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The decision to expand the parking lot at Cala Mitjana is one of the measures stemming from the Balearic Government’s Decree Law, aimed at overlooking the side effects of institutional policy. For years, Cala Mitjana has been doubling or even tripling its maximum user capacity. Expanding the parking lot further degrades the natural area and diminishes the tourist experience of visiting this beautiful beach.

Cala Mitjana is one of the pristine beaches on Menorca’s southern coast, known for its clear sand and natural views. Highly sought after by visitors, a large parking lot was created a few years ago under the pretext of facilitating car parking for the nearby Cala Galdana. However, being much closer to Mitjana, this new facility led to an even greater increase in visitors.

Renting More Private Land

As happens in areas affected by tourist overcrowding, when attempting to meet a demand far exceeding the actual carrying capacity, it’s never enough. The parking lot established in 2012 was initially created without a license, with the compensation of allowing the landowners to urbanistically develop the area. Ultimately, the development did not proceed, and the rental is now paid with public funds.

Now, the expanded area belongs to the same owners: about 9,000 square meters with capacity for more than 150 vehicles. Public expenditures will increase to benefit the same proprietors.

Ignoring Carrying Capacity

As was done in 2012, the argument used to justify this operation is that Cala Galdana needs more parking. But once again, the parking is being added near Cala Mitjana instead of clearly at Galdana. The predictable effects are obvious.

Cala Mitjana currently has a capacity for 440 people. It usually exceeds a thousand. How many more will come now, with even more parking available?

Where is the public interest in increasing the load on beaches that already double or triple their intended capacity? Is this the way to achieve quality tourism policy? Perhaps we need to look for other solutions that genuinely serve the collective interest.

Expanding into a Protected Area

The area where the parking lot will be expanded is protected rural land, designated as a Natural Area of Territorial Interest. This land is meant to conserve the island’s territorial values, but now it is being repurposed to allow even more overcrowding of a natural beach that is a Specially Protected Natural Area and part of the European Natura network.