Ibiza’s historic pharmacy row confronts tourist surge
Pharmacies along Ibiza’s historic Aníbal street, widely known as the “street of pharmacies,” are adapting their counters to meet a surge in summer demand driven by thousands of tourists exploring the Marina and Dalt Vila districts, according to local pharmacists. From standard pain relievers to viral social media items, summer inventory has shifted to match both seasonal ailments and digital trends.
Supplements and staples dominate summer counters
According to Marta Ferrere, a pharmacist at the Juan Antonio Marí Tur pharmacy, top-selling items include sunscreens, paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, and ibuprofen. Ferrere also noted a considerable increase in demand for supplements such as magnesium, omega-3, creatine, and protein, which have gained popularity among customers this season.
At the Rodríguez Carreño Villangómez pharmacy, pharmacist María Torres reported similar sales patterns, noting high demand for ibuprofen, paracetamol, headache treatments, and sunscreens.
Treating heatwaves, jellyfish stings, and air-conditioning colds
Torres stated that staff are treating visitors for colds triggered by sudden temperature shifts and intensive air conditioning use, alongside insect bites, jellyfish stings, and sunburns. Torres emphasized that customers are showing an increased awareness regarding sun protection.
Sunburns also drive frequent consultations at the Mercat Vell pharmacy. Moussa Keita, an assistant pharmacist at the establishment, explained that many visitors arrive with significant skin damage after spending hours on the beach without adequate protection.
First-aid triage for scrapes, sprains, and hangovers
Keita added that the pharmacy serves as a primary healthcare point of contact for minor accidents, including scrapes and ankle sprains sustained while walking or cycling, where staff provide antiseptics, anti-inflammatory creams, and first-aid supplies.
Elevated summer temperatures have driven up sales of electrolytes and rehydration products. Keita reported that recent heatwaves brought in numerous residents and tourists seeking electrolytes due to dizziness from prolonged sun exposure, alongside cases of acute travel-related diarrhea and requests for hangover remedies following nights out. While no specific medication exists for hangovers, staff recommend vitamin B complexes, electrolytes, or plant-based preparations.
TikTok trends meet proprietary aloe vera demand
All three pharmacies reported high demand for aloe vera to soothe sun-exposed skin. At the Mercat Vell pharmacy, staff produce a proprietary pure aloe vera preparation that is particularly popular among returning tourists and frequently sells out.
Beyond traditional summer supplies, local pharmacies are experiencing a trend driven by social media platforms like TikTok. Ferrere described customers entering with mobile phones in hand to show screenshots of specific products, such as Marvis, a specialty toothpaste brand featuring unusual flavors and packaging that attracts international buyers from Italy, France, and the United States. Keita confirmed a similar surge in demand for Marvis at the Mercat Vell pharmacy, noting that interest occasionally exhausted their stock.
Shifting patient habits and steady supply chains
Regarding seasonal trends, Torres and Keita noted that overall summer ailments remain consistent with previous years, though Ferrere observed a rise in sports supplement sales alongside a decrease in severe skin burns due to greater public awareness. Pharmacies reported that localized product shortages are rare and typically resolved quickly through regular supply chains rather than tourist-driven deficits.
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