Ibiza: less overcrowding, more authenticity
3 December, 2025Ibiza is going through a time of transformation. The island has embarked on a new tourist direction that is committed to balance, sustainability and authentic experience. A model that seeks to take care of the destination so that those who visit can truly enjoy it, without overcrowding or excess.
The Consell d’Eivissa has for years been promoting solid work on the planning and control of tourism, with a clear objective: to protect the environment, improve coexistence and guarantee the quality of the experience. Within this strategy, the fight against illegal tourist rentals is an essential element.
A destination that protects its identity
Ibiza has shown that sustainability and order are not at odds with hospitality. Thanks to reinforced inspections and the control of tourist accommodation, the island has managed to significantly reduce the presence of unregulated accommodation. In July alone, the drop in illegal accommodation meant over 14,000 fewer tourists per day, a figure that has translated into less congestion, more peace and quiet and a visible improvement in the environment.
Visitors who now arrive in Ibiza find a more welcoming island: more accessible beaches, livelier villages and services that work better. Because enjoying Ibiza also means respecting it.
There are no tourist apartments in Ibiza
One of the most important messages for the traveller is clear: there are no tourist apartments in Ibiza. Island legislation expressly forbids tourist rentals in multi-family dwellings. Only single-family homes with a licence can offer tourist stays and all of them must visibly display their licence number in advertisements and booking platforms.
This measure offers security to the visitor and protects residents’ coexistence. In fact, Ibiza has become the first destination in Spain where Airbnb requires proof of the tourist licence number to publish an advert, a decisive step towards transparency and trust.
The Consell d’Eivissa collaborates actively with the main platforms to ensure that only legal accommodation is marketed and to provide travellers with tools that allow them to verify that their booking complies with current regulations.
Responsible, quality tourism
Tourism planning on the island does not seek to limit, but to guarantee the future. Ibiza has established a zero tourism growth system, in which new places can only be allocated if others are withdrawn, so that the total number of authorised places remains stable.
This balance makes it possible to preserve natural resources, ensure the quality of services and offer visitors a more genuine experience. The objective is clear: tourism that respects the territory and helps to maintain the value and uniqueness of the destination.
Ibiza, a destination to enjoy calmly
Today, Ibiza is enjoyed in a different way. With less crowding and a better cared-for environment, visitors can experience the island more calmly and with more authenticity. Exploring its markets, discovering its local gastronomy, walking among almond trees or doing outdoor wellness activities are just some of the experiences that gain prominence in this new stage.
Events such as the Fira de la Sal, the Ibiza Wellness Weekend or Ibiza Sabors’ gastro days reflect the spirit of this change: an island open all year round, diverse and connected with its essence.
Responsible tourism is not a passing trend. It is the path that Ibiza has chosen to remain a global benchmark, without losing its authenticity. A place where nature, culture and hospitality co-exist in harmony and where each visitor is part of that same shared responsibility: to take care of the island whilst enjoying it.
Because the best way to experience Ibiza is to do it properly: by staying in legal establishments, respecting its environment and being carried away by the experience of a destination that has decided to protect what makes it unique.
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