Ibiza declares war on sunbeds as locals slam 'colonisation'

Mass tourism objectors on a popular Spanish holiday island have declared war on beach beds and umbrellas. In a bid to cut congestion, they are asking local people to turn detective and report any Ibiza beach that appears to be overcrowded with sun loungers.

The environmental group Amics de la Terra has launched a fight against the overcrowding of sunbeds on the beaches of the island of Ibiza, especially in the "smallest and wildest coves". To this end, the environmental entity has informed citizens on how to act in case a beach or cove is crowded with sun loungers and parasols.

The first step is to access the Visor Litoral website of the IdeIB, where people can consult all the temporary facilities and concessions authorised on the beaches of the Balearic Islands.

"Once you have identified the area you want to check, you will only need to enlarge the image of the beach and click on the item you want to consult. Clicking on the arrow of the selected item will open a detailed list with the number of hammocks, umbrellas and other information that have been authorised in that specific area," they explain.

If the number of sun loungers placed on the beach does not match the one that appears in the document, Amics de la Terra recommends taking a photo and calling the corresponding city council to report the situation.

Amics de la Terra has already condemned the "colonisation" of hammocks in Cala d'en Serra, north of Ibiza.

They say most of the cove is full of sun loungers and only a small part allows those who do not want to rent one to place their towels on the sand.

The group has pointed out that this beach "is wild and small enough, as well as being very loved by the residents." They have also said to the different municipalities of Ibiza, "Remember that there are also residents and tourists who want wild places and nature."

The campaigners say "everything has its place" and that corners should not be sold "with a little sand".

One resident said another beach, Cala Llonga, "looks like a theatre with 20 rows of 'stands" and asked, "What are we doing?"

Another posted: "Coves like this logically shouldn't have sunbeds. There are larger beaches where those who want to feel more "comfortable" can go."

Others have called for more beach sit-ins or boycotts, saying: "What a shame what they are doing to the island."

The Balearic Islands have already seen a number of beach protests, with more planned for this summer.

In one incident, bemused tourists sunbathing were surrounded by protestors telling them to "go home".

Locals say they are being prevented from using their beaches on their own island because they are too packed with foreign holidaymakers.