Majorca Mallorca

11 Years in Mallorca: Ottilie Quince on Starting Again

What does it really take to build a new life in Mallorca? In this episode of The Majorca Mallorca Podcast, Vicki McLeod talks to Ottilie Quince, founder of OQ Service Course in Port de Pollença, about the eleven years she has spent building a business and a life on the island. Moving to Mallorca can look very different from the outside compared with the reality of actually building a life here. Ottilie Quince moved to Mallorca in 2015 after previously visiting the island to train with the Great Britain cycling team. She arrived without a detailed business plan, but with professional experience as a physiotherapist, a willingness to work hard and a determination to make island life work. Her first work involved treating people in hotels, apartments and villas. She soon realised that this was not how she wanted to operate and began looking for premises of her own. That eventually developed into OQ Service Course, a cycling-focused business in Port de Pollença. The conversation ranges far beyond business. Ottilie talks about learning Spanish without worrying too much about making mistakes, the importance of knowing people's names, the role of local fiestas in understanding Mallorca, and the practical realities of being self-employed. There is also a frank discussion about Mallorca's changing tourism economy, the increasing cost of property, seasonal work, cycling tourism and the challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing island. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: moving to another country means starting a new chapter rather than trying to recreate the old one. What you will hear in this episode Ottilie's first eleven years in Mallorca Why she moved to the island Arriving with two cats, four bicycles and a physiotherapy table Learning Spanish through conversation rather than worrying about perfect grammar How OQ Service Course got its name Building a business from scratch The realities of being a woman running a business The importance of resilience and adaptability Why Ottilie recommends learning some Mallorcan Getting involved with local fiestas The Pollença Moros i Cristians celebrations Why professional cyclists continue to train in Mallorca The relationship between cycling and local businesses Mallorca's changing tourism market Seasonal work and the winter economy Property prices and the difficulties of buying The difference between renting and owning Climate, heat, humidity and winter damp Why integration matters About the guest Ottilie Quince is the founder of OQ Service Course in Port de Pollença, a cycling-focused business offering physiotherapy and sports massage alongside cycling-related services. The official OQ Service Course website says the business was established in February 2017 and provides cycling support including sports massage, guided rides, bike servicing, cycling apparel, nutrition and other services. Links and resources OQ Service Course: https://oqservicecourse.com/ OQ Service Course bookings: https://oqservicecourse.com/bookings Pollença Town Council: https://ajpollenca.net/ Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor: https://www.fourseasons.com/mallorca/ Majorca Mallorca: https://majorca-mallorca.es/ Guest introduction Ottilie Quince moved to Mallorca in 2015 and has spent the past eleven years building a life and business in Port de Pollença. She is the founder of OQ Service Course, a cycling-focused business that combines physiotherapy and sports support with her deep knowledge of Mallorca and its cycling community. In this conversation, Ottilie talks honestly about starting again in another country, learning Spanish, building a business, becoming part of the local community and adapting to the realities of island life.

Moving to Mallorca: Residency, NIEs, Visas and Spanish Citizenship - with Mallorca Solutions

Thinking about moving to Mallorca, working here or making the island your permanent home? This episode looks at some of the paperwork and practical realities you need to understand before making the move. Vicki McLeod is joined by Becky Bellafont Evans and Rebecca Edwards from Mallorca Solutions to discuss NIE numbers, residency, visas, seasonal work, Spanish citizenship, private medical insurance and Mallorca's new Tarjeta Única public transport card. Listen for practical insight into getting properly organised before you relocate. Subscribe to the Majorca Mallorca Podcast for more conversations about life on the island. Episode overview Moving to Mallorca can look wonderfully simple from a distance. The reality, as anyone who has dealt with Spanish administration knows, is rather more complicated. In this episode of the Majorca Mallorca Podcast, Vicki McLeod is joined by Becky Bellafont Evans, founder and CEO of Mallorca Solutions, and Rebecca Edwards from the team. Between them, they discuss some of the most common questions asked by people planning to live, work or settle in Mallorca. The conversation covers the difference between an NIE number and residency, why a Social Security number matters for workers, and the challenges faced by seasonal employees trying to get their paperwork organised. Becky also talks through some of the broad options available to non-EU citizens, including the non-lucrative and digital nomad routes, while stressing that immigration options depend on individual circumstances. There is also a candid discussion about Spanish citizenship, including the reasons some long-term residents consider applying for a Spanish passport and the reality of the application process. Finally, the episode turns to insurance and everyday island life, including private medical cover and the Tarjeta Única, Mallorca's integrated public transport card. The central message is straightforward: do your homework before moving. Good preparation and correct registration can make life considerably easier later. What you will hear What Mallorca Solutions does Growing up in Mallorca with English parents Speaking English, Spanish and Catalan Why getting paperwork right at the beginning matters NIE numbers and what they are used for Social Security registration Seasonal workers in Mallorca Residency for EU citizens Visa options for non-EU citizens The non-lucrative and digital nomad routes Why people should prepare before moving to Spain Arraigo and regularisation routes Spanish citizenship and nationality Language and cultural knowledge examinations Private medical insurance The role of an independent insurance broker The Tarjeta Única Free public transport in Mallorca Why better public transport could help reduce time spent in traffic About the guests Becky Bellafont Evans is described in the transcript as the founder and CEO of Mallorca Solutions, a Mallorca-based business providing assistance with insurance and official administration. Rebecca Edwards works with Mallorca Solutions and has lived in Mallorca since early childhood. She attended school in the Santanyí area and discusses her experience of growing up between English and Spanish cultures. Links and resources Mallorca Solutions: https://www.mallorcasolutions.com/ Spanish Ministry of Justice, nationality by residence: Official Spanish citizenship information Mallorca Tarjeta Única information: Official Tarjeta Única information TIB Mallorca: https://www.tib.org/es/inicio Majorca Mallorca: https://majorca-mallorca.es

Sóller, Mallorca: Tourism, Traffic, Housing and the Eclipse.

What is Sóller really like when you live there? Vicki and Oliver take the Majorca Mallorca Podcast out of the studio and meet Shirley in Sóller for a wide-ranging conversation about life in the valley, from tourism and traffic to housing, buses, winter in Mallorca and the extraordinary build-up to the August 2026 total solar eclipse. There are stories about Northern Ireland, weddings, eclipse proposals, cars, electric scooters and the practical realities of getting around the island, alongside a candid discussion about the tension between residents and visitors. If you are visiting Sóller, considering moving to Mallorca or simply interested in how the island works beyond the holiday brochures, this episode offers plenty to think about. Subscribe to Majorca Mallorca for more conversations about life on the island. Sóller is one of Mallorca's most recognisable destinations, but it is also a real place where people live, work, raise families, run businesses and deal with the same pressures found elsewhere on the island. In this episode, Vicki and Oliver meet Shirley in Sóller rather than recording in the studio. The result is an informal conversation that moves between food, travel, tourism, transport and everyday island life. The timing is particularly interesting. Mallorca is approaching the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse, an event that has generated enormous interest in Sóller and the wider island. The eclipse is particularly significant for Port de Sóller: astronomical calculations put maximum eclipse there at approximately 20:31 local time, with totality lasting about 1 minute 34 seconds. The conversation also looks beyond the eclipse. Shirley discusses a forthcoming protest in Sóller, the reasons behind local frustration, housing affordability and the difficulty of separating tourism from wider economic and social pressures. Traffic is another major theme. The group discusses congestion into Port de Sóller, car ownership, parking, public transport and electric scooters. One of the most useful points is that the problems are not necessarily as simple as “too many tourists”. Arrival patterns, local car ownership, the physical geography of the valley and the capacity of public transport all play a role. And then there is winter. For people who only know Sóller in July and August, the quieter months offer a very different experience. What you will hear in this episode Recording the podcast from Sóller The food and character of the restaurant hosting the recording Shirley's trip to Northern Ireland Escaping Mallorca's summer heat The changing nature of destination weddings Proposals and wedding photography during the eclipse The August 2026 total solar eclipse Where the eclipse may be visible around Sóller The eclipse rush and restaurant bookings The forthcoming Sóller protest Housing affordability and the cost of living Whether Sóller is really overcrowded The Sóller train, tram and Sa Calobra visitor flow Traffic into and out of Port de Sóller Local car ownership and parking Public transport and full buses Electric scooters and road safety Why Mallorca is a place where people actually live Winter in Sóller The 90/180-day Schengen issue for British visitors Northern Ireland and unexpected travel adventures Plans for the Camino de Santiago The Perseid meteor shower following the eclipse Keep up to date with Shirley's daily updates here. www.sollerweb.com ....and find keep up to date with Majorca Mallorca via these links Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca

From Santa Catalina to Superyachts: Erica Lay's Mallorca Story

What is it really like to work on a superyacht in Mallorca? Erica Lay, founder of EL CREW CO and author of The Superyacht Life, returns to the Majorca Mallorca Podcast to talk about yacht recruitment, crew life and the changing reality of working in one of the island's most important industries. From the days when newcomers could arrive with a backpack and a hope and a dream to today's world of qualifications, visas, money and online recruitment, Erica explains what aspiring crew need to know. We also discuss yacht crew welfare, recruitment scams, rising costs in Mallorca and the growing attraction of alternative yacht hubs such as Vilanova i la Geltrú. Listen to the full episode and subscribe to Majorca Mallorca for more conversations about life and work on the island. Episode overview Mallorca has been at the heart of the Mediterranean yachting industry for decades, but the business is changing. Erica Lay has spent years working at the sharp end of that change. After arriving in Mallorca in 2007, she moved from a career in construction project management into yacht recruitment and eventually established her own agency, EL CREW CO, in 2013. Her business works with yacht crew across a wide range of roles and vessel sizes. Erica has worked in international yacht crew recruitment since 2007 launching her own agency in 2013. In this conversation, Erica talks about her early years living in Santa Catalina, before moving to the Mallorcan countryside, and about the dramatic changes she has seen in both Palma and the yacht industry. She explains how finding yacht work has changed. The old image of arriving in Mallorca with a backpack, walking the docks and hoping for day work has largely disappeared. Today's newcomers need qualifications, documentation, money behind them and a much more professional approach. There is also a warning for anyone tempted by the glamour portrayed in television programmes such as Below Deck. Yacht work can provide excellent opportunities, but it can also mean long hours, cramped living conditions, isolation and significant pressure. Perhaps most importantly, Erica discusses recruitment scams, fake jobs and fraudulent approaches targeting inexperienced crew. The wider conversation looks at Mallorca's future as a yachting centre. Rising costs are encouraging some yachts and businesses to consider places such as Vilanova i la Geltrú, raising questions about how much the island can charge before the industry begins to move elsewhere. What you will hear in this episode Erica's journey from the UK to Mallorca Life in Santa Catalina before its transformation Why Erica moved from Palma to the countryside How yacht recruitment became her career How yacht jobs have changed over the past two decades What new crew need before arriving in Mallorca Why Below Deck is a poor guide to real yacht life Seasonal yacht work and freelance crew The realities of working and living aboard a yacht Crew welfare and isolation Mental health support for yacht crew The importance of qualifications and documentation Fake yacht jobs and recruitment scams How social media has changed recruitment Why Mallorca became a major yachting hub Rising costs for yachts and businesses Vilanova i la Geltrú as a potential alternative What the changing industry could mean for Mallorca About Erica Lay Erica Lay is the founder and director of EL CREW CO, an international yacht crew recruitment agency based in Mallorca. She has worked in yacht recruitment since 2007 and established EL CREW CO in 2013. She is also the author of The Superyacht Life: How to Start, Succeed & Stay Sane, a guide covering different stages of a career in yachting. www.elcrewco.com Visit: https://majorca-mallorca.es Subscribe to our newsletter and follow Majorca Mallorca on social media. Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca

Burnt Fireworks and Crushed Dreams: Trudi Murray’s Eclipse Perfume

What would Mallorca’s total solar eclipse smell like? In this episode of the Majorca Mallorca Podcast, Vicki and Oliver meet Trudi Murray, founder of Gaia Natural, to explore the fascinating world of fragrance, memory and Mallorcan creativity. Gaia Natural creates bespoke amenities and spa products for some of Mallorca’s leading luxury hotels. Each property receives its own exclusive fragrance, inspired by its gardens, architecture, history and guests. Trudi also welcomes visitors to her beautifully restored windmill in Costitx, where she hosts intimate perfume-making experiences. Guests learn how to build a fragrance one note at a time, using scent to unlock memories and create something entirely personal. The centrepiece of the conversation is Trudi’s extraordinary limited-edition perfume inspired by Mallorca’s total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Named I’m Sorry, Dave, I’m Afraid I Can’t Do That, it draws on lunar dust, Apollo missions, childhood fireworks and what Trudi describes as “burnt fireworks and crushed dreams”. Only 50 bottles have been created, each presented as an interactive work of art with handmade packaging, Mallorcan ceramics and its own tiny diorama. It is a conversation about following an idea down a rabbit hole, turning imagination into something tangible and refusing to stop creating. I'm sorry Dave, I can't do that...Instagram reel. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZ5XdDutDCY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/perfume.experience.mallorca/ Visit: https://majorca-mallorca.es Subscribe to our newsletter and follow Majorca Mallorca on social media. Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca

Mallorca This Week: Protests, Airport Delays, Wildfires and Ceuta

Is Mallorca really telling tourists to go home? This week, Vicki and Oliver examine the huge anti-tourism demonstration in Palma, the clashes outside Ses Voltes and the complicated reality behind the headlines. The protest may be described as anti-tourism, but concerns about housing, overcrowding, traffic, natural resources and the island’s tourism-dependent economy make the story far more complex. They also discuss reports of long EES queues for British passengers arriving at Palma Airport, the proposed European firefighting hub at Son Sant Joan and the devastating wildfire risk facing Spain and the western Mediterranean. Finally, the episode turns to the rapidly developing humanitarian crisis in Ceuta, where approximately 50,000 people reportedly crossed from Morocco into Spanish territory within 24 hours. Plus, Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox arrive in Mallorca aboard a superyacht, Cristiano Ronaldo sparks engagement rumours and excitement continues to build ahead of the total solar eclipse. Listen for honest conversation, local insight and a closer look at the stories affecting Mallorca this week. 00:00 Welcome and Mallorca eclipse update 01:55 Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox in Mallorca 02:30 Superyachts and Sa Foradada 04:20 Cristiano Ronaldo’s Mallorca visit 05:15 Pedro Sánchez and the royal summer in Palma 06:25 Mallorca’s anti-tourism protest 08:00 What happened outside Ses Voltes 10:15 Are tourists still welcome in Mallorca? 11:35 What “tourists go home” really means 13:10 Mallorca’s housing and tourism problem 17:15 EES queues at Palma Airport 21:25 Airport assistance and potential disruption 22:25 Mallorca’s proposed European firefighting hub 23:15 Wildfire risks in Mallorca and Spain 25:45 The developing crisis in Ceuta 35:40 Coming next on the podcast The Majorca Mallorca Podcast brings you real stories, local voices and insider knowledge from across Mallorca. Hosted by Vicki McLeod and Oliver Neilson, the podcast explores island life, local businesses, inspiring people, events, food, culture and everything you need to know about living in or visiting Mallorca. Whether you call it Mallorca or Majorca, subscribe for honest conversations, practical advice and a closer look at the people and places that make the island so special. Visit: https://majorca-mallorca.es Subscribe to our newsletter and follow Majorca Mallorca on social media. Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca

Mallorca’s Total Solar Eclipse: Where to See It, How to Plan and What Could Go Wrong

On Wednesday 12 August 2026, Mallorca will experience one of the most remarkable natural events of our lifetime: a total solar eclipse. However, seeing it will not be as simple as walking outside and looking up. The eclipse will reach totality shortly before sunset, when the Sun is extremely low in the west-north-western sky. Across much of Mallorca, the Serra de Tramuntana, local hills, buildings and vegetation could completely block the view. In this episode, Oliver is joined by Majorca Mallorca group contributor Nick Brown, who has studied the island’s geography, viewing angles and official eclipse planning in impressive detail. They discuss: • Why the eclipse will be difficult to see from parts of Mallorca • Which areas may offer a clearer view • Why Palma city centre and much of northern Mallorca could be problematic • The official traffic restrictions affecting the Serra de Tramuntana • Why driving across the island could be a serious mistake • The additional risks posed by August heat and forest fires • What boat owners and charter guests need to consider • How to check whether the eclipse will be visible from your location • How to protect your eyes while watching it The eclipse begins in Palma at approximately 19:38, with the maximum occurring at around 20:32, shortly before sunset. The official advice is to plan early, remain close to your accommodation where possible and avoid unnecessary journeys. Since recording this conversation, we have checked the official eclipse safety guidance. Do not point a phone camera, photographic camera, binoculars or a telescope directly at the Sun unless the equipment has a suitable professional solar filter. The safest options are certified eclipse glasses used according to their instructions or an indirect projection method. Please remember that looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent and irreversible damage to your eyesight. Use properly certified eclipse glasses or a safe indirect projection method. You can also read the detailed blog which is updated with the latest information here https://majorca-mallorca.es/events/mallorca-solar-eclipse-2026-where-to-watch-and-how-to-prepare/ Official Balearic Government eclipse information https://eclipsisegur.caib.es Horizonte Eclipse 2026 visibility tool https://www.horitzo2026.com Spanish National Geographic Institute eclipse information https://eclipses.ign.es IGN eclipse viewing and eye-safety guidance https://eclipses.ign.es/como-observar-eclipses.html ..and here is how to make an eclipse viewer from a Pringles tube, it works best with sour cream and onion. https://youtube.com/shorts/5DBjU573gm4?si=beQxwE9JAOZJoviC Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca

Where to Eat in Mallorca: From Brilliant Menús del Día to Michelin-Star Dining

Where should you eat in Mallorca when you want something better than the familiar tourist favourites? Food journalist Mia Naprta joins Vicki McLeod and Oliver Neilson to share some of her latest discoveries, from excellent-value menús del día and properly prepared Valencian-style paella to brunch, Japanese pancakes and an extraordinary three-and-a-half-hour Michelin-starred tasting experience. The conversation takes us from Palmanova to Selva and Palma’s old town, revealing why some of Mallorca’s most interesting restaurants are found beyond the island’s usual expat dining circuit. Mia also explains what it is really like to review restaurants and bars for a living, including the unexpected confession that she is not particularly keen on alcohol, despite being paid to write about it. Listen for plenty of recommendations, strong opinions and a lively debate about whether paella is a Spanish masterpiece or simply a glorified risotto. Mia Naprta is a food journalist who writes in English for the Mallorca Bulletin. Her work takes her into restaurants, hotels and bars across the island, searching for interesting new openings, excellent-value menús del día and dining experiences worth recommending. Show notes In this episode: Mia explains what a gastrojournalist actually does The joys of discovering an excellent menú del día Why affordable lunches can reveal more about Mallorca than expensive tourist restaurants Exploring places outside Palma and the familiar expat areas Beach dining in Palmanova What makes an authentic Valencian-style paella The case against paella, including Oliver’s “glorified risotto” verdict Brunch culture and Japanese pancakes Eating at Selvaj in Selva Special-occasion dining at Zaranda in Palma The theatre and attention to detail behind a Michelin-starred tasting menu What it is like to spend three and a half hours over dinner Why Mia drinks for work, despite not being a great fan of alcohol Restaurants and places mentioned Casa Chiringo, Palmanova A relaxed beachside restaurant recommended for paella. Mia explains that the team learned from Valencian chefs and prepares its paella in the Valencian tradition. The paellas discussed were priced at approximately €22 to €26, depending on the variety. Mia tried a mixed-style paella containing chicken, seafood and green beans. Selvaj, Selva One of the episode’s examples of the interesting restaurants that can be discovered by travelling beyond Palma and the island’s better-known international dining areas. Zaranda, Palma The Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Fernando Pérez Arellano, located within the Es Princep hotel in Palma. Mia describes an intricate, theatrical tasting experience lasting around three and a half hours, with show cooking, highly detailed presentation and a concept influenced by leather and the history of the building.

Eclipse Speculation Begins!

Vicki and Ollie discuss the Omega Loop heatwave gripping Spain and Europe, their neighbour's house catching fire from a short-circuiting electrical cable, the total solar eclipse coming to Mallorca on August 12 (where to watch, traffic chaos, boat safety, and why not to trust ChatGPT for viewing locations), fire safety warnings, Port Andratx fiestas including the boat procession of the Virgin Mary, Mallorca's fiesta culture, viral bars in Deya, a listener question about honeymoon spots (recommending Fornalutx and the Soller Valley), and a reminder for visitors to slow down. Key takeaways The August 12 eclipse requires a clear west-facing sea view, meaning only the Tramuntana coast, parts of Calvia (El Toro/Malgrat), and the south-east coast from Arenal to Campos will work. More info to come in a forthcoming episode with Nick Brown. Roads will be closed or gridlocked; boat charters are selling at extreme premiums and many lack after-dark licences. Mallorca is in maximum forest fire alert: no barbecues, no glass, no smoking in natural areas. Port Andratx fiestas (Demonis, Nit de Cavalls, and the Virgin Mary boat procession) are a highlight of mid-July and showcase authentic Mallorcan culture tourists rarely see. Deya is booming on social media (Barraco Bar, Nama restaurant, Korean tourist wave) but remains logistically tricky to access, especially at night. Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

What's Happening in Mallorca Right Now? Flights, Festivals and Life on the Island

After a bit of a break, Vicki and Oliver are back behind the microphones. In this episode they discuss the latest developments in Mallorca, including new direct flights from Canada and Abu Dhabi, why cycling tourism continues to be so important to the island, the evolution of Mallorca Live Festival, the upcoming San Juan celebrations, and the tragic fire at the Trianon 2 apartment block in Magaluf. It's a relaxed catch-up covering life, tourism, events and current affairs on the island. Topics covered include: New direct flights to Mallorca New routes from Montreal and Abu Dhabi Growing long-haul connections to the island How global events are influencing travel patterns Why Mallorca continues to attract visitors from around the world Cycling tourism Why Mallorca remains one of the world's most popular cycling destinations The economic impact of cycling tourism How shoulder-season visitors help local businesses The benefits and frustrations cyclists bring to the island How Mallorca has changed over the last 20 years A more international visitor profile The rise of luxury tourism New food and dining options Why Mallorca now attracts some of the world's wealthiest visitors The Trianon 2 fire in Magaluf What happened at the apartment block in Torrenova The impact on residents and families Questions around building safety and fire prevention Why the tragedy may prompt wider discussions about older residential buildings on the island Mallorca Live Festival First impressions of this year's event Improvements to transport and organisation Food, drinks and facilities Upcoming concerts and summer events San Juan Mallorca's magical midsummer celebration Night swimming, candles and traditions Why it's one of the island's most unique nights of the year Plus, a few celebrity sightings, a discussion about tourism trends, and a reminder of some of the fantastic guests already featured on the podcast. Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

Mia's Picks: From Two Michelin Stars to a Forty-Euro Village Lunch

Gastro journalist Mia Naprta is back in studio (with a special guest appearance from Bert the dog) to tell us where she has been eating since we last saw her knee-deep in Restaurant Week. This episode covers the full spectrum of Mallorca's food scene: tapas at the two-Michelin-star Cap Vermell resort, a wine tasting at Richard Branson's Son Bunyola estate, Nikki Beach's season opening, and a data-driven marketing company that is changing how restaurants fill tables. But Mia's heart belongs to the village restaurants too: paella in Fornalutx for forty euros with mountain views, and lechona at a demon-themed spot in Algaida where they leave the bottle on the table. Plus: Palma Boat Show tips, what is coming up in May, and why Mia adopted herself out of corporate London. Mia Naprta is a gastro journalist and food writer based in Mallorca. Originally from Croatia, she spent years in corporate London before moving to the island and building a career covering Mallorca's food and hospitality scene. She writes for local publications, is part of the Restaurant Week Mallorca team, and can be found on Instagram @mianaprta. Restaurant Week Mallorca: 52 restaurants in 2026, plans for 40 next year, possible expansion to Ibiza and Barcelona Anna Potus and Juan Fran: Restaurant Week co-organisers Nelson (photographer) and Mars (social media): the RW team DS Hospitality: Alex Czerveni and Alosha, data-driven restaurant marketing, 8-12x ROI Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, Capdepera: Bravo tapas restaurant, Woro (2 Michelin stars) Son Bunyola (Richard Branson): recovered Malvasia wine, 700 bottles first vintage Castillo San Vida: new restaurant Esbalco opening Nikki Beach Mallorca: chef Alex, pistachio cheesecake, Tattinger, Tricyclium bread, Trufad truffles Esturo, Fornalutx: paella, fideua, trampo, flan, apple tart, 40 euros/person Growing (Mesha) and Ritma by Marciano (Fricky Food) also in Fornalutx Cal Dimoni, Algaida: lechona, gato de almendra, arros brut, Licor 43 Motorworld Palma, Cuber lakes drive Palma Boat Show: Mark Fosh / Fosho Aces, Harlequin cocktails, Superyacht Charities fundraiser at Can Eduardo Pura Beach Palma opening May 15 Jumeirah Soller event Yala Magaluf: pistachio tiramisu Europa restaurant Magaluf: cheap, cheerful, traditional Steffi Schulz: Faces of Mallorca book 00:00 Intro / Where has Mia been? 01:15 Restaurant Week recap: 52 restaurants, what worked 03:25 Plans for next year: 40 restaurants, Ibiza, Barcelona 06:09 DS Hospitality: data-driven restaurant marketing 10:06 Cap Vermell / Bravo: elevated tapas at a Michelin resort 14:42 Son Bunyola: Branson, Malvasia, and a wish list interview 17:38 Castillo San Vida: Esbalco restaurant opening 21:50 Nikki Beach: oysters, truffles, and why the restaurant is the real draw 29:30 Esturo, Fornalutx: paella, views, and forty euros 35:57 Cal Dimoni, Algaida: demons, lechona, and a bottle left on the table 40:13 Palma Boat Show tips 47:23 What is coming up for Mia 48:23 Mia's story: London to Mallorca Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

From Six Teams to Eighty-Four: How Steve Redfern Built Europe's Biggest Beach Rugby Weekend in Magaluf

Oliver sits down with Steve Redfern, former Leicester, England and Sheffield Eagles prop, who seventeen years ago brought six teams to a beach in Mallorca and started what is now one of Europe's biggest beach rugby tournaments. This year's edition had 84 teams, six pitches, more women's teams than men's, and an estimated two million euros flowing into the Magaluf economy over one weekend. Steve talks about the pink card that stops fights, the German team that brings ham and flags, the referees who double as crowd entertainers, and why he has never introduced prize money. Plus: next year's dates are confirmed and bookings are already filling up. Steve Redfern is a former professional rugby player (Leicester, England, Sheffield Eagles) and the founder and organiser of Mallorca Beach Rugby, one of Europe's largest full-contact beach rugby tournaments. He has been running the event on Magaluf beach for 17 years. Steve Redfern: Leicester, England, Sheffield Eagles (late 70s/80s) Retired from playing due to double retina detachment Mallorca Beach Rugby: 17 years, started in Santa Ponza, moved to Magaluf year two 2026 edition: 84 teams (record), 6 pitches, 5,000-6,000 spectators 2027 dates: 1-2 May (opening party 30 April), first UK May bank holiday Women's competition: now equal or more teams than men's Vets tournament: 12 men's teams, 6 women's teams Auburn: women's team from year two, still competing, won trophy this year Bremen: German team, 12-13 years attending, tent/flags/ham tradition Matthias: Bremen organiser Pink card: players must kiss and hug to defuse tension Roger Musi Memorial Trophy: named after late Mambo's DJ Rules: 5-a-side, rolling subs, 4 mins each way, no scrums/line-outs Sponsors: Tom Brown's, Blackbeard's, Crusoe's, Chili Lounge, the Square Calvia Council support, Mayor (former Old Toro player) presents prizes Pembroke: first team booked for 2027 Scottish national team once played under a fake name Economic impact: estimated two million euros Website: mallorcabeachrugby.com Luna Radio: where Steve and Oliver first met 00:00 Intro / Steve's playing career (Leicester, England, Sheffield Eagles) 01:40 The retina detachment that ended his playing days 02:28 How Mallorca Beach Rugby started (Italy trip, Magaluf boys' weekend) 03:17 Year one in Santa Ponza, year two in Magaluf 04:52 From 6 teams to 84: the growth 05:18 Rules of beach rugby explained 06:13 The social side: rugby players in Magaluf 08:27 The pink card: kiss and make up 09:04 Why there is no prize money 10:19 Women's teams: from one to majority 11:50 Vets tournament and diversity of players 13:01 Bremen: the German team that defines the spirit 14:15 Roger Musi Memorial Trophy 14:46 Next year: dates, bookings, and how to enter 15:56 Economic impact: 5,000 people, two million euros 17:05 Calvia Council and the Mayor 18:25 Biggest beach rugby tournament in Europe? 19:00 Come and watch: why non-rugby fans love it https://www.majorcabeachrugby.co.uk/ Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

Jan Edwards on Mallorca Restaurants, Real Reviews and Where to Eat Next

In this episode, Vicki McLeod welcomes food writer and Mallorca restaurant reviewer Jan Edwards back to the studio for a wide-ranging conversation about food, restaurants and life on the island. Jan begins with the new edition of the Chefs(in) guide, a restaurant and cocktail bar guide covering Mallorca and the Balearics, before she and Vicki dive into chef culture, why the restaurant industry can still be difficult for women, and how changing dining habits may make the industry more family-friendly in future. The conversation moves through new and notable restaurants, including El Bandarra, Selvacha, Shima at Hotel Formentor, Brusca brew pub in Manacor, Blanca Terra winery restaurant near Montuïri, Molí de Sant Rafel in Llubí and Ponderosa Beach. Jan also explains how she approaches restaurant reviews, why she usually pays for her own meals, and why honest, unannounced reviewing matters. There is also time for wine fairs, the Mallorca 312 traffic problem, Books Uncorked, literary dinners in Valldemossa, restaurant gossip, chef moves, Protur Chef, Reserva Rotana and a mention for Bhukkad Boca. It is a warm, funny and food-filled episode for anyone who enjoys eating out in Mallorca, or simply likes hearing two women talk honestly about restaurants, real life and where to find the good stuff. Suggested chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Jan Edwards returns to the studio 01:30 The new Chefs(in) guide 03:50 Chef culture and restaurant associations 04:40 Why are most chefs men? 07:20 Lunch, dinner and changing dining habits 08:55 Restaurants Jan wants to try 10:45 Shima at Hotel Formentor 11:30 Where to find the Chefs(in) guide 12:10 Sóller restaurants and Tuesday night closures 14:15 Brusca brew pub in Manacor 17:30 Eating out, balance and cheese 18:30 Beer tasting and flights 20:00 Traffic, cyclists and the Pollença wine fair 22:50 Blanca Terra winery restaurant 25:00 Terra Gust and farm-to-table food 27:40 Molí de Sant Rafel in Llubí 28:15 The bee museum in Llubí 30:00 Beef, barbecue and family restaurants 32:35 Why paella is a lunchtime dish 34:30 Ponderosa Beach 36:10 How Jan reviews restaurants 39:30 Books Uncorked 41:00 Literary dinners in Valldemossa 44:25 Andrés Benítez leaves Botànic 46:40 Protur Chef competition 51:30 Reserva Rotana 53:20 Aethos Mallorca in Peguera 55:00 Where to find Jan’s reviews 56:00 Bhukkad Boca recommendation 57:15 Closing thoughts

Justin Jones: Survival, Strength and Six Points in Mallorca

In this episode, Vicki McLeod sits down with long-time Mallorca resident Justin Jones for a moving and deeply human conversation about life before and after the accident that changed everything. Justin originally came from George, South Africa, before moving to the UK and later to Mallorca after visiting his brother on the island. What began as a weekend visit soon turned into a new life, first through Balearic Adventures, then through metalwork and Balearic Coating Solutions. The conversation covers the reality of building a business in Mallorca, the importance of reputation, word of mouth and community, and why the island can be such a rewarding place for people willing to work hard and show up properly. Justin then speaks openly about the catastrophic car accident that left him with life-changing injuries. He remembers the crash, the rescue, the weeks in a coma, the operations, the hallucinations, the medical decisions, and the people who fought to save his limbs and his future. He also talks about the emotional aftermath: depression, isolation, dependency, pain, family changes, and the people who kept turning up when he needed them most. The episode also looks forward. Through a specialist hand trike, Justin has found a new way to move, train and experience Mallorca again. With the support of friends, physiotherapist Tracy Evans, Oliver Neilson and the Six Points community, he is now preparing to take on the Six Points Challenge, raising money for local charities and proving, in his own way, that life can still open new doors. This is a story about survival, friendship, Mallorca, sport, mental health and the stubborn decision to keep going. Suggested chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Welcome to Justin Jones 00:45 Growing up in South Africa 01:40 Moving to the UK 03:20 First visit to Mallorca 04:30 Moving to Mallorca with Marie 05:00 Balearic Adventures and the Zorb years 06:00 Why Mallorca felt familiar after South Africa 07:40 Raising children in Mallorca 10:50 Life and business on the island 12:20 Balearic Metal Projects and Balearic Coating Solutions 14:00 Starting small and building a business 15:15 Reputation, marketing and word of mouth in Mallorca 16:40 The car accident 18:10 Son Espases, coma and life support 19:15 Remembering the impact 22:30 The alternate reality during the coma 25:20 Operations and medical miracles 28:40 What Justin has lost and what may still be possible 31:00 Fighting to keep his limbs 33:30 Tracy Evans and the physiotherapy journey 35:30 Coming home during Covid 36:10 Gratitude, positivity and perspective 37:30 Life after the accident 39:40 Insurance, court and the Spanish system 42:50 Depression and isolation 44:00 Getting out again 45:45 Discovering the hand trike 47:00 Cycling again for the first time 49:00 Meeting Oliver on the road 50:30 Six Points and charity cycling 52:50 Sport, fitness and mental health 55:30 Raising money for local charities 59:30 Advice for anyone struggling 01:00:45 Closing thoughts Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

Sóller, Summer and the Stories Behind the Valley with Shirley Roberts

Oliver Neilson talks to Shirley Roberts of Sollerweb about life in Sóller, changing seasons, local fiestas, tourism, traffic, housing, restaurants and the communities that keep the valley alive. Here is a link to the agenda for the firo on SollerWeb, and make sure you visit back, she writes about life in the valley every day. https://l1nq.com/sr9k8q0 ...and if you can't get a wristband for access to the plaza for the final moors and Christians battle, you should be able to watch it on IB3, the Balearics TV channel, here is there YouTube account. https://www.youtube.com/IB3 In this episode, Oliver Neilson is joined by Shirley Roberts, the writer behind Sollerweb and a long-standing voice of the Sóller Valley. The conversation begins with the change of season in Mallorca, from winter calm to the early signs of summer, and the welcome news that rainfall has helped ease water concerns for the months ahead. Shirley and Oliver discuss why Sóller becomes so busy early in the year, especially with day trippers arriving by train, tram, bus and hire car. They also look at the practical realities of life in a popular destination: traffic through the tunnel, parking changes, residents’ zones, the role of the Consell, increased bus services and why visitors are best advised to leave the car behind where possible. The conversation moves through Deià, cycling season, Mallorca 312, the pressures on housing, the realities behind second homes and empty properties, and the often misunderstood relationship between tourism, employment and local life. A major part of the episode is dedicated to the Firó de Sóller, one of Mallorca’s most dramatic and emotional traditional fiestas. Shirley explains the story of the Moors and Christians, the beach battles, the final battle in the square, the role of the Valentes Dones and the newer children’s Firó, which she describes as unmissable. Finally, Shirley shares her thoughts on the changing restaurant scene in Sóller and Port de Sóller, from local food and traditional dishes to late lunches, private chefs, takeaways and the island-wide shift in how people are eating out. Suggested chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Shirley Roberts returns to the podcast 01:00 Water, rain and the start of the season 02:00 Shirley’s work with the Majorca Daily Bulletin 03:00 Sóller, Port de Sóller, Fornalutx, Biniaraix and Deià 04:00 English-speaking communities and the Anglican Church in Palma 05:30 Winter in Mallorca and the George Sand myth 06:40 Why Sóller is such a popular day trip 08:30 Traffic, the tunnel and the main road into Sóller 10:30 Parking changes, green lines and blue lines 13:00 Port de Sóller improvements and pedestrianisation 15:00 Mallorca 312 and cycling season 18:30 Deià, buses, taxis and getting around 21:30 Second-hand markets and the reality of local incomes 23:00 Housing, second homes and empty properties 28:30 La Huerta, family homes and local life 30:30 The Firó de Sóller explained 33:30 The children’s Firó 35:30 Smoke, gunpowder, pirates and tradition 37:30 Summer changes in Sóller 39:30 Restaurants, late lunches and private chefs 43:30 Local Mallorcan food and where to eat 46:30 Shirley’s restaurant recommendations 49:00 Where to find Sollerweb Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

From Brooklyn to Deià, Tara Huber on finding her home in Mallorca

A warm, thoughtful conversation with Tara Huber, creator of Deia Unpacked, about life in Deià, the stories that shape a village, and what happens when a place changes from holiday fantasy to real home. This week’s guest is Tara Huber, host of Deia Unpacked, a podcast devoted to the characters, ideas and voices that give Deià its identity. Tara first came to Mallorca in 1989 and, after years of returning, eventually began spending much more of her life in the village during Covid. Out of that period came Deia Unpacked, a podcast she created in 2021, built around long-form, lightly edited conversations with people connected to Deià and the wider island. In this episode, Tara reflects on the shock of arriving in Mallorca from late-80s Brooklyn, the beauty of the drive through Valldemossa into the mountains, and the complexity of moving from visitor to resident. She talks honestly about small-village life, the value and danger of gossip, the international make-up of Deià, and the sense that even in a place often caricatured from the outside, there is a very real and supportive community underneath it all. She also shares how the podcast grew out of grief and reinvention after Covid disrupted her long career in fitness and personal training in Washington DC. What began as a project became a grounding force, and a way of understanding not just the village, but herself. The conversation also explores the differences between life in America and life in Mallorca, from food culture and healthcare to entrepreneurship, politics and pace of life. Tara speaks with real passion about women’s health, ageing, the freedom that can come after fifty, and why art, conversation and curiosity matter more than ever. There is also a fascinating section on Regenera Deià, a regeneration project looking at how the village can restore terraces, reduce fire risk, support local agriculture and create an economy that helps people stay rooted in the community. It is a wide-ranging, funny, thoughtful episode about place, identity, creativity and what it really means to belong somewhere. You can see more about Tara and her podcast here https://www.deiaunpacked.com/ 00:00 Intro to Tara Huber and Deia Unpacked 02:05 First arriving in Deià in 1989 05:19 Holiday Mallorca versus living here 10:21 What village life in Deià is really like 13:45 Brooklyn, New York, and parallels with Deià 15:05 Living between the US and Mallorca 16:54 Tara’s work in fitness and how Covid changed things 17:55 Why she started Deia Unpacked 20:17 Food culture, health and America versus Mallorca 28:52 Washington DC compared with island life 31:50 Politics, entrepreneurship and life in Spain 37:24 Women’s health, HRT and getting older 43:38 Starting the podcast and learning through it 45:44 How Tara chooses her guests 48:46 Who listens to the podcast and where 52:43 Favourite episodes and where to start 54:36 Advice for Americans moving to Mallorca 57:31 “If Deià is Manhattan, Sóller is Brooklyn” 01:00:49 Regenera Deià explained 01:07:03 Why art matters and whether artists should be funded 01:13:26 What’s next for Tara

Glynis German on Death, Grief and End-of-Life Planning in Mallorca

This week on the Majorca Mallorca podcast, Vicki sits down with Glynis German for a conversation about one of life’s few certainties, death. It may sound like a heavy topic, but this episode is full of warmth, honesty, humour and practical advice. Glynis shares how her background, family life and years in Mallorca led her to become an end-of-life doula, funeral celebrant and host of Death Cafés. They talk about why death is still such a difficult subject for many people, how grief needs space rather than silence, and why planning ahead can make an enormous difference for families. The conversation also explores what happens when someone dies in Mallorca, why funerals happen so quickly here, what repatriation involves, and why understanding the system matters whether you live on the island or are simply visiting. Glynis also explains the role of a death doula, the purpose of Death Cafés, and why asking “what matters to you?” can be far more helpful than asking “what’s the matter with you?” This is a compassionate, fascinating and very human episode about grief, ceremony, community and making peace with difficult conversations. What we cover in this episode Glynis German’s journey from Jamaica and Wales to Mallorca Why Mallorca reminds her of Wales Her work as a celebrant, funeral celebrant and end-of-life doula What a death doula actually does Why funerals matter in the grieving process How families are becoming more involved in eulogies The cultural differences around death in Mallorca Why funerals happen so quickly on the island The importance of funeral planning, paperwork and insurance Repatriation and what happens if someone dies abroad What a Death Café is, and what it is not Why talking openly about death can be a relief Support options in Mallorca for grief, illness and end-of-life care Chapter markers 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Meet Glynis German 01:09 Growing up Jamaican and Welsh 03:11 How Glynis ended up in Mallorca 05:33 Why Mallorca reminds her of Wales 08:03 Life and work on the island 10:53 Becoming an end-of-life doula and celebrant 13:39 Holding space for weddings, funerals and families 16:29 Asking not “what’s the matter?” but “what matters?” 19:41 Why funerals are such an important part of grief 22:01 Memorials, rituals and saying goodbye in different ways 24:45 What happens when someone dies in Mallorca 26:53 Funeral costs, planning and practical realities 32:45 Repatriation, travel insurance and preparing ahead 38:05 Why Glynis was drawn to working with death and dying 42:18 Death Cafés in Mallorca and how they help 47:31 Why these conversations matter for grief and loss 51:01 What a death doula actually does 53:16 An old role returning in a modern form 56:56 Spirituality, grief and finding peace 01:02:21 Advice for anyone feeling anxious about death 01:05:18 How to contact Glynis and find support 01:07:58 Outro You can get in touch with Glynis here https://glynisgermanfunerals.com/ Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/

Bronwen Griffiths from the Cancer Support Group on healthcare in Mallorca and what every international resident needs to watch out for.

In this episode, Vicki sits down with Bronwen Griffiths, president of Cancer Support Mallorca, to talk about her remarkable life in Spain and the charity’s work supporting people affected by cancer on the island. Bronwen shares how she moved from the UK to Spain in her twenties, built a life across Menorca and Mallorca, spent decades teaching at Bellver International College, and eventually stepped into one of the island’s most important volunteer roles. Together, they discuss language, belonging, paperwork, healthcare, family life abroad, and why nobody facing cancer in Mallorca should feel they have to do it alone. What happens when you move to Spain in your twenties for love, build a life on the islands, raise a family, teach generations of children, and then find yourself leading one of Mallorca’s most important charities? In this episode of Majorca Mallorca, Vicki talks to Bronwen Griffiths, president of Cancer Support Mallorca, about her 50 years in Spain, her life between Menorca and Mallorca, and the work the charity does for people facing cancer far from home. Bronwen talks about arriving in Spain in a very different era, learning the language from scratch, adapting to island life, and spending 32 years teaching at Bellver International College. She also explains how Cancer Support Mallorca helps patients and families navigate one of the hardest experiences life can throw at them. They discuss practical support, hospital appointments, translation help, counselling, nutrition, wigs, transport, end of life planning, volunteering, and the realities of private versus public healthcare in Spain. It is a warm, honest and deeply useful conversation for anyone living in Mallorca, especially those who may one day need help, or want to offer it. In this episode: Bronwen’s journey from London to Spain Life in Menorca and Mallorca in the 1970s and 80s Learning Spanish and finding your place abroad 32 years at Bellver International College What Cancer Support Mallorca actually does Why paperwork matters so much in Spain The difference between private and public healthcare in serious illness Volunteering, fundraising and community support on the island Useful links Cancer Support Mallorca cancersupportmallorca.com Contact Cancer Support Mallorca info@cancersupportmallorca.com WhatsApp: +34 659 887 455 Cancer Support Mallorca publicly lists support including patient drop-in centres, emotional support, nutrition advice, translators, transport, practical help, oncology materials and volunteer programmes. 00:00 Intro 04:06 How long Bronwen has been in Spain and Mallorca 04:39 Leaving the UK at 23 after a holiday romance 05:23 Life in Menorca, hotel work and moving around Spain 07:44 Being a young British woman in Menorca in the 1970s 10:08 Learning Spanish and settling into island life 12:08 Leaving teaching in the UK behind 13:20 Family, friendship and community in Spain 16:00 Returning to teaching at Bellver International College 18:27 Retirement, daughters and grandchildren 20:00 Raising bilingual children 22:00 Why making the effort with language matters 25:00 Taking over Cancer Support Mallorca 26:14 How the group began 27:25 What Cancer Support Mallorca actually does 29:21 Nutrition, counselling and buddy support 32:42 Living through cancer and speaking openly about fear 34:00 End of life planning and practical help for families 36:34 Funding, volunteers and how the charity runs 39:53 Hospital drop-in centres and awareness 41:02 Wigs, scarves and support materials 42:11 The art group and knitting group 43:00 Fundraising and the annual walk 46:54 How many patients are being supported now 47:20 Private versus public healthcare in Mallorca 50:00 Why getting your paperwork in order matters 55:00 Helping patients navigate bureaucracy 56:51 The future of the charity and volunteering 58:38 Who volunteers and how the organisation works 01:00:34 Where to find Cancer Support Mallorca Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://majorca-mallorca.es Please follow Majorca Mallorca on Social Media: FACEBOOK PAGE https://www.facebook.com/MajorcaMallorca.es FACEBOOK GROUP https://www.facebook.com/groups/MajorcaMallorca INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/majorcamallorcapodcast/ You can email MM on majorcamallorcapodcast@gmail.com

EES, ETIAS and UK ETA, what changes at Palma Airport, and what travellers need to do

Oliver sits down with Nick Brown, a regular in the Majorca Mallorca community known for translating complicated rules into plain English, to unpack what is changing at Europe’s borders. They cover the Entry/Exit System (EES) kiosks and biometrics, how the Schengen 90 days in any 180 days rule actually works, what could cause longer queues at Palma, and the practical stuff people can do to reduce stress when arriving or departing. They also break down ETIAS, why scam websites are already appearing, and a separate but related headache: the UK’s ETA rules, especially for British dual nationals travelling on non-UK passports. Key takeaways for listeners EES is the “at the border” change: biometric registration and electronic tracking replace the old stamp logic for most non-EU short-stay travellers. 90/180 is rolling, no reset: it is not “90 then one day out then 90 again”, it is “are you over 90 of the last 180 days, today?”. Queues may be worse before they are better, especially at busy regional airports in peak season, because first-time registration takes longer and needs staffing. ETIAS is not live yet: the EU’s official position is that it will start in the last quarter of 2026 and travellers do not need to do anything now. UK ETA is now enforced for people who need it, and costs £16 via the official route. Beware paid “application services” and fake sites, especially for ETIAS, since it is not even open yet. Mentioned in the episode EU official Travel to Europe pages: EES and ETIAS (what they are, and current status) European Commission explainer: EES vs ETIAS differences UK Government guidance: Apply for a UK ETA, cost, what it does and does not do UK Government announcement on ETA enforcement (25 Feb 2026) Banco de Alimentos de Mallorca, donation options (as referenced by Nick) Brits in Spain Facebook page, run by the British Embassy in Madrid (referenced in the discussion) EU EES (official): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/ees EU ETIAS (official): https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etias European Commission: EES vs ETIAS explainer: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/news/ees-vs-etias-main-differences-know-travellers-2026-01-29_en UK ETA apply (official): https://www.gov.uk/eta UK ETA enforcement news release: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-enforces-digital-permission-to-travel Banco de Alimentos de Mallorca (donations): https://www.bancodealimentosdemallorca.org/donativos Brits in Spain (British Embassy Madrid): https://www.facebook.com/BritsInSpain/ ....and some links from Nick. Work out how long you can stay with this spreadsheet. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wTSpknDO0azRvEa_JQvCTJ_W3iMBafySYi9p3i6KvYw/edit?gid=1766127169#gid=1766127169 ...help him to help local charities while getting a personally guided tour of Palma from the man himself. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563615153343

Low season and high standards: Mallorca Restaurant Week is launched

Mallorca Restaurant Week is live, and despite the name, it’s five weeks long. We’re joined in the studio by Anna Ruiz Alvaro and Mia Narpta, the team behind Mallorca Restaurant Week, to share what’s new for this edition, why the event focuses on the low season, and how it brings together restaurants, producers, hotels, and partners across the island. We talk about: When it runs, and why the timing matters How restaurants are chosen, beyond Michelin stars The local produce commitment, and why it’s part of the point What you can book, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails How feedback leads to end of event recognitions A few suggestions to get you started, from Japanese spots to veggie picks Book through the official site and explore the list of restaurants and menus. Links are in the show notes. Show notes Guests Anna Ruiz Alvaro, Mallorca Restaurant Week Mia Narpta, Mallorca Restaurant Week What you’ll hear Mallorca Restaurant Week starts now and runs until 31 March, with a closing party on 30 March at Tabana Over 50 restaurants participating, with more joining during the run Why it’s designed for low season, to support restaurants and extend the season The focus on local produce and the island’s food ecosystem How booking works, and how feedback is collected Names mentioned in conversation include Mark Fosh, Voro, DINS Santi Taura, Adrián Quetglas, Andreu Genestra, Aromata, and others Mentions from the conversation Restaurant Week website: restaurant-week.es Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantweekes/ MallorcaRestaurantWeek, RestaurantWeekMallorca, PalmaDeMallorca, MallorcaFood, MallorcaRestaurants, MallorcaLife, EatLocalMallorca, Km0, SlowFoodMallorca, VisitMallorca, FoodiesMallorca, PalmaFood

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