UK holidaymakers say they ‘won’t be back’ after seeing changes on Spanish holiday island

Brits enjoying the sun in Spain are reeling from rising prices for their favorite drinks – with fears some resorts are now potentially out of reach for budget-conscious holidaymakers.

The cost of enjoying a drink in popular destinations such as Mallorca’s Magaluf has soared, with bar and cafe prices doubling, pushing these once affordable hotspots beyond the reach of many. Glasgow couple Bobby and Marie McQueen, who have revisited Magaluf post-pandemic, have expressed their dismay at the prices.

They said, “We will not return. It’s the last time we pay €10 for a gin and tonic and €12 for a large white wine. In addition, the measures are much less. They used to fill the glass. three-quarters with gin, now it’s less than half.”

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Veronica Horwood, who considered herself a Magaluf regular, bemoaned the rising costs with her friend Diane, particularly at their favorite venue, the Piano Bar. The 62-year-old from Bristol said: “Places like the Piano Bar, which we love, are definitely more expensive than this time last year.

“Even just a euro for a G&T, but it all adds up. I have been coming to Magaluf for 20 years. Just four years ago it would have been just €5 for a G&T.

“I think after Covid the prices have gone up everywhere you go. But it’s a great bar and you can dance, so you get something for that drink.”

Tourists are now facing up to €10 for crowd-pleasing cocktails such as Mojitos or Sex on the Beach, the Mirror reports. Beer prices reached up to €5 per pint.

Despite this, one seaside cafe owner mentioned a “pint price war” between local bars. The Mirror reporter found that the cost of a large Sauvignon Blanc could range from €4.75 to €12.

Sinky’s Scottish bar and restaurant has been kept afloat for 40 years thanks to the loyalty of its customers. However, owner Cathy Sinclair admits it’s been tough.

The 69-year-old said: “Every penny counts and you don’t take what you did years ago. People don’t drink as much.

“Business is struggling very badly here. The cost of living here has gone up a lot.”

She pointed out that gas doses for beer taps that cost €36 before Covid-19 are now €74. In Spain, employers pay staff national insurance contributions, which cost Cathy around €700 a year for a full-time worker.

She added: “It’s a big expense and tourists don’t understand we have this.”

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