A spate of ‘extreme weather’ in Ibiza has left many locals and tourists experiencing heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds – and some are now worried about their flights home
Ibiza is a popular destination for many holidaymakers thanks to its natural beauty, serene beaches, and world famous bars and clubs (file)(Image: Getty Images)
A mum who booked a trip to Ibiza is having regrets after a spate of “extreme weather” has left her worried her “flight may be delayed”. Ibiza is widely regarded as the party capital of the world, with images of vibrant clubs packed with keen revellers moving to beats spun by world famous DJs most often coming to mind when hearing its name.
But that’s not all it’s known for – its pristine, serene beaches offer a breathtaking retreat for those craving a spot of relaxation; hikers are spoiled for choice with rugged yet scenic cliffs, coastal paths, pine forests and other dramatic areas; while the UNESCO-listed walled old town of Dalt Vila is a haven for history lovers; with plenty more on offer too.
It’s no surprise then that the destination is a top choice for a wide range of holidays, with its usually hot summers and mild, gentle winters making it a decent getaway destination all year round.
This August, however, is a different story entirely. A sudden change in sea levels has led to flooding, heavy rainfall and strong winds.
There’s been reports of locals and tourists alike bolting from Platja de s’Arenal beach, which can be found in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany, while an event planned to honour the music of a Spanish rock band was cancelled by San Antonio Town Hall “for security reasons”, after the stage was surrounded by sea water.
The flooding followed previous warnings from weather chiefs on the threat of ‘mini tsunamis’ – or rissagas, as they’re known locally – due to hit parts of the Balearic Islands at the beginning of the week.
Majorca Daily Bulletin reported: “Mallorca experienced two minor ‘rissagas’, also known as meteotsunamis, in the ports of Andratx and Soller on Monday, as the Balearic Islands remained under watch for sudden sea level changes.”
How have holidaymakers fared?
Many visitors to Ibiza have shared their experiences of the “extreme weather” online. One mum captured footage of the pool area around her hotel, with winds whipping the palm trees and the cushions strapped to the sun loungers, and shared it to TikTok.
In text written over the top of the clip, the mum penned: “Go to Ibiza in August they said!!!” while in the caption, she added: “Think our flight may be delayed!”
In the comments section, fellow TikTok users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “I went in August and it was so sunny and hot 33 degrees.”
Another shared: “Mate last year we were caught in the worst storm’s Ibiza’s had in decades.”
A third said: “We are doing 12 hours in Ibiza with no hotel THIS SATURDAY.”
To which, the mum replied: “Saturday will be beautiful I’m sure! Don’t worry, it’s very rarely like this!”
But someone else said: “Everyone knows around this time of year there is a chance for extreme weather.”
And another agreed: “It rains every year by this time so it’s nothing new and won’t stop anything either.”
Another Ibiza-holidaymaker shared a light-hearted clip mocking herself after sharing envious clips of her getaway before being “humbled” by the torrential downpour.
In the caption, she explained: “Yesterday: ‘Basically, I’m in Ibiza… and you’re not.’
“Today: Ibiza humbled me. We held out under that umbrella for FAR longer than was sensible before admitting defeat!”