It's a gradual change that you don't notice straight away - but at some point it can no longer be overlooked. The Beaches on Mallorcaonce vast expanses of sand, are shrinking rapidly. And this now has very practical consequences: The municipality of Palma, which includes the Playa de Palma with the world-famous Ballermann has announced that from next summer there will be fewer Sun loungers and parasols will be available to rent. The beaches simply need some space to breathe again - just like the people who visit them.
Less space, more crowds
"We have a completely different coastline today than we did 10, 20 or 30 years ago," explains Mercedes Celeste, Palma city councillor. You used to be able to spread out on the beaches like a towel on fine sand - today that has become more difficult. Licenses for beach loungers date back to times when the beaches were almost twice as wide. But now "less sand there". The consequence? Fewer loungers, more space for nature - and perhaps also less Sardine feeling for the tourists who are interested in the Overcrowding complain.
Global concerns and local solutions
The "Beach dieback" is not just a local problem. Worldwide, the Narrower beaches - from California to Australia. The reasons? Above all the Climate change and the Development directly on the coasts. Dunes, which actually serve as a natural protective shield against erosion, have disappeared in many places. The Rising sea levels does the rest.
A study published in the journal "Nature Climate Change" even warns that by the end of the century up to 50 percent of the world's sandy beaches could have disappeared. And yes, Mallorca also loses about half a meter of sand every year.
More space for beach and soul
But don't panic - that's no reason to hang up your sun hat. The reduction in Sun loungers should not only help the beaches, but also offer visitors a better experience. Perhaps we will soon be able to enjoy simply stretching out on the sand again without being disturbed by a Army of deckchairs to be restricted. And if the municipality's plans go ahead, there will also be New beach accesses built to make your stay even more pleasant. So: more space for the beach, more space for relaxation - doesn't sound so bad, does it?
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