Binibeca Vell has become a social phenomenon but is now invaded by tourists: “The flows must be regulated”
Perched on a small bay, the village of Binibeca Vell on the Spanish island of Minorca it has long been a magnet for tourists who wish to stroll along its winding, narrow streets, lined with whitewashed villas. But as its popularity grows on social media, sparking a rush of selfies taken along its cobblestone streets, residents are threatening to block access to the village altogether.
“The problem is not the tourists,” he said Oscar Mongehead of the group representing the 195 owners of Binibeca Vell. He instead pointed the finger at officials who, he says, have abandoned residents to deal with the noise generated by the constant parade of visitors and the rubbish that accumulates daily. How to deal with an excessive number of tourists is a debate that is affecting all of Spain, but also all the places that have been besieged by mass tourism in recent years.
With the multiplication of mentions of Binibeca Vell on social media, visitor numbers have risen to about 800,000 a year, with most arriving between May and October, Monge said. This year, residents expect a million visitors, she added. The threat to close the complex follows years of complaints from residents.
Last month, speaking to the news website ElDiario.es, one resident vented her frustration at the behavior of tourists visiting the village. “They entered houses, sat on chairs, took things, climbed walls, had outdoor drinking parties,” she said. “If it doesn’t get regulated, this will happen every summer.” Last year residents began cracking down, asking tourists to visit only at certain times. This month the program was strengthened by asking tourists to only stop between 11am and 8pm
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