TALKING BALEARICS

Martin Makepeace
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Number 1 for news and views from IBIZA. Welcome to my 'MAN IN SAN AN' Podcast TALKING BALEARICS - Current affairs podcast with myself in Ibiza & Richie Prior in Mallorca focussing on the Balearic Islands which has a thriving ex-pat population and almost 4M UK visitors every year.MY IBIZA JOURNEY - in this series I talk to prominent people about their Ibiza journey, what the Island means to them & how it has changed over the years.About Me: Described in the Ibiza press as a ‘friendly agitator’' and the UK's Daily Telegraph as a 'swaggering manspreader' (thanks to appearing in an ITV reality show), White Isle resident since 1991, Ibiza property expert & President of the British Association of San Antonio. Read my ‘Man in San An’ weekly blog & listen to my podcasts vía all the usual platforms.

  1. 3d ago

    Storm Adam Wreaks Havoc, Tourist Tax Breaks, Balearic Airports Fail, Election Build-Up, Overpriced Ibiza by Pepe Rosello, Real Mallorca

    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

    Storm Adam Wreaks Havoc, Tourist Tax Breaks, Balearic Airports Fail, Election Build-Up, Overpriced Ibiza by Pepe Rosello, Real Mallorca

  2. Oct 14

    July Overload, Water Transport Update, General Strike, Rental Contracts Update, Ibiza Hall of Fame, Travel Discounts, Ibiza Closings, Property Prices Rise

    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

    July Overload, Water Transport Update, General Strike, Rental Contracts Update, Ibiza Hall of Fame, Travel Discounts, Ibiza Closings, Property Prices Rise

  3. Oct 7

    Election Fever, Ibiza’s Closing Nights, US Airline Expansion, The Housing Standoff, A General Strike Brewing, Tomorrowland Trouble & A Big Commerce Red Flag

    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

    Election Fever, Ibiza’s Closing Nights, US Airline Expansion, The Housing Standoff, A General Strike Brewing, Tomorrowland Trouble & A Big Commerce Red Flag

  4. Sep 25 ·  Bonus

    Ibiza Cricket Club at 40 | In conversation with Wisden for their 2027 Almanack

    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

    Ibiza Cricket Club at 40 | In conversation with Wisden for their 2027 Almanack

  5. Sep 23

    Balearic Housing Lottery, Hotel Worker Bonus, Beach Saturation, Airport Protests, Living Cost Rise, Football News

    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

    Balearic Housing Lottery, Hotel Worker Bonus, Beach Saturation, Airport Protests, Living Cost Rise, Football News

  6. Sep 16

    Ibiza Parador Success, Petrol Rip-Off, All Change for Traffic Lights & Boat Rental, Transport Scams, Balearic Rental Meltdown, Football News

    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

    Ibiza Parador Success, Petrol Rip-Off, All Change for Traffic Lights & Boat Rental, Transport Scams, Balearic Rental Meltdown, Football News

  7. Sep 9

    Ecotax Billions, Tourist Spend Surprise, Soller Overload, Back2School Issues, Rental Cars Court Case, Pacha New York, Real Mallorca News

    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

    Ecotax Billions, Tourist Spend Surprise, Soller Overload, Back2School Issues, Rental Cars Court Case, Pacha New York, Real Mallorca News

  8. Sep 2

    Ryanair Standoff, Taxi War, Rental Properties Drop, Heatwave Continues, Vehicle Limits Take Hold, Sant Josep Unhappy

    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

    Ryanair Standoff, Taxi War, Rental Properties Drop, Heatwave Continues, Vehicle Limits Take Hold, Sant Josep Unhappy
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Ratings & Reviews

About

Number 1 for news and views from IBIZA. Welcome to my 'MAN IN SAN AN' Podcast TALKING BALEARICS - Current affairs podcast with myself in Ibiza & Richie Prior in Mallorca focussing on the Balearic Islands which has a thriving ex-pat population and almost 4M UK visitors every year.MY IBIZA JOURNEY - in this series I talk to prominent people about their Ibiza journey, what the Island means to them & how it has changed over the years.About Me: Described in the Ibiza press as a ‘friendly agitator’' and the UK's Daily Telegraph as a 'swaggering manspreader' (thanks to appearing in an ITV reality show), White Isle resident since 1991, Ibiza property expert & President of the British Association of San Antonio. Read my ‘Man in San An’ weekly blog & listen to my podcasts vía all the usual platforms.

Information

  • Creator
    Martin Makepeace
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    113
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALKING BALEARICS
  • Show Website
    TALKING BALEARICS

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