The city council of Palma, the capital of Majorca, has approved a set of stringent new regulations aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour among both tourists and locals. The new rules, collectively known as the ‘Ordinance for the Promotion of Civic Coexistence,’ were ratified on April 24 and are scheduled to come into effect in just over two weeks.
Among the key restrictions introduced are prohibitions on public nudity, including bans on going naked or topless outside designated areas such as swimming pools and beaches. The ordinance further forbids acts such as having sex in public, streaking, “balconing” (jumping from balconies into pools or the street), and walking around bare-chested. The city council has emphasised that these measures aim not only to clamp down on behaviours considered unacceptable, but also to safeguard Palma’s urban environment and uphold the dignity of its residents and visitors.
In an official statement, the Palma city council described the regulation as “complete and ambitious,” asserting that it equips authorities with the “necessary legal tools to fight against incivility in Palma.” The statement continued: “The document, which will come into force 15 working days after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB), responds to the will of the municipal government team to combat uncivil attitudes and behaviour, with the aim of making Palma a safe, orderly and respectful city.”
The ordinance also addresses noise pollution and crowd control measures. It prohibits musical performances in front of public establishments, official buildings, areas of high footfall, monuments, historical buildings, or cultural assets. Additionally, guided tours will be subject to a maximum group size of 35 people, and tours conducted by vehicles will be banned. However, these particular provisions are slated to take effect from 1 January 2026, with the intention of providing legal certainty to tour operators during the current tourist season.
Violations of any of the new rules will be met with significant fines, though the precise amounts have not been specified by the council. The introduction of these measures reflects an ongoing effort by Palma’s authorities to enhance the quality of life in the city by addressing behaviours that have been viewed as disruptive.
The Express is reporting that these changes come as part of a broader push by Majorca’s capital to create a safer and more respectful environment for both its residents and the millions of tourists who visit each year.
Source: Noah Wire Services