Ibiza's Party Scene Puts Strain on Ambulance Services

Tue Oct 21 2025 18:19:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Increasing drug-related emergency calls from nightclubs are overwhelming Ibiza's healthcare system, reflecting broader tourism challenges in Europe.

Ibiza’s ambulance services are facing a crisis due to a rise in drug-related emergencies at nightclubs, which are stressing resources aimed at serving both locals and millions of tourists.

In Ibiza, Spain's iconic nightlife hub, the emergency ambulance service is reportedly on the brink of collapse due to a dramatic surge in drug-related calls. Ambulance technician Pablo Roig describes chaotic scenes where emergency services respond to numerous club-related incidents, especially during the bustling summer season. The island, with a population of 160,000, saw over 3.3 million visitors last year. Union representatives indicate that it’s common for ambulances to handle multiple intoxicated patrons from the same nightclub in just one night.

The crisis isn’t isolated to Ibiza; it’s part of a larger wave of anti-tourism sentiments across Europe, seen in protests across Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Locals voice their frustrations over the pressures of overtourism, which not only strains public services but also contributes to rising living costs in these popular destinations.