From Rockfax Access News Blog:
http://www.rockfax.com/news/2013/05/14/cala-barques-access/
A number of issues have been raised regarding the Mallorca DWS venue of Cala Barques.
There have been a number of individuals from the general public who have recklessly been jumping from the top of the Cova area and badly injuring themselves.
At weekends and in the public holiday season the bay of Cala Barques gets very busy with tourists and many of them are acting irresponsibly by jumping under the influence or in an ‘un-educated’ way. In 2012 a no jumping sign was erected at the top of the cove but unfortunately was ignored.
Once again the art of irresponsible Tombstoning has hit the climbing community hard and currently there is now a ban on Cliff Jumping and Deep Water Soloing at Cala Barques. It’s unclear as to what extent the ban goes to regarding the area but if choosing to visit then do so by avoid weekends and public holidays. If you are asked to stop climbing at any of the cliffs in the area then please do so without protest. The council are unable to issue fines at time of writing but they have increased the man power at the cliffs to enforce the ban.
Hopefully in time, collaboration between the climbing community and the Mallorca council may usher in new terms for climbing in the area. Currently it is understood that the authorities are not necessarily against Deep Water Soloing at Barques, but the feeling is that they would prefer the activity to be removed from the general public’s attention at Barques to discourage jumping.
Cala Barques has also a problem with illegal camping in the area which is now out of control. Officials are cracking down on people doing this with fines (which have been witnessed first-hand). Barques needs to be protected so please DO NOT camp at Barques, no fires and take all rubbish home with you. It’s a place of outstanding natural beauty and climbers and the general public need to keep it this way.
