08-25
‘Mini-tsunamis’ hit Ibiza flooding restaurants in San Antonio
2026-08-26
https://metro.co.uk/2026/08/25/ibiza-hit-mini-tsunamis-forcing-holidaymakers-flee-29456534/
HaiPress
A ‘mini-tsunami’ has forced tourists in Ibiza to flee the beach after several waterfront restaurants became flooded.
The Platja de s’Arenal beach in San Antonio was hit by the unusual phenomenon yesterday morning,as waves pushed inland.
Footage shows water suddenly appearing underneath shocked holidaygoers’ feet as it carried away coolers and containers.
Sunbathers can also be seen scrambling to move their belongings as the waves washed over the sand.
Meanwhile,others waded through the seawater as it reached all the way to the street and flowed onto the terraces of some restaurants.
In comparison to the huge wall of water that is normally associated with a tsunami,the flooding was slow-moving,meaning tourists were able to walk through the water.
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San Antonio in Ibiza has been hit by ‘mini-tsunamis’ (Picture: Solarpix.com)
Known as rissagues,slow-moving water flooded the Spanish island (Picture: Solarpix.com)Later in the day,a tribute concert in San Antonio celebrating the music of a Spanish rock band was cancelled for ‘security reasons’ after weather chiefs warned of further mini-tsunamis.Known locally as rissagues – caused by sudden changes in atmospheric pressure – the weather phenomenon also hit ports in Majorca,including Alcudia,Andratx and Sóller,and Port Adriano in Calvià.In Puerto Alcudia,seawater spilled onto part of the beachfront promenade,forcing holidaymakers to wade through the water.Tourists enjoying drinks at a terrace bar were also caught by surprise as the sea crept towards them.Meanwhile,Menorca’s Ciutadella was placed on standby amid warnings that sea levels could rise and fall by up to 1.2 metres (four feet).
Tourists could be seen walking through the water on beaches (Picture: Solarpix.com)The first mini-tsunami hit shortly before 8am,with the change in sea level recorded at 86cm (2.8ft).There were no immediate reports of injuries,however.In July 2018,mini-tsunamis reaching around five feet flooded coastal roads,beach bars and restaurant terraces in parts of Majorca,while boats were torn from their moorings and dragged out to sea.Tourists were filmed running from the water as powerful currents swept through the resorts.



