Ibiza was hit by a dramatic and sudden marine phenomenon, as a “mini tsunami” flooded the coastal zone of Sant Antoni de Portmany within minutes. Water surged into streets, shops, and restaurants, while tourists and residents scrambled to move to safety as the sea level rose without warning. The phenomenon, known in the Balearic Islands as a rissaga, also caused disruption in other areas across the island group, with no immediate injuries reported.
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Ibiza: The sea floods Platja de s’Arenal
The incident occurred at Platja de s’Arenal, where a concert had been scheduled for that same evening. Water swept through the coastal area, carrying away containers, refrigerators, and equipment that had been set up for the event, while the stage was left literally surrounded by seawater.
The first wave of the phenomenon was recorded just before 08:00, with sea levels fluctuating by approximately 86 centimetres. Footage from the scene shows streets and dining areas temporarily transformed into waterways, as beachgoers and visitors rushed to get clear.
Concert cancelled over safety concerns
The situation prompted the Sant Antoni de Portmany town hall to cancel the concert that had been scheduled for 22:00. The decision was made on safety grounds, as the equipment had already been affected and further changes in sea level could not be ruled out.
Meteorological authorities had warned that similar phenomena could occur not only in Ibiza but also in Mallorca and Menorca.
Ibiza: What is the rissaga “mini tsunami”?
Despite its striking appearance and the “mini tsunami” label, a rissaga is not a seismic tsunami. The phenomenon is primarily linked to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure, which trigger rapid rises and falls in sea level.
In Mallorca, the ports of Alcudia, Andratx, and Sóller were among those affected, as was Port Adriano. At Puerto Alcudia, water spilled over part of the coastal zone, with beachgoers and tourists wading through the flooding. In Menorca, Ciutadella was placed on alert as sea level fluctuations of up to 1.2 metres were forecast.
A similar phenomenon occurred in 2018
The Balearic Islands have faced comparable incidents in the past. In July 2018, waves reaching up to 1.5 metres flooded coastal roads, beach bars, and restaurants in Mallorca, and even swept away boats.
This latest episode came during a period of intense weather disruption across Spain. Just days earlier, Valencia had been placed on orange alert for torrential rain and strong winds, following temperatures that had soared to as high as 44 degrees Celsius.
