Mallorca meteotsunamis spark coastal chaos as sea surges onto beaches

For beachgoers stretched out on sun loungers or taking in Mallorca’s stunning coastal views, Monday August 24 took a sudden and unsettling turn when meteotsunamis, known locally as rissagas, triggered unexpected sea surges along parts of the island, including Alcudia, Soller and Andratx.

The unusual sea movements saw water levels suddenly rise and surge onto coastal areas, catching residents, tourists and businesses by surprise during the busy summer season.

Shocking moment the meteo-tsunamis hit the coast

Among those caught up in the incident was British holidaymaker Stephen Looney, 39, who was relaxing on the beach in Alcudia with his family at the time. Speaking to Euro Weekly News, Stephen described how the water repeatedly advanced towards the shore.

“It never got higher than ankle height, but just kept on coming. We grabbed the kids and ran back to the hotel. I really feel for the local business owners,” he said.

Although the water remained relatively shallow, its persistent movement was enough to convince the family to leave the beach and return to their hotel.

For those relaxing on the shoreline, the sudden surge was an unsettling sight, particularly as the water continued to push inland.

Soller and Andratx also affected

The unusual phenomenon was not limited to Alcudia, with reports of mini tsunami activity also emerging from other parts of Mallorca, including Soller and Andratx.

The incidents have drawn attention to the unusual behaviour of the sea around the island, with coastal communities and visitors watching water levels change unexpectedly.

While the scale of the surges varied between locations, the events highlighted how quickly conditions can change along Mallorca’s coastline.

What causes a meteotsunami?

Mini tsunamis, also known as meteotsunamis, are sudden changes in sea level caused by atmospheric disturbances.

They differ from conventional tsunamis, which are generally associated with underwater earthquakes, landslides or volcanic activity.

Meteotsunamis can occur when changes in atmospheric pressure and weather conditions interact with the sea, potentially creating waves or surges that become amplified as they approach the coastline.

The Balearic Islands are among areas where these unusual sea-level events can occur under the right atmospheric conditions.

Concern for coastal businesses

For local businesses operating directly beside Mallorca’s beaches, even a relatively small surge can create problems.

Beach bars, restaurants, watersports operators and other coastal businesses depend heavily on summer trade, making sudden changes in sea conditions particularly concerning during the peak tourist season.

The incidents in Alcudia, Soller and Andratx serve as a reminder that Mallorca’s famously calm summer coastline can occasionally experience dramatic and unexpected changes. The same phenomenon also caused sudden sea level swings along the Costa Blanca and Valencia, with water levels changing by up to 70cm within minutes.

Visitors are advised to follow instructions from lifeguards and local authorities and move away from the water if sea conditions suddenly become unusual or unpredictable.