‘Be curious, not careless’: How to avoid cold shoulder from fed-up locals in Mallorca this summer

Louise Brown July 3, 2025 Travel Leave a comment

Tourists heading to the Balearics for their summer getaway are given expert advice about how to receive a warm Spanish welcome.

Yasim Pekel, travel expert from Cabin Charter Company Blue Cruise Has shared important tips for navigating popular destination like Mallorca, where the number of visitors has risen by 12.9% on an annual basis.

Pekel told Olive Press that “tourists could still have a wonderful trip” if they were more aware and respectful.

He recommends visiting beaches and other attractions early in the morning or by exploring less-known areas to avoid crowds.

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Yasim Pekel, travel expert and local guide, suggests that tourists should avoid the most popular beaches in favor of the less well-known ones. This will help them to get along with the residents.

This will not only provide a better visitor experience but will also help spread the load of visitors over different areas.

Another key strategy is to support local businesses instead of tourist traps.

Pekel recommends that you eat at local restaurants, shop at local stores and book services directly with residents whenever possible.

The local community will directly benefit from tourist spending.

Simple environmental courtesies make a significant difference too.

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Taking rubbish away – even in remote spots – and leaving nothing behind shows respect for the local environment that residents cherish.

Particularly in residential areas, and especially during traditional siesta times, noise levels are of great importance.

Pekel stresses the importance of keeping your voice down and respecting local customs when it comes to rest periods.

Pekel advises, “Be curious and not careless.” “Learn a few phrases, read up on local customs, and show interest beyond the ‘Insta spots’.”

It’s important to respect the local signage, regardless of whether it seems questionable. Pekel warns visitors not to remove signs or question their authenticity.

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The expert also champions slow travel as a solution – staying longer in fewer places reduces pressure on communities whilst allowing visitors to experience destinations more authentically.

Booking local guides and staying at family-run accommodations, as well as participating in cultural events, transforms tourism into an exchange.

The need for these strategies is growing as destinations throughout Europe and Spain manage increasing visitor numbers.

Venice, Barcelona Dubrovnik Lisbon, the Canary Islands and Dubrovnik are also places that require thoughtful tourism.

“Ultimately, respect goes further than saying ‘hola’, and it might just help keep your favourite destinations open to visitors,” Pekel concluded.

Palma Airport registered 1.1 million international arrivals alone in April. Locals have expressed concerns over the issue of overtourism in certain areas through protests and campaigning.

The Olive Press Travel News is available here.