Palma bans new holiday rentals, hostels and party boats — what this means for residents

City administration acts: No new vacation rental licenses in Palma

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In the morning, the mayor and councilors stood at the town hall in Plaça de Cort and explained that Palma will no longer issue new licenses for tourism-related short-term rentals. The decision affects not only apartments in multi-family houses but also standalone single-family homes, according to the press conference at 11:00 a.m.

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What remains in place: The roughly 639 licenses that have already been issued remain valid, the administration confirmed. That means: those renting legally today may continue. However, no new applications can be submitted.

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Hostels and party boats: further restrictions

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In addition to the general moratorium, no new hostels will be opened in Palma. And from the next season, party boats that often depart from the Paseo Marítimo will be prohibited. The exact start date for the party-boat ban still depends on a number of administrative steps — but many residents hope that the loud nightly trips will soon be a thing of the past.

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On the seafront today the mood was mixed: an older couple on a bench by the sea said with a laugh that the city needs a little more sleep, while a young entrepreneur in the gastro scene noted with concern that the consequences for workers in peak season should not be underestimated.

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Reactions from the neighborhood and the industry

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Finally some peace after years, said a resident from the old town who lives on Carrer de Sant Miquel. Others warn of legal disputes: property owners and rental platforms are already considering possible lawsuits or objections. The hotel sector shows understanding but fears losses in occupancy during off-peak times.

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What happens next? The city administration announced that details would be published in the coming weeks: exceptions, transitional arrangements and controls. One thing is certain: Palma aims to rebalance the everyday life of residents with the influx of tourists.

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Anyone jogging at 7:30 a.m. on the Paseo Marítimo already notices that the topic is being decided not only in council chambers but on the streets and balconies of the city. And that is probably intended — at least based on the tone of today’s discussions.