In Mallorca, the fate of the famous Es Caló des Moro bay, one of the most recognizable beaches in the Balearic Islands, is becoming increasingly controversial. Locals are convinced that this natural landmark is rapidly losing its original beauty due to the huge number of tourists visiting for photos on social media.
Once considered a hidden holiday spot, this small, secluded bay in the southeast of the island has become one of Mallorca's most popular spots in recent years. According to public organizations, vacationers remove tens of kilograms of sand from the beach every day—it ends up on shoes, towels, and personal belongings. Over the course of a season, the loss can reach several tons.
The changes are particularly noticeable in photographs taken several years apart: the coastline has become significantly narrower, and the water is increasingly encroaching on the cliffs. Environmentalists warn that the constant influx of people is accelerating natural coastal erosion.
An additional problem is the trash that tourists often leave right in the bay. The beach is accessible only via a narrow, rocky path, and some visitors prefer not to take their waste back.
Authorities have attempted to reduce sand loss by installing foot-cleaning brushes at the entrance, but this hasn't had much of an effect. The bay itself is very small—it can comfortably accommodate about a hundred people at a time, although during peak times, the flow of tourists reaches several thousand. Therefore, local residents are demanding that visits to Es Caló des Moro be restricted, fearing that one of Mallorca's most beautiful beaches could gradually lose its unique natural beauty.
