A video recently shared on TikTok by the account Recuerdostv91 is drawing widespread interest by depicting Mallorca as it was during the summer of 1972. Footage from RTVE’s archives shows the island bustling with holidaymakers arriving at Son Sant Joan airport, crowded beaches and fully booked hotels in Palma.
The video is accompanied by audio detailing the scale of tourism at the time: "For the half a million tourists arriving by plane in Palma throughout August, the island offers sun, rest, calm seas, white beaches and countless attractions." It also describes visitors’ first impressions on their journey by bus to one of the numerous hotels in the capital, which then had a total capacity of 160,000 beds.
Scenes captured highlight the busy air traffic, with some 5,000 aircraft — a mix of scheduled and charter flights — landing at Palma airport during August. Tourists are shown travelling by bus to hotels, with many opting to explore Mallorca’s renowned landscapes and participate in organised excursions arranged by travel agencies.
Tourism and daily life on the island
The footage combines images of packed beaches, bustling hotels and streets filled with visitors enjoying shopping, dining outdoors and sightseeing. The narration notes how these experiences have become lasting memories, capturing the essence of Mallorca’s summers in the 1970s.
Tourists are seen engaging in typical holiday activities, with a lively atmosphere reflecting the island’s growing appeal as a Mediterranean destination.
Departure and lasting impressions
The narrative concludes by depicting the end of the holiday period. "And now the moment of departure comes, last-minute shopping is done, final tips are given, and Mallorca begins to fade into the background with the memory of happy days," the audio states. Commenters on the video note how it recalls the era of Mallorca’s tourism boom, marking its rise as a premier destination in the Balearics.