Delays and management issues

Start of summer 2026

Formentera, April 18, 2026

The island of Formentera is currently facing a series of administrative and management issues that highlight difficulties in preparing for the tourist season. Just a few weeks before the start of the busiest months, several fronts remain open, causing concern both in the political sphere and among professionals in the sector.

On one hand, the regulation of vehicle entry is once again at the center of the debate after delays were detected in the activation of its digital platform. This tool is key to organizing mobility on the island during the summer, especially given the forecast of high demand.

At the same time, problems are also emerging in the environmental sphere, where the lack of maintenance in protected areas is forcing the island administration to intervene subsidiarily to avoid greater risks. This situation highlights shortcomings in coordination between administrations.

In addition, the planning of basic services on the beaches is not progressing as expected either. The lack of state authorizations is blocking the installation of essential tourist facilities, creating uncertainty among concessionaires and delaying the start of regular activity.

Delays in vehicle regulation

The implementation of the system regulating vehicle entry and circulation is being affected by the inactivity of the project’s official website. Just weeks before its application, the portal is still not operational and provides no information about the opening of the reservation period for the 2026 season.

The opposition has criticized this situation, arguing that there are no changes compared to last year’s model that would justify the delay. The regulations are being applied under the same terms as in 2025, making the lack of foresight even more difficult to understand.
These criticisms also point out that the project remains active mainly due to social and political pressure, reflecting a lack of drive from the governing team. Meanwhile, visitors interested in accessing the island with their own vehicles are finding it difficult to plan their trips.

Urgent intervention in ses Salines

At the same time, the Consell of Formentera has decided to act in the Natural Park of ses Salines due to the deterioration of protective elements of the dune systems. The lack of intervention by the competent authority, the Directorate General for Coasts and Shoreline, has led the island institution to take on this action subsidiarily.

The work will focus on removing posts, ropes, and fences that are damaged or displaced, posing a risk both to the natural environment and to users. The state of degradation in some coastal areas makes immediate action necessary.
The Consell makes it clear that this intervention is temporary in nature and responds to an urgent need to preserve the environment and guarantee safety, while the responsible administrations take the appropriate measures.

No sunbeds or umbrellas

Adding to these difficulties is the delay in the installation of umbrellas and sunbeds on the beaches. The Consell has informed concessionaires that, for the time being, it will not be possible to begin installation on May 1, as originally planned.
Although the authorization request was submitted in September 2025 and all administrative requirements have been met, the Directorate General for Coasts and Shoreline has not yet issued the necessary resolution. Without this permit, it is impossible to begin the work.

This situation forces the suspension of preparations for seasonal services, which are essential for tourist activity, although the Consell assures that the process is still being monitored and that concessionaires will be informed as soon as authorization is received.