Barítimo instead of Marítimo: Palma gets a new tapas spot on the Paseo

Barítimo instead of Marítimo: Palma gets a new tapas spot on the Paseo

A piece of the waterfront promenade is to become a meeting place again — with tapas, a terrace and a touch of home

When you walk along the Paseo Marítimo today, you hear the usual mix of engines, seagulls and the clatter of fenders on the bollards. At the Plaza de Santo Domingo there has been a vacancy for years, which many in the neighbourhood still associate with memories of the former Bar Marítimo. Now the Marport Group has presented a concept to revive this place: under the name 'Barítimo' a bar with restaurant service is to be created on 527 square metres, offering mainly tapas and Mediterranean cuisine.

The project is clearly tailored to Palma. Owner Miquel Adrover Rigo and his team plan a mix of a relaxed bar, family meals and after-work meet-ups — exactly what residents and harbour visitors expect. Plans include indoor areas and a generous terrace so that the waterfront space is used again: sunny spots in the morning, cosy corners in the evening and the chance to watch people who have just moored their boats.

Financially the offer is significant: the group wants to invest more than €2.2 million in the operation and refurbishment. Specifically, €1.42 million is planned for renovations; in addition there is a contractually stipulated annual payment to the port authority of €100,000 for an initial eleven years. Through the adjustments regulated in the tender, this becomes a cumulative payment so that the total amount over the contract term exceeds €2.25 million. If the project is awarded the contract, the first Beewi branch in the Port of Palma would also be created at the same time.

Important to know: the tender is still open. The awarding committee has opened the remaining bids but has not yet made a decision. Two companies remain in the process — the award is pending. If Barítimo is allowed to take over operations, a lease of up to twelve years is possible, which would give the new venue a mid- to long-term perspective.

Why this matters for Mallorca is simple: vacant commercial spaces on the waterfront harm quality of life. A lively promenade with a place that appeals to both neighbours and visitors creates encounters and restores identity to the neighbourhood. For Germans who like to drop by here, this means familiar tapas made on site and a seat with a view of the boats — small everyday pleasures that make a big difference.

On site I imagine it like this: locals sit on the bench in front of the church, retirees walk their dogs, and young people share small plates; in the evening a conversation hums softly and somewhere a wine glass clinks. The promenade comes to life, not through large-scale commerce, but through a venue that matches the neighbourhood's tone.

Practically, questions remain: how exactly will the terrace be designed, what opening hours are planned and how much of the venue will be reserved for local residents? The coming weeks of the tender will show that. For now: the idea is on the table, the money is offered, and the neighbours' hope for a bit of reclaimed everyday quality is growing.

A brief outlook: if the contract is awarded to Barítimo, the Plaza de Santo Domingo could become a place where you grab a cortado in the morning, eat a relaxed lunch at midday and raise a glass with friends in the evening — all with a view of the harbour. That suits Palma, a city that likes to meet at its shores. And when the first tables are outside, the sounds of the harbour will suddenly sound a little friendlier.

Current status: Marport Group (Beewi) has submitted an offer; investment sum: more than €2.2 million; planned renovations: €1.42 million; annual payment to the Autoritat Portuària: €100,000 (planned for eleven years); area: 527 m²; tender still open (two bidders remaining).