Outrage at Portals Vells: Tourist vandalizes cave wall — and posts it online

Outrage on the Coast: A Signature That Hurts

Yesterday a short video circulated on social networks and sparked strong reactions: a foreign tourist films himself as he etches the name of his son into the rock face of a small cave in Portals Vells — and later proudly posts the scene on Instagram. Anyone who knows the sea there knows: such coves are not only postcard motifs but protected habitats.

Reactions from the Neighborhood and Online

The local group Illes en Resistencia picked up the video and criticized it in clear terms. In messages, posts and small local threads one reads a lot of anger: This is vandalism, and you do not simply leave it there, said a resident near Magaluf who wished to remain anonymous. On a promenade later in the evening the mood was noticeably tense — pedestrians debated, a kiosk vendor shook her head.

Why This Is More Than Just a Scratch

Portals Vells lies in the southwest of Mallorca and is a popular destination for snorkelers, small boats and sunbathers. The rocks there are partly connected to seagrass beds (Posidonia) and delicate shell and algae populations. Any damage to the rock alters the microclimate in small grottoes; what at first glance looks like a small injury can disturb local wildlife and plant life.

Many now call for the authorities to investigate the incident. So far there is no official report, but the public complaint is clear: such behavior is tolerated laxly and encourages copycats, according to the critics. Some users have shared screenshots of the Instagram post, others demanded an apology or actions against the accused.

A Plea to Visitors — and to Those Responsible

Simple advice from here: When visiting the coast, leave the rocks, coves and small caves as you found them. No scribbles, no signatures, no parties that leave traces. And to the authorities: visible protection, clearer sanctions and more education would help that in a few years we will not only be talking about old scratch marks but about lost habitats.

In the end, a feeling remains that many share: anger, a bit of sadness — and the wish that this place stays as it once was.