Declining appeal of Mallorca among Germans revealed

Mallorca, once a favourite spot for German tourists in Spain, is experiencing a decline in German interest due to a combination of factors.

According to recent data, the average price for hotels in Spain has increased by 6.5 percent compared to the first half of 2025. This price hike, coupled with the introduction or increase of tourist taxes in several destinations, has made a holiday in Spain more expensive, deterring some German tourists.

The real estate market in Mallorca is also seeing a significant rise. The average annual price growth for buying a property in Mallorca stands at 10.5 percent, making it the highest increase in real estate prices in Spain. Rental prices in the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, have also seen a significant increase, with rental prices increasing by 30 percent in one year in 2024, as reported by German IPM Real Estate Services.

German tourists have been infatuated with Mallorca since the 60s and 70s, but in recent years, they have distanced themselves from their love for the island due to rising travel costs, perceived tourist overcrowding, and a shift in vacation preferences towards less commercialized, more authentic destinations.

The decline in German tourist numbers has had a domino effect on sectors such as hospitality and nightlife. Overnight stays by German tourists fell by 7 percent in July, and tourist bus bookings for July and August fell by 20 percent compared to last year.

Moreover, the number of Germans living in Mallorca has decreased from 31,096 in 2011 to 15,385 in 2021. Many German residents have become increasingly disillusioned with their lives on Mallorca, complaining about social problems, rising food prices, unaffordable rents, housing shortages, and overcrowding.

Anti-tourism sentiment has been growing in Spain, particularly in popular destinations like Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. Some of these protests have been xenophobic, with German tourists being targeted in the Mallorcan town of Santanyí with graffiti slogans saying, "Germans out".

Last year, there were dozens of anti-tourism protests across Spain, including in Mallorca and the Balearics. Despite these challenges, Spain remains among the top three destinations for foreign holidaymakers, with over 2.1 million Germans visiting in the first three months of this year alone.

As the situation continues to evolve, it's likely that property in Mallorca will be more expensive than the average in Germany by the end of this year. The future of German tourism and residence in Mallorca remains uncertain, with many Germans choosing alternatives where they feel more welcome and find better value.