The long-standing tradition of the Spanish royal family’s summer holidays in Mallorca appears to be coming to an end. Increasing reports suggest that Princess Leonor, the heir to the throne, and her sister Infanta Sofía are not enthusiastic about the annual vacations at the Palacio de Marivent and are actively seeking new holiday destinations within Spain.
The only family member who truly enjoys spending August on the Balearic Islands is King Felipe VI, an avid sailing enthusiast and participant in the annual regatta. Meanwhile, Queen Letizia and her daughters reportedly find it difficult to cope with the summer heat and see leisure time on the island as monotonous. For them, the holiday turns into a series of official appearances, while most of their time is spent indoors in the air-conditioned palace.
As alternatives to Mallorca, two northern regions—Cantabria and Galicia—are increasingly being considered. Both destinations are historically linked to the Bourbon dynasty. Cantabria, particularly its capital Santander, was the favorite summer retreat of King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia from 1913 to 1930. Their residence was the magnificent Palacio de la Magdalena, which now belongs to the municipality and is used for hosting events.
The return of the royal family to Santander would be a significant event. Interestingly, members of the royal family have previously remarked that it was at the Magdalena Palace where they felt most free, able to enjoy a life close to private, away from the strict court protocol. This aspect could be especially appealing to the new generation of the monarchy seeking greater privacy.
Another possible option is Galicia. However, this choice may come with certain challenges. The honorary King Juan Carlos I often spends time in the Galician town of Sanxenxo. Although his visits no longer attract the same media attention as before, the unspoken rule that public meetings between him and Princess Leonor should be avoided still applies. The simultaneous presence of grandfather and granddaughter in the same region during the summer could create an awkward situation.
Although a complete and immediate end to trips to Mallorca is unlikely while Queen Sofía continues to spend her summers there and King Felipe takes part in the regatta, the trend is clear. Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía’s desire for change, as well as the fact that other family members, Infantas Elena and Cristina, have long preferred to vacation in Sotogrande, point to coming changes in the traditions of the Spanish monarchy. It seems that in the coming years, the royal family’s summer holidays will become more varied and less predictable.
