Are Snakes Taking Over Ibiza? Here's What's Happening Now

When the Party Island Met Its Most Unexpected Guest—Snakes

When most people picture Ibiza, they imagine wild beach parties, turquoise waters, and iconic sunsets. But this summer, something a little more unexpected is crashing the party—snakes. Lots of them. What started as a hidden problem in the early 2000s has now slithered into a full-blown ecological and tourist crisis, with invasive snakes appearing everywhere—from luxury hotel wardrobes to the swimming pools of private villas.

Let’s break down how Ibiza ended up facing this slippery situation—and what it means for travelers and locals alike.

The Unwelcome Guests: How the Snakes Got Here

The story of Ibiza’s snake invasion begins in 2003, when ancient olive trees were imported from mainland Spain for landscaping projects. Hidden within the roots and trunks of these beautiful trees were stowaway snakes. At the time, no one thought much of it. But by 2007, those snakes had settled in, found the conditions just right, and began reproducing.

Fast forward to today—Ibiza is now crawling with thousands of snakes. And they’re not just hiding in forests. Sightings have been reported in homes, hotels, even on beaches and in the sea between Ibiza and Formentera.

Who Are the Culprits?

Three main snake species are currently causing concern in the Balearic Islands, particularly Ibiza and Formentera:

1. Horseshoe Snake
   The most common invader. These snakes can grow over 2 meters long and feast on small mammals, birds, and reptiles like Ibiza’s native lizards. They reproduce quickly and live up to 20 years, making them very hard to control.
2. Ladder Snake
   Slightly smaller but just as problematic. They also prey on small creatures and reproduce regularly, with a lifespan of about 20 years.
3. Montpellier Snake
   Rare, but terrifying to spot. One British couple even filmed one swimming in the sea. It’s the only mildly venomous species found so far, but it’s not believed to be reproducing on the islands—yet.

Why It's a Problem (Beyond the “Yuck” Factor)

At first glance, some may wonder—what's the big deal? These snakes aren’t deadly, and most are harmless to humans.

But the issue goes deeper. Ibiza’s natural ecosystem evolved without snakes. Its native species, like the iconic Pitiusa lizard (Podarcis pityusensis), have no defense mechanisms against such predators. These reptiles now survive in just 30% of the island, pushed to the brink by the snakes' unrelenting appetite.

Worse still, Ibiza lacks natural predators (like birds of prey or larger mammals) that could keep snake populations under control. That means the snakes are now top predators—eating, growing, and spreading unchecked.

Impact on Tourism and Locals

For a place so dependent on tourism, the growing snake presence is causing anxiety. In 2024 alone, over 3,000 snakes were trapped. By mid-2025, nearly 2,000 more have already been caught—and summer’s just begun.

Hotels and villas are reporting increased sightings, and some tourists have even admitted they’re scared to swim in the sea. While the snakes are not aggressive, panic and misinformation spread quickly—bad news for an island built on sunny, carefree vibes.

What's Being Done?

Ibiza's government and environmental groups are fighting back with a mix of tactics:

• Snake Traps: Available for free through local councils or for purchase from pest control companies like Nova Control.
• Public Participation: Residents and businesses are being urged to report sightings and help with trapping efforts.
• Import Control: More attention is being placed on monitoring the import of olive trees and other organic materials.

Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the problem is growing faster than the resources available to fight it.

What You Can Do as a Traveler

If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza or Formentera this year, don’t cancel your plans—but be aware and respectful of the local situation.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Don’t panic: The snakes are not dangerous to most healthy people.
• Be observant: Check hotel rooms, balconies, and gardens—especially in rural areas.
• Report sightings: Let local authorities or hotel staff know if you see a snake.
• Support local conservation efforts: Learn about native species and share awareness.

By being informed and proactive, tourists can play a small part in helping preserve Ibiza’s unique ecosystem.

Why It Matters

Ibiza's snake problem is more than just a quirky island news story—it’s a reminder of how fragile island ecosystems can be. When foreign species sneak in, they can cause long-term damage to native plants, animals, and even local economies.

If the situation isn’t kept in check, we risk losing Ibiza’s famous biodiversity and changing the essence of the island forever.

So next time you stroll through an olive grove or lay back on a quiet beach, take a moment to appreciate the delicate balance that makes this place magical.