Published on February 5, 2026
For decades, Ibiza has been the gold standard for summer hedonism, crystal-clear coves, and world-class nightlife. However, the 2024 season saw a staggering 3.27 million holidaymakers descend upon the island. To put that in perspective, that is roughly 20 tourists for every one resident.
Locals have finally said, “No more room.” In response to growing frustration over strained infrastructure and gridlocked roads, the Ibiza Council has proposed a hard cap on vehicle traffic for the 2026 summer season.

The 18,918 Vehicle Limit

The most significant change is a proposed daily cap on the number of vehicles allowed on the island’s roads. Officials are looking to limit traffic to 18,918 vehicles per day between June 1 and September 15.
This isn’t just about reducing noise; it’s a strategic five-year plan to reclaim the island’s roads. If you’re planning to rent a car to find those “secret” sunset spots, you might find availability plummeting and prices skyrocketing as rental agencies compete for a slice of the limited vehicle quota.

The “Umbrella Law” for the Balearics

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While Ibiza and Formentera are leading the charge, this isn’t an isolated incident. The Balearic Parliament is considering an “umbrella law” that would allow these vehicle restrictions to be rolled out across Majorca and Menorca as well. The message from the archipelago is clear: the era of unrestricted access is ending.

The Price of Paradise: Is a £13 Daily Tax Coming?

It isn’t just the roads that are getting tighter; your wallet might feel the squeeze too. Currently, tourists in the Balearics pay a “Sustainable Tourism Tax” ranging from €1 to €4 per night.

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However, the CCOO trade union and local activist groups are pushing for a dramatic increase. There is a proposal on the table to raise this fee to as much as €15 (approximately £13) per person, per day during the peak summer months.
Why the hike?

• Deterrence: Officials hope higher costs will naturally thin out the crowds during July and August.
• Infrastructure: The funds are desperately needed to repair environmental damage and upgrade water systems that struggle under the weight of millions of visitors.
• Local Resentment: With house prices soaring and “ghost towns” appearing where locals used to live, the tax is seen as a way to ensure tourism gives back more than it takes.

What This Means for the Average Brit

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If you’ve been visiting Ibiza for years, these headlines might feel like a personal snub. But if you look closer, the goal is actually to save the experience you love.
Imagine trying to drive to Cala Salada, only to spend two hours in a stationary queue of exhaust fumes. Imagine the local waiter who can no longer afford to live within an hour of the restaurant where he works. The “tourist warning” isn’t a “stay away” sign—it’s an invitation to travel more mindfully.
How to adapt your 2026 plans:
Book Your Transport Early: If the vehicle caps are approved, car rentals will be the first thing to sell out. Don’t leave it until you land.
Consider the Shoulder Season: If you visit in May or late September, you’ll avoid the vehicle caps, the peak tax rates, and the most intense crowds.
Use Public Transport: Ibiza’s “Discobus” and local bus networks are likely to receive more investment as car use is discouraged. It’s cheaper, greener, and part of the local vibe.

The Bigger Picture: A Trend Across Spain

Ibiza isn’t alone. From the “anti-tourism” protests in Majorca to the crackdown on illegal short-term lets in the Canary Islands, Spain is at a crossroads. The country is trying to pivot from “volume” (how many people visit) to “value” (how much each person contributes to the local ecosystem).
As we head into the summer of 2026, the “White Isle” will be the ultimate litmus test for this new era of European travel. It may be more expensive and require a bit more planning, but the hope is that the Ibiza we find will be quieter, cleaner, and more welcoming than it has been in years.

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Tags: Balearic Islands overtourism, Ibiza car rental limits, Ibiza summer 2026, Ibiza travel warning, Majorca travel news

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