August 21, 2025, 3:02 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Those who want to spontaneously use a beach chair on Mallorca often find themselves out of luck. More and more municipalities on the Balearic island are implementing a digital reservation system, causing frustration among tourists and locals alike. Even if a chair is empty, you can’t sit on it without an online booking.
Whether in Calvià, Alcúdia, or Santa Ponça, the new system has already been established at many beaches on Mallorca, according to a report by BILD. Through online platforms like “Beach Manager,” visitors can book their beach chairs along with a time slot and exact location on a digital map in advance—sometimes even weeks ahead. Payment is made online; cash payment on-site is no longer an option.
Those who arrive at the beach without a reservation are often turned away by staff. Available chairs are marked with red plastic bands and the note “Reservado”—regardless of whether they are actually being used or not.
Premium Service Costs Up to 50 Euros a Day
A standard set of two chairs and an umbrella costs around 18 euros daily. However, many providers have expanded their offerings and now provide paid extras like padded covers, towels, or lockable compartments. This so-called premium service can cost more than 50 euros per day.
There is significant criticism that many hotels reserve large quantities of chairs near the beach through the system—especially in the front row. They offer these spots exclusively to their guests, often at the official price but only bookable internally. Vacationers without hotel connections have little chance of securing one of the coveted front-row chairs.
Public Beaches, but No Free Access?
Both locals and spontaneous visitors feel disadvantaged by the reservation system. Although Mallorca’s beaches are considered public property, the digital system leaves many feeling excluded.
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Even more problematic: Some booking portals are only accessible between 4 p.m. and 6 a.m., making spontaneous visits even more difficult—especially for those who want to plan their beach day on the fly.