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

    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

  2. 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

  3. Aug 26

    August Review, New USA Flight, Big Names for Free Concert, Financial Times Focus on Ibiza, Real Mallorca News

    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

    August Review, New USA Flight, Big Names for Free Concert, Financial Times Focus on Ibiza, Real Mallorca News

  4. Aug 19

    Eclipse Debrief, Egyptian Lake Fallout, Affordable Housing, Boat Frenzy, Flight Bargains, Ibiza Arrival Numbers, Canadian Surge

    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

    Eclipse Debrief, Egyptian Lake Fallout, Affordable Housing, Boat Frenzy, Flight Bargains, Ibiza Arrival Numbers, Canadian Surge

  5. Aug 12

    The King in Mallorca, Campervan Downturn, Political Deadlock, Strike Update, Hotel Satisfaction Surprise, Restaurants Squeeze, Real Mallorca Kick Off

    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

    The King in Mallorca, Campervan Downturn, Political Deadlock, Strike Update, Hotel Satisfaction Surprise, Restaurants Squeeze, Real Mallorca Kick Off

  6. Aug 5

    The Balearic Solar Eclipse Special - 121 Years in the Making

    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 Balearic Solar Eclipse Special - 121 Years in the Making

  7. Jul 30

    Airport Strike, Solar Eclipse, Housing Surprise, Protest Violence, Club Overcrowding, Dead Chicken Row, Beckham & Jordan in Ibiza

    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

    Airport Strike, Solar Eclipse, Housing Surprise, Protest Violence, Club Overcrowding, Dead Chicken Row, Beckham & Jordan in Ibiza

  8. Jul 22

    ¡Viva España! Balearics Go Football Crazy, Airport Disco, Homeless Eviction, Uber's New Market, New Maritime Public Transport

    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

    ¡Viva España! Balearics Go Football Crazy, Airport Disco, Homeless Eviction, Uber's New Market, New Maritime Public Transport
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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
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 TALKING BALEARICS
  • Show Website
    TALKING BALEARICS

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