Balearic Islands sustainable tourism tax projects update

Since 2016, visitors to the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera have been paying a Sustainable Tourism Tax, contributing towards ongoing vital projects which aim to protect the environment, preserve the historical and cultural heritage of the islands, and promote sustainable tourism. 

Standout projects announced in 2023 include:

• A new railway link between Manacor and Artà, Mallorca

This construction project will provide long-awaited modern rail infrastructure in eastern Mallorca, offering an alternative form of travel along the popular route between Manacor and Artà. The initiative will make popular coastal tourist areas such as Sa Coma, Cala Millor and Cala Ratjada more accessible, whilst promoting more sustainable forms of transportation. The new railway link is expected to dramatically reduce congestion on the main access roads to Manacor - Mallorca’s second largest town - and to the beautiful Artà coastline.

• New walking and cycling routes in Ibiza and Mallorca

Combining the restoration of Balearic heritage with the promotion of sustainable forms of transportation, this project seeks to transform old train tracks into new ‘greenway paths’ for cyclists and walkers. This project will encompass a 9km stretch from S’Arenal to Llucmajor, with pergola rest areas along the route for admiring the views, as well as a 3km stretch conveniently linking Consell-Alaró train station with Alaró town.

• A new pedestrianised path between Santa Maria and Inca, Mallorca

A 2.7km pedestrianised stretch of road will be created along the MA-13A road from Santa Maria to Inca, passing through Consell and Binissalem, with improvements also being made to the road itself. The project aims to promote sports and healthy leisure pursuits in Mallorca and improve road safety for cyclists, who are drawn to the island from all over the world. 

For more information on the sustainable tourism tax and the projects it funds, please visit the Illes Sostenibles website.

For more information on what to see and do in the Balearic Islands, please visit the Illes Balears official website.