Mallorca losing Mallorcans as they move to other parts of Spain

Sardinero beach in Santander, in the north of Spain. | EFE

Humphrey CarterPalma27/07/2023 16:15

A number of recent media reports, in all forms, in the Balearics and on the mainland, have echoed what I have written in this column before - that Mallorcans and Spaniards in other parts of Spain where wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living, are leaving their home regions and moving to cheaper areas of the country, such as the north. That said, from my experience of northern Spain which goes back some 30 years, I have always found it cheaper, much more Spanish and equally as attractive as Mallorca.

Only last week, the ferry lines reported a sharp drop in passengers coming to Mallorca on holiday from the mainland this summer because they can’t afford it. Property prices, and I’m talking quality properties, in some areas of the north are as much as 50% cheaper. OK, the north does not offer a Mediterranean climate but global warming and climate change is gradually turning the southern Mediterranean into the Sahara. It’s great to come for a few weeks and go back to the office with a nice tan, but to work and live in these conditions all year round is becoming increasingly unhealthy and dangerous.

And the question has to be asked, do I live to work or work to live? Post-Covid, my social life, and that of many of my friends has changed dramatically, going out on weekends has become a luxury in and around Palma and I know the better value places which are off the tourist beat. But I and many others can’t keep up with inflation and the extra costs which are added on because we’re an island territory which is flush with wealthy holidaymakers who can afford to flash the cash. Should this exodus really take root, winters will be even quieter plus the workforce will shrink even further.