there are an estimated 40,000 illegal rental places. This means that around 40,000 tourists are staying in undeclared accommodations during the summer months.

The proliferation of illegal tourist rentals has dramatically altered the island's landscape. Instead of traditional rooms, houses, or apartments, it has become common to find unconventional and often illegal listings. For instance, a search on platforms like Airbnb reveals advertisements for boats and motorhomes. One such listing offers a "romantic and surprising accommodation" on a yacht in Maó, the second-largest natural port in the world. This yacht, touted as having all the comforts of a home, costs 55 euros per night, which rises to 88 euros after cleaning and commission fees. Additional costs include 285 euros for navigation, which requires a recreational boat license or the hire of a captain at an extra 200 euros.

Another listing features an autocaravan located on a finca in Argentina, Menorca, described as being "in the midst of nature." This autocaravan offers extra services such as a relaxing massage and a foot reflexology session. However, it is shared with another caravan, and guests are not allowed to move the vehicle from its location.

The impact of these illegal rentals is multifaceted. It contributes to the saturation of the island, drives up housing costs for locals, and undermines the legal rental market. The situation highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect the island's environment and quality of life.

As the tourist season continues, the call for action from organizations like GOB Menorca grows louder. The hope is that by addressing this issue, Menorca can avoid the pitfalls seen in other tourist destinations and preserve its unique charm and sustainability.