Majorca’s capital is cracking down on anti-social behaviour with a string of strict and “ambitious” measures set to come into force in just over two weeks time. Tourists heading to Palma will soon have to obey an array of new regulations that were approved just yesterday, April 24, by the city council.
Palma has said no to sex in public, no to bare chests, no to dirty terraces and no to streaking or balconing. The ‘Ordinance for the Promotion of Civic Coexistence’ has been introduced, not only to crack down on behaviour deemed unacceptable, but also to promote and protect both the urban environment and the dignity of people. Tourists and locals alike will be banned from going around naked on public roads or walking without clothes or a top outside of authorised spaces, such as swimming pools or beaches. Those who break the new measures are being warned they will face tough fines.
In a statement the city council said: “It is a complete and ambitious regulation that provides the necessary legal tools to fight against incivility in Palma.
"The document, which will come into force 15 working days after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB), responds to the will of the municipal government team to combat uncivil attitudes and behaviour, with the aim of making Palma a safe, orderly and respectful city.”
The order also forbids the playing of musical activities in front of public establishments, official buildings, places of great attendance, as well as in front of monuments, historical buildings or assets of cultural interest.
Whilst guided tours will be slapped with a limit of 35 people and guided tours by vehicles are also banned. These sections of new rules will come into effect on January 1 2026 to ensure legal certainty for operators during the current tourist season.
Takeaway services will now be held responsible for keeping the space clean within a radius of 25 metres around their facilities and must provide their own litter bins.
Caravans and motorhomes will only be allowed to park in areas authorised by municipal planning. The city council is warning thaty must maintain its original configuration and must not generate noise, odours or vibrations to the outside. If they do these aspects will be "considered serious infringements".
Parking in the same place is prohibited for more than ten consecutive days, according to municipal traffic regulations.
Electric scooters will no longer be allowed to circulate on sidewalks, squares, gardens, or pedestrian areas and it will be mandatory to have civil liability insurance for drivers, with a minimum coverage of 120,000 euros. They must not travel faster than 15mph and those using the scooter must wear a helmet.