The uninhabited islet, Es Vedra, has become a viral sensation for its stunning sunsets and the surrounding viewpoints attract thousands of holidaymakers every summer.
But residents and landowners in the Cala d'Hort de Sant Josep area have now blocked off the unofficial car park with rocks and cordoned off the footpaths to stop the “excessive amount of traffic,” “wild parties” and “waste left behind by tourists.”
They say they have had enough of the illegal parking, impromptu parties, overcrowding and drone use. Landowners had previously created unofficial parking spaces for tourists, so cars wouldn’t be left on the side of the road. But the spaces quickly reach capacity hours before sunset, with overflowing vehicles then parked haphazardly parked along narrow access roads and even on private properties, causing traffic congestion and posing safety hazards.
Es Vedra is a protected nature reserve and locals say the unchecked influx of tourists has also led to the trampling of delicate vegetation, disturbance to wildlife, and the erosion of natural landscapes. They hope the authorities will respond by creating regulated parking, protected pathways and an “official” viewpoint area with toilets.
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