Premium Sunbeds in Cala Major: Prices Are Illegal – Palma Must Act Now

Premium sunbeds at Cala Major: What happened?

On Cala Major beach the atmosphere in high summer is usually T-shirt-and-flip-flop casual. But last week walkers, regular visitors and a few resigned residents reacted with outrage at the sunbed price tags: €70 for two sunbeds and a sunshade — substantially more than many thought possible.

Authority says: This is not acceptable

A competent authority in the Balearics has now declared these prices unlawful. The case has been officially forwarded to the city of Palma. According to the authority, the town hall has ten days to respond. Anyone who works in Palma knows: ten days is a short deadline for administrative processes — but it is enough to send a clear signal.

Why this matters: It's not just about a bit of beach comfort. It's about consumer rights, clear rules for concessions and the balance between tourism and everyday life for residents. Many here say the prices are a symptom of how areas that once felt public are becoming increasingly commercialized.

What the city plans

Palma announced it will re-tender the beach concessions. That means: fewer sunbeds overall, stricter pricing rules and apparently structural changes too — at Cala Major one of the two small beach bars (chiringuitos) is to be removed. That will change the situation on site, no question.

On the Passeig Marítim, where I spoke with some residents, some complain: “Tourists pay, so it gets more expensive.” Other visitors say they would be willing to pay more, but expect transparency and natural quality in return — not a rip-off.

What happens next

The unlawful prices are now on record. Palma must decide whether to impose fines or revoke concessions. For holidaymakers it's worth checking the official price lists on the beach — and for everyone living here, it's a test of how seriously the city takes its beach policy.

A reminder for the next beach walk: Check prices, voice your doubts, and if necessary inform the authorities. Sometimes that's already enough to make a change.