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Welcome to Talking Balearics where paradise floods, airports fail, politicians make promises and Ibiza charges you a fortune for the privilege. This week, Storm Adam batters the islands and makes international headlines, but were the authorities prepared, or was this a disaster waiting to happen? Could the Tourist Tax help solve the housing crisis? Why are Mallorca and Ibiza airports near the bottom of Spain's punctuality rankings? And what do the latest election promises mean for Brits abroad? Plus, has Ibiza finally priced itself out of paradise? And, of course, we'll finish with Real Mallorca. All this and much more, covering current affairs, culture and all the news shaping the islands.  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

Mallorca looks to tackle traffic with water transport, Spain’s government rushes through a new decree giving rental tenants more rights - and it could have major implications for the Balearics. The date for the General Strike is confirmed while one of our hosts is inducted into the Ibiza Hall of Fame. An intriguing new travel discount for residents is proposed and July’s tourist figures are out, highlighting some of the issues the islands continue to face. Spain’s 10 most expensive towns to buy property are revealed and, unsurprisingly, the Balearics feature heavily and finally, Real Mallorca give their fans something to cheer about! All this and much more, covering the news, politics, property, tourism, culture and sport shaping our islands.  This is TALKING BALEARICS - 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

Election fever has officially arrived in Spain, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calling a general election for November 29th and with housing once again dominating the political agenda, Balearic President Marga Prohens has made it pretty clear where she stands. Meanwhile, Spain’s two biggest unions are backing a general strike over the crisis. Away from politics, North American airlines continue to expand their connections to the Balearics, bringing more visitors across the Atlantic and in Ibiza, a brand-new resort hotel in San Antonio has teamed up with Tomorrowland, one of the biggest names in electronic music, but while the partnership promises plenty of music and entertainment, not everyone is convinced that the plans fit comfortably with the local environment. Over on Ibiza's east coast, Santa Eulalia is looking at measures designed to protect its small businesses, while putting greater controls on larger commercial operations and finally… the one question Ibiza visitors really want answered at this time of year: How much is it going to cost you to say goodbye to the Ibiza season? The closing parties are here, the big clubs are preparing their final weekends, the DJs are getting ready for one last dance, and ticket prices range from relatively reasonable to, well… Ibiza. All this & more on TALKING BALEARICS - 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

EXTRA PODCAST | Ibiza Cricket Club: 40 Years on the White Isle In this Talking Balearics special episode, Martin Makepeace speaks to journalist Thom Airs, who has been commissioned by the editor of Wisden’s Cricket Around the World to write exclusively for next year’s Wisden Almanack about Ibiza’s unique relationship with cricket. As Ibiza Cricket Club celebrates its 40th anniversary, Thom takes a closer look at how one of England’s most traditional sports found a home on a small Spanish island — and how the club has evolved from its humble beginnings into an established part of Ibiza’s sporting community. It’s a snapshot of a very English sport in a very Spanish setting: the history, the people, the characters, the challenges and the enduring appeal of cricket on the White Isle. 40 years. One island. One very English game. Talking Balearics – Extra Martin Makepeace with Thom Airs IBIZA CC WEB: https://ibizacricketclub.com/ IBIZA CC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibizacricketclub WISDEN WEB: https://www.wisden.com/ 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 housing lottery, who should get priority for affordable homes, and should residents get preferential treatment when buying property? The hotel summer bonus for staff working in the heat raises a bigger question about how the tourism industry treats the people who keep it running. Beach saturation as Cala Conta's numbers are mind boggling, squeezing onto the sand more than its physical capacity. Airport Protests as thousands take to the streets against the proposed expansion of Ibiza Airport. How much growth can the island actually handle? The cost of living is in the news as prices continue to rise while housing remains brutally expensive. Can you still build a decent life in the Balearics on an ordinary salary? Football: Real Mallorca's latest results, the promotion battle and the latest football from across the Islands. This is TALKING BALEARICS - 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 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