TALKING BALEARICS

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

Jet2 apply pressure for Spain to follow the Greek lead at passport control, an incredible amount of flight seats are scheduled for the Balearics this summer but there's devil in the detail and Palma International Boat Show wows once again. Why is the West End of San Antonio being demolished? Theres a cycling surge but is it good for the local economy and Ibiza and Mallorca appear on a very prestigious list for luxury living. 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

Is this the busiest April on record, as the islands’ diversification strategy bears fruit? Booking.com’s eye-catching Ibiza report, Jet2 launches a new luxury concept direct from Liverpool, rumours of a new nightclub for Palma, IMS lands in Ibiza, the World’s Best Clubs revealed, Richie’s lads have a very good week, and where the Greeks lead - will the Spanish follow? 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

The Spanish Prime Minister's wife is in a spot of bother, Ibiza's passport control is under the spotlight as residents face long waits, A new über luxury hotel is opening in Mallorca as the big brands look to take over, the ugly eyesore of Cala den Serra, in the north of Ibiza is finally being demolished but there's a curveball with wings, a new Netflix series will focus on the life of Mallorca's favourite son and TB has a suggestion for the authorities, Ibiza Clubs are preparing for their big opening parties and Real Mallorca are still going strong. 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

UK passports are rising in cost yet again, Ibiza unveils plans for a new 5-star hotel but this one promises to be different from the rest. A new ‘Selfie Tour’ of Magaluf is being promoted by the Town Hall, the ‘La Ruta de la Sal’ Yacht Race proves successful once again and theres’ a fun food ‘tour’ happening in Calvia for the next 4 weeks. Ibiza’s new bus system hasn’t been a success story so far and a surprise name has been announced for Amnesia’s 50th birthday celebrations. 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

Jet2 warns of an APD price hike, Ibiza Senator Juan José Ferrer takes aim at luxury tourism, and the hills of Mallorca have taken on an unfamiliar look. Ibiza enters apartment rental silly season with some eye-watering headlines, there’s MMA in Mallorca and our general sports round-up, while a war of words has broken out at the new venue for Lío Ibiza. There’s also a surprising sighting off the coast of Palma and how do you like your hot cross buns this Easter? 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

The Spanish 'Happiness Index' is out and its no surprise to see the Balearics high on the table, Ibiza's government is offering €850K euros for new projects that will change the islands perception, Article 49 - Brussels is pushing back on the Balearics ruling of not being able to rent apartments, the Repsol Guide spreads Sunshine with their new 'Solete' awards, La Roja - Spains worlds champion footballers - are to take on England's Lionesses in Mallorca in June and Skepta turns up the Ibiza clubbing heat. 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