A new report has exposed a doubling of ‘faecal contamination’ incidents across some of the Balearic Islands’ beaches, with 92 cases recorded last year leading to bathing bans and warnings at popular tourist destinations
A sea report has warned of faecal matter near popular Spanish beaches (stock)(Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
Thousands of Brits may already be dreaming of their summer getaway, and Spain’s Balearic Islands – home to Majorca and Palma – often top the wish list.
But this year, holiday plans could face an unwelcome surprise following a damning report that’s laid bare the shocking levels of pollution plaguing some of the region’s most beloved beaches.
“Faecal contamination” featured prominently in the Balearic Sea Report 2026, which for the first time examined beach conditions and revealed a worrying decline in water quality across the area.
Informa Mar Balear reported that bathing water standards have plummeted since 2010, with urban beaches faring particularly badly.
Even more alarming, incidents of microbiological contamination have doubled in the past year, leaping from 46 to 92 cases.
Among these, 20 resulted in outright swimming bans whilst the remaining 72 triggered warnings advising against going for a swim, reports the Express.
Ciutadella, Santanyí, Calvià, and Sóller bore the brunt of these faecal contamination problems. There was some positive news, though, with Formentera and Menorca boasting the cleanest bathing waters in the region.
The report wrapped up its beach assessment by urging ongoing surveillance and better communication with beachgoers about safe usage.
Beyond sewage concerns, there’s another issue that might worry sun-seekers planning their getaways this year, with a leading Majorcan hotelier sounding the alarm that the island has reached “full capacity”.
The stark warning came from Joan Trian Riu, managing director of Riu Hotels and Resorts, who revealed his company is hiking prices in response to soaring demand and cautioned that the situation will only deteriorate for residents.
Speaking to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, he explained: “We’re at full capacity, and the only thing you can do is raise prices. Majorca is a limited territory, and we know what happens during the peak tourist season.
“We are also seeing traditional shops in [capital city] Palma or in towns disappearing and being replaced by international franchises or by places where they serve you avocado toast, which is more of the same.
“Society largely agrees on these problems, but bold decisions need to be made…. What’s clear is that if we do nothing, this won’t be sustainable.”