Yes, tsunamis have occurred in Majorca, including significant, well-documented events. While the Mediterranean has a lower risk than the Pacific, the Balearic Islands are vulnerable to seismic-induced tsunamis from North Africa and frequent meteotsunamis (weather-driven surge waves).
A number of viral videos have captured the shocking moment popular beach resorts in Majorca and Menorca are hit by 'mini-tsunamis'. In the videos, water surges from the beaches and flows through the town. Waves as high as five feet smashed the coast with bars and restaurants being affected.
Be alert to the possible use of 'date rape' and other drugs including GHB and liquid ecstasy. Buy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.
Tsunami Hazard level: Medium ? In the area you have selected (Spain) tsunami hazard is classified as medium according to the information that is currently available. This means that there is more than a 10% chance of a potentially-damaging tsunami occurring in the next 50 years.
Historically, Spain has suffered from tsunami impacts, the most devastating being the Lisbon tsunami in 1755. Coastal areas, especially in Andalusia, are the most vulnerable, with the Bay of Cádiz being particularly vulnerable.
The streets of Alcudia in Mallorca are flooded by mini-tsunami
Could the UK be hit by a tsunami?
The UK is not free of tsunamis. Apart from those tsunamis noted above, there are other locations where they strike, including passive tectonic margins, such as that occupied by the UK and north-west Europe.
Netflix's La Palma is not a true story, but a fictional disaster drama inspired by real scientific theories and the recent 2021 volcanic eruption on the actual island of La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands. The show uses a hypothetical "worst-case" scenario involving a massive landslide from the Cumbre Vieja volcano triggering a catastrophic tsunami, a dramatic but scientifically debated "mega-tsunami" theory that has since been largely debunked by experts.
In Majorca, there are specific fault lines, one between the Balearics and Alicante and another on the island itself, the Sencelles fault. The worst earthquake to affect Majorca was one recorded in Palma in 1851.
Spanish authorities have taken strong measures to prevent terrorist attacks, including arresting suspects linked to plots. However, credible sources report terrorist groups continue to plan attacks in Europe, including in Spain. Pickpocketing and other types of theft are very common in Spain.
Learn the signs of a potential tsunami, such as an earthquake, a loud roar from the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden rise or wall of water or sudden draining of water showing the ocean floor. Know and practice community evacuation plans.
The last of these was in 2003, when the earth before the Algerian coast shook so strongly that waves up to two metres high caused a huge amount of property damage in the port of Palma. Due to the waves, several yachts were damaged, in some cases severely.
Mallorca's 555 km coastline offers plenty of unique and irresistible opportunities to enjoy the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea at almost any time of the year. Among all those kilometres, you can find up to 3 large areas with swell that are perfect for surfing on the island.
Bold colors like red and mustard are popular, and Spaniards aren't afraid to wear flamboyant shoes or accessories. Also, they tend to dress according to the season, rather than the actual weather.
The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus) is the top predator in the Iberian environments in which it lives, feeding on a wide range of species, thus encountering a wide range of disease agents.
Documentary sources confirm a very large tsunami affecting the southeast coast of Majorca in 1756, with a run-in up to 2 km and a run-up up to 45 m. Hydrodynamic equations applied to these boulders results in storm wave height values never recorded in 60 years.
Tourists have never been a popular group. They can be annoying, messy, and they don't always respect the local culture, but some places are now facing a much bigger consequence of mass-tourism than mild annoyance: actual housing shortages and stagnant wages are pushing residents out of their homes.
It's wise to be mindful of your belongings at markets, on busy streets, and on public transport. As for walking at night, most of Palma's city center is safe, but it's always smart to stick to well-lit main streets and avoid isolated waterfront areas after dark, as recommended by safety reports.
