TALKING BALEARICS

The summer numbers are in for Ibiza's historical Parador hotel, the price at the Balearic petrol pumps has hit record levels, there's a change of law for traffic lights and boat rentals, beware of transport scams, the Balearic rental market is in meltdown as the international market go in search of a better life and there's some exciting football news for Ibiza as Real Mallorca continue their good form. All this and much more in this weeks TALKING BALEARICS. We’re the only English-speaking podcast dedicated to the incredible Balearic Islands, home to a thriving international community and one of Europe’s biggest tourism powerhouses. In 2025, the Balearics welcomed around 19 million international visitors , including almost 4 million from the UK . So whether you live here, visit regularly, or simply love these islands, you’re in the right place. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

The Balearic Ecotax is back in the headlines, with another round of project funding announced but where exactly is the benefit for residents? Tourist spending is higher than ever, so why are some businesses still struggling? Soller in Mallorca has won an award - although it might not be the award they were hoping for! Meanwhile, Ibiza’s rental-car limits have gone to court, as car-hire companies challenge the island’s new regulations. The kids are heading back to school across the Balearics, but some classrooms are still missing one very important item. Pacha is taking one of Ibiza’s most iconic club nights to New York and, of course, we’ll have some Real Mallorca news as well. We’re the only English-speaking podcast dedicated to the incredible Balearic Islands, home to a thriving international community and one of Europe’s biggest tourism powerhouses. In 2025, the Balearics welcomed around 19 million international visitors , including almost 4 million from the UK . So whether you live here, visit regularly, or simply love these islands, you’re in the right place. This is Talking Balearics. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary is at it again — this time taking on the Spanish authorities. There’s trouble brewing after a rather strange vehicle turns up at an Ibiza taxi rank. We look at the real reason behind the drop in rental properties across the Balearics. The never-ending summer heatwave continues, with fresh warnings for the islands, and we’ve got some good news on Ibiza’s controversial vehicle restrictions — because it seems they might actually be working. Meanwhile, Sant Josep business owners are having a right good whinge about the season, the parking, the heat and just about everything else! And, of course, we couldn’t possibly finish without checking in on Real Mallorca. All that, plus the latest news, views and a little bit of Balearic opinion — coming up on this week’s podcast We’re the only English-speaking podcast dedicated to the incredible Balearic Islands - home to a thriving international community and one of Europe’s biggest tourism powerhouses. In 2025, the Balearics welcomed around 19 million international visitors, including almost 4 million from the UK. So whether you live here, visit regularly, or simply love these islands, you’re in the right place. This is Talking Balearics. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

We review the always challenging month of August across the Balearics — and the results are certainly mixed. There’s news of another direct flight from the USA to the islands, but this one might surprise you. Big names have been announced for a free concert in the heart of Palma. London’s Financial Times has put Ibiza firmly in the spotlight with a major feature that, once again, reinforces many of the things we’ve been talking about on this podcast. And on the sporting front, the Balearics’ top football team is struggling to find its feet in Spain’s second tier. All that, and plenty more, on this month’s Talking Balearics. We’re the only English-speaking podcast dedicated to the incredible Balearic Islands - home to a thriving international community and one of Europe’s biggest tourism powerhouses. In 2025, the Balearics welcomed around 19 million international visitors, including almost 4 million from the UK. So whether you live here, visit regularly, or simply love these islands, you’re in the right place. This is Talking Balearics. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

After months of build-up, was the Balearic Total Eclipse everything we hoped for? An Egyptian lake in San Antonio has sparked a political meltdown, while Mallorca is making headlines for something far more positive with a major affordable housing announcement. Ibiza residents are pushing back against a boat frenzy that's turning paradise into a floating car park, and we'll explain why there are suddenly so many bargain flights to the islands this summer. The latest tourism figures are out, revealing some surprising shifts in who is actually visiting Ibiza, while Mallorca's Canadian market continues to grow at an incredible rate and, of course, we'll finish with a bit of Real Mallorca news. All that and much more on this week's Talking Balearics . We're the only English-speaking podcast dedicated to the incredible Balearic Islands - home to a thriving expat community and a tourism powerhouse that welcomed 19 million international visitors in 2025, including almost 4 million from the UK. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

As the solar eclipse looms, the Spanish Royal Family are enjoying their annual Mallorca holiday and it’s all smiles - unlike the Balearic political deadlock, as the two main parties continue to disagree. Ibiza’s campervan numbers plunge, while Palma Airport gets a rather ‘wild’ new name and handling agent strikes are called off. There’s a surprise for Ibiza’s hotel sector as a new satisfaction survey throws up some interesting questions, while restaurants feel the peak-season pinch. And, of course, Richie is back with the latest Real Mallorca news as the new season gets underway. All that and much more, on this week's Talking Balearics. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Martin and Richie are joined by fellow podcaster and Mallorca resident Ollie Neilson to discuss the much-anticipated total solar eclipse that will sweep across the Balearic Islands on the evening of 12 August 2026 . It's one of the most extraordinary natural events the Balearic Islands will experience in more than a century. In this special episode, Martin, Richie and Ollie cover everything you need to know before looking skywards. They discuss the science behind the eclipse, the do's and don'ts of safe viewing, what to expect as daylight turns to darkness, the fascinating sights to look out for during totality, and, perhaps most importantly, the best places to watch it. As it turns out, finding the perfect viewing spot isn't quite as straightforward as you might think. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, this episode will ensure you're ready for one of the Balearics' most unforgettable evenings. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ www.majorca-mallorca.es OFFICIAL OBSERVATION ZONES (ZOO) - https://www.caib.es/webgoib/es/-/zones-d-observaci%C3%B3-oficial-zoo- Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

The Palma anti-tourism protests turned violent, with both sides blaming each other. Ibiza's property market shows no signs of returning to normal, with some truly eye-opening housing and rental figures. The countdown is on to next month's solar eclipse, while strike action threatens disruption at Palma Airport. Ibiza's politicians get themselves in a flap over a dead chicken, fingers are being pointed at one of the Ibiza's world-famous superclubs, and the superstars are in town to help Spain's World Cup winners celebrate in style. All that and much more, on this week's Talking Balearics. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Spain and the Balearics have gone football crazy as La Roja bring home the biggest prize of them all - but what will the knock-on effect be for the islands? Trouble is brewing at Ibiza Airport over the popular Sunday Sessions, and the island government isn't happy. Mallorca look to bring in more public transport but this time on the water and the derelict hotel in San José that's become home to a large community of rough sleepers is facing D-Day. Uber has entered a new market in Ibiza, but is it really the game-changing story the headlines suggest? And Real Mallorca have unveiled their season ticket prices for the new campaign. All that, plus the latest news, views and stories from across the islands, in Afghanistan's fourth most listened-to places and travel podcast .. .Talking Balearics. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

There's a growing backlash against anti-tourism protests, Ibiza Airport's record-breaking passenger numbers, the latest shake-up to airline carry-on baggage rules, whether Airbnb is finally losing momentum, the return of the debate over mega cruise ships, and Marcos Serra's decision to stand for another term as Mayor of San Antonio. There's some Zara summer bargains and a look at the football fever sweeping the Balearics as fans pack bars and terraces to follow the World Cup. It's another packed episode covering the stories shaping life across the islands - from politics and tourism to shopping, travel and sport. All this and much more on TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

The holiday industry could be on the brink of a major shake-up as easyJet eyes a takeover that could change the way millions book their summer breaks. Back in Ibiza, the island's taxi service is making headlines again - for all the wrong reasons, while over in Magaluf, the UK national newspapers are finally recognising that its transformation strategy appears to be paying off. We'll also look at why weddings are becoming serious business across the Balearics, celebrate Amnesia's spectacular 50th birthday party featuring a very special guest, welcome back one of Ibiza's most iconic party brands, and, of course, with the World Cup reaching the knockout stages, football fever continues to grip the islands. All this and much more on TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Have Balearic warning posters gone viral for all the wrong reasons, and should they be taken with a pinch of salt? Ryanair has climbed down over family seating, Magaluf is entering a new era with a very special concert on the beach, and in San Antonio there's finally an update on the so-called 'Super Toilet' that was craned into place with great fanfare back in February. We'll also look ahead to megastars Fatboy Slim and Swedish House Mafia heading to the Balearics, discuss Real Mallorca's latest PR disaster, and round up all the biggest stories from across the islands. All this and much more on TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

A major corruption case ends with lengthy prison sentences, are German tourists falling out of love with Ibiza, and could a future government led by Andy Burnham expand youth mobility opportunities between the UK and Europe? We discuss Ibiza's favourite local dishes, whether San Antonio is suffering an identity crisis while Magaluf powers ahead with a clear tourism strategy, and why a familiar face has been appointed as the new manager of Real Mallorca. Plus, feedback from visitors suggests Ibiza's superclubs may be pushing capacity limits on their biggest nights. Are venues becoming too crowded, what are the implications for customer experience and safety, and has the balance between profitability and comfort shifted too far? All this and much more on TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

World Cup fever has swept across the Balearics, but why are bars and restaurants reporting an unexpected slowdown in the middle of June? An illegal Ibiza party has made headlines across the islands, and the local government has unveiled a surprising new strategy to crack down on organisers. Minivan drivers are under scrutiny after a series of concerning incidents, while the British Government is taking a more proactive role in tourist safety this summer and in San Antonio, a debate is brewing over some eye-catching proposals to rename the town's famous West End. We'll also look at the wider tourism picture, as the Balearics continue to grapple with overcrowding, housing pressures and the challenge of balancing visitor numbers with residents' quality of life. All this and much more on TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Another summer, another tourist protest on the horizon in Palma as activists promise their biggest demonstration yet. The Balearic Ecotax continues to generate millions, but is proving surprisingly difficult to spend effectively. We'll look at why. Co-living is set to become a reality in Ibiza this year – is it a solution to the island's housing crisis or just another buzzword? Mallorca Live is about to turn the Balearic sky into a soundtrack of global music stars, while Spain's tourism industry continues to break booking records. But with growing pressure on housing, infrastructure and local communities, how long can the boom really continue? We'll also bring you the story of a diver's unexpected encounter in the Mediterranean, and as always we'll round things off with the latest from Real Mallorca. THIS IS TALKING BALEARICS! DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Blacklists for badly behaved airline passengers, nervous hotel owners watching August bookings, and the question nobody seems willing to ask: does anyone actually use TripAdvisor anymore? We'll also look at Ibiza Town's cultural transformation, Europe's "best beaches" list that has us raising more than a few eyebrows, and why Ibiza's car hire companies are up in arms over new restrictions. Over in football, Real Mallorca have unveiled their manager for next season, while one of the biggest names in rap is heading to Ibiza this summer – and the ticket price might be the biggest surprise of all. From tourism and travel to culture, controversy and clubland, we'll separate the headlines from the hype. THIS IS TALKING BALEARICS! DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Another spanking new hotel announcement - this time in Calvià - and the numbers are eye-watering, as fears grow over tourist overload despite thousands of authorised beds still sitting unused. EasyJet rolls out a new luggage service that could actually make summer travel slightly less painful. In Ibiza , foreign home ownership figures are raising eyebrows while passport control delivers the entirely predictable seasonal meltdown. An economic forum in Palma produces something we’ll henceforth be referring to as Bernardos Law and after a long, hard season… Real Mallorca suffer the ultimate fate. All this and more on TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Brits could get a 90-day rule rethink, agritourism is booming but facing hotel-style pressures, Bizum is transforming payments for local businesses, San Antonio’s West End is getting a bold rebrand but with a surprise twist, Real Mallorca are hanging by a thread, and hospital walkouts are piling pressure on Ibiza’s healthcare system. All this and more in TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

A new Mallorca train line is making the headlines and the numbers speak for themselves, Ibiza draws the line under camper vans, a new Mallorca beach app is dispelling a few myths, the Balearic Cricket Championship was a straight shootout in Menorca, there's a Balearic crossover with a new market in Santa Ponsa, the 'world's most expensive' restaurant is back and Amnesia opens it's doors for 2026 with a mega-party & lets not forget the footy. All this and more in TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace

Vehicle limitations in the Balearics but are the tourists really to blame, PiGS! Portugal & Italy join Greece in the EES exodus, will Spain follow? A potential beach bar closure in Ibiza has got locals hot & bothered, shanty town shenanigans with no solutions in sight, the billion euro Balearic boating industry that feels unloved and Ibiza is going back to medieval times and thats a good thing! Throw in football and some local cricket and we have it all covered. All this and more in TALKING BALEARICS. We are the only English speaking podcast covering the incredible Balearic Islands which has a thriving expat population and welcomed 19 million international tourists in 2025 including almost 4 million UK visitors. DAD TAXI' BLOG - https://dadtaximallorca.com/ RICHIE PRIOR ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/dad.taxi/ Message me here 'MAN IN SAN AN' BLOG' - https://maninsanan.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON SUBSTACK - https://martinmakepeace.substack.com/ MARTIN MAKEPEACE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/martinmakepeace/ Original music © Alex Ellenger/Martin Makepeace