Despite their world-famous beaches, turquoise waters, and the breathtaking Serra de Tramuntana landscape, the Balearic Islands appear to be losing their charm for many of their own residents. According to the second edition of the Housing Barometer by the Mutua Propietarios Group, only 29% of Balearic residents would choose to stay in the region if given the opportunity to relocate within Spain.
The study reveals a concerning trend of internal migration, with nearly 60% of island residents saying they would prefer to move to another Spanish region. Another 12% remain undecided. These findings place the Balearics among the regions with the lowest residential satisfaction in the country, ranking above only Madrid, Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, and Extremadura.
Rising Desire to Leave – Shift Toward Andalusia
Among those considering relocation, Andalusia emerges as the most popular destination, followed by the Basque Country and Navarre. Interestingly, Andalusians themselves report the highest satisfaction with their place of residence, with nearly 60% saying they have no intention of moving. High satisfaction rates are also seen in other coastal or northern regions, such as Valencia, Asturias, and again, the Basque Country.
On a national level, Andalusia is the top choice for internal migration, with 9% of respondents selecting it, followed by Asturias (6%), Basque Country (5%), and the Canary Islands (5%).
The Contradiction Between Beauty and Daily Life
Though the Balearics may seem like paradise to tourists, daily life for locals tells a different story. High living costs, tourism pressure, and limited access to affordable housing significantly impact quality of life. The gap between the islands’ tourist image and residents’ reality is widening.
This perception is reflected in attitudes across the country: in seven autonomous communities—including Cantabria, Castile and León, and La Rioja—no respondents expressed a desire to move to the Balearics. Overall, only 3% of Spaniards living outside the islands would consider moving there.
The Dilemma of Overtourism
The Balearic paradox isn’t new. It’s a region that benefits massively from tourism—its economic cornerstone—yet is now facing a growing backlash from its own population. Overdependence on tourism, rising rents, housing shortages, and seasonal employment are creating an environment that feels increasingly unsustainable for long-term living.
The Mutua Propietarios survey highlights this crucial aspect of the urban and social challenges facing the Balearics: how a symbol of Spain’s tourism supremacy is gradually becoming a place locals want to leave.
If this trend continues, both local authorities and the central government may need to rethink strategies to restore balance between quality of life and tourism growth. Because when a place becomes unlivable for its own people, it loses something far more valuable than its image on a travel brochure.